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In this Update:
Enhanced Penalties for Offenses Against Immigration Enforcement Personnel
This week, I joined Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) in circulating a co-sponsorship memo for legislation that would enhance penalties for criminal offenses committed against federal immigration enforcement officers here in Pennsylvania. As threats and violence against these officers continue to rise across the country, legislative action is needed. These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day to uphold the law and secure our borders—they deserve our full support and protection. Our legislation will ensure that individuals who assault, threaten, or obstruct federal immigration officers face meaningful state-level consequences that match the severity of these crimes. Protecting those who enforce our laws is not a partisan issue—it’s a matter of public safety and respect for the rule of law. Read the full co-sponsorship memo here: https://www.palegis.us/senate/co-sponsorship/memo?memoID=47067 Join Us for Coffee & Conversation
We want to hear from YOU about your thoughts, both good and bad, about our state government. That is why Rep. Jamie Barton, and I will be hosting two events in Hamburg to discuss any state-related issues or concerns you may have. We just ask you RSVP by Monday, July 14, by calling 484-660-3721. Local Attorney Receives 2025 Trailblazer Award
Congratulations to Fred Long on receiving the 2025 Trailblazer Award from the Pennsylvania Bar Association for his outstanding work in Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law! The Trailblazer Award honors rising stars in the legal field who demonstrate excellence in practice, active participation in bar activities, and a strong commitment to pro bono service. Fred exemplifies all of these qualities. As a partner at Long Brightbill, Fred also co-hosts the “Death and Dirt” podcast, publishes educational content, and leads free estate planning workshops. A lifelong resident of Lebanon, he remains deeply involved in civic and charitable efforts throughout our community. New Weekly Office Hours in Clay Township
I’m thrilled to announce, starting Thursday, July 10, one of my staff members will be available every Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the Clay Township Building to assist residents of the Lancaster County portion of the 48th Senatorial District. Staff will be able to assist with birth certificate applications, PTRR applications, unemployment issues, PennDOT, or anything State related. Please do not hesitate to reach out for assistance at 717-274-7705. Malicious Deepfake Scams Targeted by New Law
Technology such as artificial intelligence has been used to commit financial scams, injure personal reputations and disrupt the political process. Legislation we passed is now enacted to classify these deepfakes and other forms of digital impersonation as digital forgeries, punishable by law. Act 35 of 2025 amends the current forgery provisions in state law to include “forged digital likeness.” Under the new provision, if someone creates a digital representation of a real person without their consent and distributes it as genuine, with the intent to defraud or injure, they would be subject to penalties. The law targets harmful impersonations while safeguarding legitimate artistic, journalistic and expressive works. The new law will go a long way toward combatting scams that target teenagers, senior citizens, small businesses and other victims. Protecting Our Children: Sex Offender Registry Loophole Closed Pennsylvania took a huge step forward in efforts to protect children from sexual abuse in youth sports and nonprofit programs with legislation that was passed by the Senate and signed into law. Act 22 of 2025 adds the crime of sexual assault by a sports official, volunteer or employee of a nonprofit association as a Tier II offense under the state’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. Without the change, a conviction for this crime did not require sexual offender registration – a gap that left children and families at risk. Pennsylvania Officially Joins Three Health Care Licensure Compacts
As of this week, Pennsylvania has now fully joined the Interstate Medical Licensure, Nurse Licensure and Physical Therapy Licensure compacts, allowing doctors, nurses and physical therapists to practice across state lines more easily – meaning out-of-state practitioners can begin working in the commonwealth within days instead of months. In addition to these licensure compacts, Pennsylvania also participates in the previously established Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. Following compacts’ success, the Senate is actively engaged in passing other compacts to further support license mobility, address health care staffing shortages and improve access to care for patients across the commonwealth. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Application Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
The deadline to file for the state Property Tax Rent/Rebate Program has been extended to Dec. 31, 2025, allowing eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older more time to apply for rebates on property taxes and rent paid. The maximum eligible income is $46,520 and the maximum rebates range from $380 to $1,000 depending on the income level of the homeowner or renter. Check income, age and other eligibility details here. Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that 423,092 Property Tax/Rent Rebate payments totaling $256 million were sent to eligible Pennsylvanians on July 1. Please contact my office if you need help filling out your application. Local Events
Thursday, July 9-12: Berks County Fair Saturday, July 12, 7am-1pm: Kochenderfer Church Community Parking Lot Yard Sale Saturday, July 12, 9am-3pm: 9th Annual Car, Truck & Tractor Show Saturday, July 12, 9am: Summer 2025 Collector Car Auction Saturday, July 12, 10am-2pm: Leo’s Helping Paws 11th Anniversary Celebration Sunday, July 13, 12pm-4pm: Jigger Shop 130th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, July 19-26: Lebanon Area Fair
Please do not reply to this email, as that mailbox is unattended. To better serve the constituents of the 48th District, I have set up a contact form on my website. Please click here if you would like to send me a message. To subscribe to Senator Gebhard’s newsletter click here. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, or visit https://senatorgebhard48.com/ |
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