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In this Update:
Gebhard’s Bill to Protect Users of Virtual Currency Set for Enactment
My bill to protect users of virtual currency is set for enactment into law following approval by the House of Representatives. With more individuals taking advantage of using virtual currency as part of their financial portfolio, Senate Bill 202 would create the statutory framework aimed at protecting consumers who utilize this currency option. Specifically, it would require transmission of virtual currency to be treated similar to money transmission under Pennsylvania’s Money Transmitter Act. As more citizens use virtual currencies, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, the criminal element has increasingly focused on using this platform to evade prosecution. The need for oversight of third-party exchanges was magnified a few years ago, following the collapse of FTX. Upon enactment, Pennsylvania would join 26 other states who currently regulate virtual currency under their money transmitter acts. Lifesaving Bill to Eliminate Cost Barriers to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Approved by Senate
Patients who receive abnormal results from supplemental breast cancer screenings will be able to access the necessary follow-up diagnostic imaging at no cost under bipartisan legislation passed by the Senate. As the Chairman of the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee, I was happy to co-sponsor this important legislation with Sen. Frank Farry (R-6) and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39). Senate Bill 88 builds on the success of Act 1 of 2023, which provided no-cost preventive screenings for individuals at high risk. Senate Bill 88 takes the next step with no-cost follow-up diagnostic imaging and expands eligibility to include individuals at average risk. While 26 other states have followed Pennsylvania’s lead in offering no-cost supplemental breast screening since the passage of Act 1, Pennsylvania remains the only state without guaranteed coverage for diagnostic imaging. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives. Congratulations to Colonel Robert Noren and Colonel Brett Gagnon
It was my honor to support the promotion of two of my constituents to the rank of Brigadier General! Col. Robert Noren serves as Commander of the 193rd Special Operations Wing in Middletown, leading over 1,900 Airmen across three locations. A proud Lebanon resident, Col. Noren has honorably served in multiple overseas operations, including Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Col. Brett Gagnon, of Bethel, serves at the Pennsylvania Joint Force Headquarters in Annville, where he advises on Army information systems management. His leadership has also extended to deployments supporting Iraqi Freedom, Spartan Shield, and Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Both received bi-partisan support and were confirmed by the full Senate. Senate Targets PA Opioid Crisis with Expanded Reporting Tool
The Senate voted to incorporate overdose reporting by EMS providers into the statewide Overdose Information Network to make sure first responders, treatment providers and other key parties have the information they need to save lives. Senate Bill 89 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Health to coordinate with the Pennsylvania State Police to ensure real-time overdose reporting by EMS providers is incorporated into the statewide mapping system. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives. EMS providers would report information including the date and time of the overdose, location, substances used by the victim and more. In other action to prevent opioid deaths, Senate Republicans led passage of a measure giving EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind a dose of lifesaving naloxone at non-fatal overdose scenes. Congratulations to the Hershey Jr. Bears House Select Team
Congratulations to the Hershey Jr. Bears House Select Team, who at the conclusion of their season, won every tournament they played and amassed a record of 26 wins and only 2 losses. It was my pleasure to welcome the team to the Capitol and recognize my constituents, Dakota Biever, Alex Jones, and Issac Bruce, for all their hard work. Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Approved by Senate
Legislation to protect property owners against eminent domain abuse and ensure they are fully compensated when their property is taken by government was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 225 would ensure business owners and farmers whose properties are seized through eminent domain are compensated for loss of “goodwill,” which goes beyond the assessed value. For farms, the land may possess characteristics that make it particularly special, such as fertile soil. In the case of another business, goodwill may be because of location, access to utilities and other factors. Farmers, employers and homeowners testified before a Senate committee last year about eminent domain abuse. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Detour Begins for Route 501 Bridge in Lebanon County
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation began a detour this week for the Route 501 (College Street) bridge replacement project in Lebanon County. The bridge spans Tulpehocken Creek between W. Richland Avenue and W. Center Avenue in Myerstown Borough. The detour will be in place using Route 897 and Route 422. All work is expected to be completed on December 3, 2025. South Hills Park Opens New Pickleball Courts
Together with Rep. John Schlegel, I worked to secure Local Share Account (LSA) grant funding, which helped pay for new tennis and pickleball courts at South Hills Park in South Lebanon Township. This week, I was happy to attend the grand opening with township supervisors, Stephen Krause, Jonathan Beers and Robert Griffiths, and township manager, Jamie Yiengst. With the growing popularity of pickleball across the county, it’s great to see this new addition to the park. Local Events
Saturday, June 28, 4-8pm: Friends of Coleman’s Park Safety Carinal Saturday, June 28, 11am-2pm: Berks Technical Institute Summer Block Party Saturday Saturday, June 28, 8:15pm: Movie Night Saturday, June 28, 10am-4pm: Traditional Cherry Fair & Early American Craft Show Saturday, June 28, 9:30am: Fairy Tales & Ice Cream Saturday, June 28, 8am-12pm: Community Yard Sale Fundraiser Monday, June 30, 12-1pm: Flavor Burst Ice Cream Tasting Tuesday, July 1, 9:30am-7pm: Friends Book Sale
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