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In this Update:
Farmland Preserved in Lebanon and Berks Counties
This week, the Department of Agriculture approved six farms in the 48th district to be preserved through the Farmland Preservation Program. The program combines state and county funding to reimburse Pennsylvania farmers who place a permanent easement on their land, ensuring we protect quality farmland from future residential or commercial development.
The announcement adds to the over 35,000 prime acres of farmland across the state that have been preserved. Senate Votes to Combat Overregulation
To address overregulation that stifles business growth and drives jobs to other states, the Senate passed two regulatory reform bills. The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, Senate Bill 333, would establish an enhanced legislative review process for costly new regulations. It is designed to address concerns about unchecked regulatory burdens on businesses, communities and taxpayers. Senate Bill 444 would establish a one-time automatic review process for regulations that impose a fiscal impact exceeding $1 million annually on taxpayers or employers. The review would ensure regulations remain effective, efficient and in the public interest. Both bills now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill Targeting Rise of Deepfake Scams Approved by Senate
The Senate unanimously voted to stem the rise of “deepfakes” and other forms of digital impersonation by treating them as forgeries punishable by law. Technology enables individuals to create convincing images, audio and video of others – often without consent – that are nearly indistinguishable from reality. These digital forgeries have been used to commit financial scams and injure personal reputations. Senate Bill 649 would enact penalties for anyone who creates a digital representation of a real person without their consent and distributes it as genuine to defraud or injure. The measure would protect First Amendment rights and preserve valid expressions of parody, satire and other forms of free speech. Senate Bill 649 is now before the House of Representatives for consideration. 2025-26 Season Hunting and Antlerless Deer Licenses
General hunting and trapping licenses for the 2025-26 season will be on sale starting Monday, June 23. Single-use antlerless licenses are on sale for all wildlife management units (WMU) and are guaranteed to PA residents in all WMUs through Sunday, July 13. Starting Monday, July 14, nonresidents will have the opportunity to purchase unsold antlerless licenses on a first-come, first-served basis. Two weeks later, on Monday, July 28, sales of unsold antlerless licenses are open to both residents and nonresidents on a first-come, first served basis. Hunters are eligible to hold up to six antlerless licenses total, except in WMUs 5C and 5D which allow for up to nine more antlerless licenses per hunter – totaling no more than 15 antlerless licenses. Permits for the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) will be available starting Monday, Aug. 11. Visit www.pgc.pa.gov for more information about hunting in the Commonwealth. PA Now Has Concealed Carry Reciprocity with Virginia
A new reciprocity agreement allows holders of Pennsylvania Licenses to Carry Firearms to do so in Virginia, making it the 30th state that has a concealed carry reciprocity agreement with Pennsylvania. The agreement resulted from efforts of Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday to maximize reciprocity agreements while protecting standing law and constitutional rights. The agreement is only applicable to handguns and requires permit holders to:
Funding Available for Community Groups Providing Veteran Suicide Prevention Services
Community-based organizations that provide suicide prevention or emergency clinical services to veterans can apply now for grants to support their vital mission. Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $750,000 and may apply to renew awards from year to year. Grant applications must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by July 18 at 5 p.m. Learn more about eligibility and apply here. Veterans in crisis are encouraged to call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing one to speak with responders trained in crisis intervention and military culture. All calls are free and confidential. Additionally, Pennsylvania provides many programs and services to support veterans. Celebrating National Dairy Month in June
Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers work hard to provide families with common dairy staples, including cheese and yogurt, that are part of healthy diets. Consuming dairy products contributes to strong bones, muscle function and immune support. Senate Republicans highlighted the role dairy plays in making agriculture the state’s top industry. It generates more than $11 billion in revenue and supports 47,000 jobs. Checking out PA’s Ice Cream Trail is a fun way to celebrate and support dairy farmers. At more than 50 spots across the state, you can enjoy homemade ice cream and other delicious treats. Local Events
Monday, June 16-21: Hummelstown Fireman’s Carnival Wednesday, June 18-21: Berks County Best Kept Secrets Tour Thursday, June 19-21, 5-10pm: MGH Summer Fest Saturday, June 21, 4-8pm: Evening on the Green Saturday, June 21, 9am-3pm: Lebanon Valley Summer Series Saturday, June 21, 9am-12pm: A Day at the Playground Saturday, June 21, 11am-11:45am: Worldwide Make Music Day Sunday, June 22, 12-5pm: PawFest Block Party Monday, June 23-27: Sky Summer Camp
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