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In this Update:
Legislation to End CDL Mills Becomes Law
Legislation that I sponsored was signed into law to crack down on unlicensed commercial driver training schools, commonly referred to as “CDL mills.” Act 50 of 2026 enacts Senate Bill 1294 to strengthen Pennsylvania’s oversight of commercial driver training schools by significantly increasing the penalty for operating without authorization from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The new law is intended to affirm aspiring commercial drivers receive proper instruction from licensed schools that meet state and federal training requirements. The new law was passed after alarming concerns were raised at the Senate Transportation Committee’s hearing on December 9, 2025, about unauthorized schools operating outside Pennsylvania’s regulatory framework and federal entry-level driver training requirements. “CDL mills” profit from defying rules and undermine legitimate training programs, threatening the safety of all road users. Previously, the maximum civil penalty for operating an unauthorized CDL school was $2,500. Act 50 increases that penalty to $25,000, giving the Department of Education a stronger enforcement tool to stop illegal operations and discourage violations. The new law does not impact private employers that provide CDL training to their own employees at no cost. Senate Bill 1294 was introduced along with Senate Bill 1295 and Senate Bill 1296 to reinforce commercial vehicle safety in this commonwealth. The legislative package reflects new federal regulations and federal legislation to strengthen commercial vehicle operations following allegations of unqualified truck drivers in the country illegally. Mifflin County Senior Expo on Tuesday
I will be holding my annual Mifflin County senior expo on Tuesday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Reedsville Fire Company, 16 PA 655, Reedsville. Attendees will be able to learn from participating vendors about the services and resources that are available to them, receive health screenings and enter into door prize drawings. Admission is free, and there will be light refreshments provided. I hope to see you there! Tremendous Win for Private Property Rights
Every Pennsylvanian deserves to feel safe and secure on their own property, and this week the Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld the strong privacy and property protections provided by our state constitution. The court’s unanimous decision, which came in a case involving two hunting clubs and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, is a major victory for private property rights across the commonwealth. It puts needed restrictions on the use of warrantless searches and correctly overturns the court’s 2007 decision in Commonwealth v. Russo. Specifically, the court held that “Article I, Section 8 provides Pennsylvania citizens with greater protection than the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution as it relates to the open fields of any landowner that has demonstrated a reasonable expectation of privacy by taking sufficient steps to exclude intruders therefrom.” State game wardens have an important and dangerous job, which we all respect. However, the court emphasized the Game Commission must also respect the lawful rights of property owners. Standing Up for Rape Crisis Services
Rape crisis centers across Pennsylvania play a vital role in supporting victims of sexual violence, and I’m pleased that this year’s budget includes a historic $12 million increase for rape crisis centers. The significant funding for rape crisis centers would not have been possible without Senate Republicans pushing for support well above the governor’s request. With total state funding now amounting to nearly $25 million, this increase almost doubles the funding available for services, including 24-hour crisis hotlines, counseling, medical and legal advocacy, prevention education and accompaniment for survivors navigating hospitals, police investigations and court proceedings. If you or someone you know have been the victim of sexual assault and need to access rape crisis services, click here to find a center located near you. Protecting Our Communities from Child Predators and Human Trafficking
We are making progress in the never-ending fight against child predators and human trafficking in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 45, which I supported and which was recently signed into law as Act 41 of 2026, will help Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and law enforcement officials across the state target and prosecute human trafficking more effectively. This is a huge step forward. In the new state budget, we also increased funding for two key programs overseen by AG Sunday – the Child Predator Interception Unit and the Human Trafficking Enforcement and Prevention program. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Investing in the Future of PA College Students
The successful Grow PA Scholarship program invests in Pennsylvania students looking to pursue a college education, develops the future of our workforce and incentivizes jobs to remain here in the commonwealth. Importantly, the program secures a commitment for students to stay and work in Pennsylvania communities after graduation, helping to address the state’s future economic and demographic challenges. With demand rising for Grow PA scholarships, the Senate secured a $10 million funding increase for the program in the 2026-27 state budget – bringing the annual funding total to $42.5 million. Grow PA, established in 2024, offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Learn more about this program here. Honoring Veterans with Visual Impairments with a Capitol Monument
A Braille Flag monument honoring veterans with visual impairments could be installed at the Pennsylvania Capitol Building under legislation passed by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Braille Flag was created to honor the service of veterans who have been left with life-long visual disabilities. Under Senate Bill 1303, the monument would be made of bronze and include the Pledge of Allegiance in Braille. The display would be sponsored by the Moose Lodge and the American Braille Flag Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to the placement of these flags throughout the country. Read more about Senate Bill 1303 here. Find Summer Getaway Ideas Here in PA
There’s plenty of summer left. If you haven’t had time for a vacation yet, or you’re looking for another getaway, there’s plenty to experience here in our commonwealth. Use VisitPA to explore by regions, such as the Pennsylvania Wilds, Great Lakes, Laurel Highlands, the Lehigh Valley, Dutch Country and more. Break it down by things to do, outdoor activities, dining and other experiences. From rivers and trails to iconic attractions and historic sites, you can start planning your trip at the VisitPA website. Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Photo Contest Accepting Entries
Amateur and professional photographers: Take your best photos of the landscapes, wildlife and activities in a Pennsylvania state park or forest and enter the 2026 Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation “Through the Seasons” photo contest. A panel of experts will select a Judges’ Choice in each category prior to the photos being made available for public voting on the foundation’s Facebook page. Award winners receive gift cards and may be showcased in photo exhibitions. Find rules and entry info at the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation website. All photos must be submitted by Sept. 30. Out and About in the 30th DistrictFuture Business Leaders of America Winner Congratulation to Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School’s Addison Smith on her 2nd Place national finish in the Business Plan event at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference, that was held from June 29-July 2nd, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. With this achievement, she made history as the first Hollidaysburg female national place winner. Well done on the outstanding achievement!
Seven Mountains Scout Camp Seven Mountains Scout Camp recently hosted me for a tour of their camp and surrounding areas, including recent improvements and repairs to their lake and dam. It was great to have the opportunity to speak with some of the leadership at the Juniata Valley Council of Boy Scouts about some of the issues they are facing. Jay Zimmerman, Jeff Pickett, Rick Marboe, David Eng and Charlie Harklerode also participated in the tour.
Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Department Congratulations to the Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Department on celebrating their 100th anniversary! I am grateful for this devoted group of men and women who serve our community! Pictured with me below is Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Department Chief Travis Prough.
Wilda’s Wishes Wilda’s Wishes held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their grand opening. Wilda’s Wishes is located at the rear of 26 W. Market Street in Lewistown, and they will be open on the first Thursday of each month, beginning August 6 from 1-3 p.m. They accept community donations of all sorts for people in need including furniture, clothing, appliances and more.
Canoe Creek Altoona Youth Crew I enjoyed meeting the youth trail rehab work group at Canoe Creek this week. This is a great program facilitated by DCNR. For more information about this program and how to apply, visit their website here.
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