Senator Gebhard E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Senate Approves Measures to Support Police and Crime Victims
  • Senate Acts to Add Sex Traffickers to Sex Offender Registry
  • Measure to Improve Notification of Government Data Breaches Sent to Governor
  • Recognizing the Contributions of First Responders
  • Legislative Survey
  • Veteran Appreciation Breakfast
  • Local Events

Senate Approves Measures to Support Police and Crime Victims

Taking further action to stem the rise in violent crime in Pennsylvania, the Senate this week passed measures to support law enforcement and crime victims.

House Bill 103 seeks to better protect our law enforcement officers against harassment by strengthening penalties against criminals who intentionally spit on or throw bodily fluids at officers.

House Bill 1546 further protects law enforcement officers by prohibiting the release of a public safety officialโ€™s home address or telephone number.

While criminal prosecutions punish offenders, restitution for crime victims often falls short. When that happens, victims often turn to the civil justice system.

The Senate passed House Bill 2525 to make it easier for crime victims to obtain relevant information learned by law enforcement during the investigation of the crime. Crime victims can then use that information in civil legal actions to recover damages for their injuries.

In addition, the Senate approved House Bill 140 to help fight rampant crime in Philadelphia. It requires the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate and prosecute crimes committed within its mass transit system.

These efforts build on the work that has been accomplished over the past two years to protect crime victims, prevent human trafficking and strengthen penalties for criminals who seek to elude officers.

Senate Acts to Add Sex Traffickers to Sex Offender Registry

A measure requiring offenders convicted of a sex trafficking-related crime to register as sex offenders received final legislative approval this week.

Senate Bill 118 adds these crimes to the reporting requirements of Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law. The law requires the State Police to maintain a public, online registry of persons who reside, work or attend school in the Commonwealth and who have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to certain sexual offenses in Pennsylvania or another jurisdiction.

Most defendants in the FBIโ€™s human trafficking cases had prior criminal records and are prone to recidivism. The Meganโ€™s Law Registry has proven to be a deterrent to subsequent sexual offenses committed by those who are on it. The bill was sent to the governor for enactment.

Measure to Improve Notification of Government Data Breaches Sent to Governor

Legislation requiring that state agencies, their contractors and local governments provide timely notification to victims of a data breach received final approval.

Breaches involving personally identifiable information must be reported within seven days of such a breach being determined, under Senate Bill 696.

In addition to timely notification, the measure requires the state Attorney General to be notified of a state-level breach and county district attorneys to be notified of county, municipal and school district breaches. The bill was sent to the governor for enactment.

Recognizing the Contributions of First Responders

We sometimes take for granted the sacrifice and dedication of first responders, without whom our communities could not safely function.

Thank you, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and everyone else who answers the call, anytime, day or night.

Legislative Survey

The results are in.  95% of respondents said they support ensuring a financial literacy course is taught in all high schools.  Thank you to everyone who participated in my legislative survey.

Click below to view my interview with CBS Pittsburgh regarding my financial literacy bill: https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/video/sunday-business-page-financial-literacy-bill/?fbclid=IwAR3QvcNle8vgcBtuZlmoVj4K1jI1WQqR2P88LAxfh-T7LovzmikPEmnlMVM

Veteran Appreciation Breakfast

Join me and Rep. Russ Diamond for a free Veteranโ€™s Appreciation Breakfast and hear from Scott Kohr, Director of Lebanon County Veterans Affairs. Scott will highlight how the Lebanon County Department of Veterans Affairs can assist all Lebanon County veterans and their families in obtaining federal, state, and county benefits.  Dawn Blauch, the Lebanon County Recorder of Deeds will be present to issue Veteran ID Cards for free.  Please bring your DD214 Form if you would like an ID.

๐ƒ๐€๐“๐„: Friday, November 11, 2022

๐“๐ˆ๐Œ๐„: Check in 8am: Breakfast at 9am

๐‹๐Ž๐‚๐€๐“๐ˆ๐Ž๐: Country Fare Restaurant

Seating is limited for the breakfast, so veterans and their families are asked to RSVP by Tuesday, Nov. 1, online at SenatorGebhard48.com/veterans-appreciation-breakfast or by calling my district office at 717-274-6735.

Local Events

Communities will be holding Halloween nights between now and Oct. 31. To find your municipalities date and time, click here

Friday, October 28, 7pm Pumpkin Walk in Quittie Creek Nature Park
Quittie Creek Nature Park, Annville
https://www.facebook.com/events/1219686065253689

Saturday, October 29 11am-3pm Myerstown Fall Fest
Myerstown Park
https://www.facebook.com/events/736817587414162

Saturday, October 29, 12pm-2pm Trick or Treat @ Market
Lebanon Farmers Market
https://www.facebook.com/events/2901427030153822

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