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In this Update:
Legislation to Expand First Responder Training Opportunities Passes Senate
The Senate has unanimously approved legislation that I sponsored to help address a shortage of qualified instructors who train emergency responders across the state. Senate Bill 782 would allow retirees from the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) and the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) to return to work on a part-time basis as certified EMS, fire or police instructors without losing their pension benefits. Pennsylvania needs experienced professionals to help train the next generation of first responders. This bill allows qualified retirees to return to the classroom on a limited basis so they can share their knowledge, strengthen emergency responder training programs, and get more qualified first responders out into our communities to help keep them safe. Current law prevents retirees who are in PSERS or SERS from returning to work for participating employers without impacting their pensions. The bill creates an exception to allow retirees to serve as part-time instructors for first responder training programs. Retirees returning under the legislation would not earn additional retirement benefits or make new contributions to the pension systems. Senate Bill 782 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. You can click the image above to view my comments from the Senate floor. Senate Approves Measure to Protect Children from Harmful AI Chats
The Senate approved legislation to establish commonsense safeguards for children interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. The bill will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 1090 would require robust, age-appropriate safeguards to prevent content generation that encourages self-harm, suicide or violence against others, and directs users to appropriate self-harm crisis resources whenever high-risk language is detected. Heartbreaking stories have been reported of vulnerable individuals, including minors, who have used AI chatbots to cope with trauma, mental health, depression and anxiety. Multiple families have alleged in lawsuits that chatbot responses contributed to their teen’s death by suicide. Senate Acts to Protect Vehicle Choice in Pennsylvania
Legislation preserving Pennsylvanians’ ability to choose their preferred vehicle by prohibiting state mandates on specific vehicle purchases was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 990 protects consumer choice, encourages innovation and helps prevent higher costs associated with uniform mandates. The bill supports a comprehensive approach to transportation that includes gas and diesel-powered vehicles, hybrids, electric vehicles and emerging technologies, allowing new advancements to develop and compete. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Shooting Range Improvement Program Accepting Applications
Shooting ranges and related organizations open for public use have until May 8 to apply for state grants for development and renovation work that helps ensure community access to safe ranges. Related organizations include shooting clubs, recreational shooting organizations, archery clubs and education groups. Public use of facilities includes public range times, educational outreach/trainings or organized shooting competitions. Retail ranges are not eligible to apply for this program. Each Pennsylvania Game Commission region will receive at least one project. Learn about eligible projects and how to apply here. Recognizing the Need for Government Transparency
National Sunshine Week highlights the importance of “sunshine laws” designed to ensure government transparency, and the importance of citizen access to government information. The Office of Open Records maintains information about Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act, including information about filing a request for records. You can find more tools for keeping government transparent here. Out and About in the 30th DistrictDunkin’ Donuts Ribbon Cutting The Dunkin’ Donuts located in Burnham, Mifflin County, recently held their grand re-opening and ribbon cutting. At the grand re-opening they provided a check for the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata.
A Salute to Our Farmers I enjoyed Rep. Scott Barger’s recent Farmer’s Breakfast, which featured PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding as the keynote speaker. It was great to spend time with the former Secretary of Agriculture, Sam Hayes. Jr., the Blair County FFA students, and the Blair County Dairy Princess Rylee Stultz.
Big 33 Championship Congratulations to three young ladies from my district, Aubrey, Kalynn, and Brooklyn, on being chosen to be part of the Big 33 Championship team this year. It is an amazing honor and is well deserved. Best of luck in the big game!
Sen. Hutchinson’s Student Government Seminar I had a wonderful time attending Sen. Scott Hutchinson’s annual Student Government Seminar hosted at Pennsylvania Western University, Clarion Campus. The local high school students who participated in the seminar were engaged in various legislative topics and learned about the legislative process that takes place in the State Senate.
Eagle Scout Ceremony Congratulations to my good friend Michael Waibel on his Eagle Scout achievement with Troop 3032 of Hollidaysburg. Michael is a great young man!
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