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Is this Update:
* Vida Charter School Visits Me at the Capitol
* Employers, Trade Unions and Lawmakers: New Permitting Reforms, Stopping RGGI Will Boost PA Economy
* AI and Children: Legislation to Keep Kids Safe
* New Law Will Preserve Prescription Access for Seniors
* Bill to Ensure Disabled Veterans Receive Free Hunting Licenses Passes Senate
* Attorney General’s New Elder Exploitation Section Expands Protections for Older Pennsylvanians
* National Diabetes Awareness Month
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** Vida Charter School Visits Me at the Capitol
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Vida Charter School, located in Adams County, winning a statewide contest advocating for the apple to be named the official fruit of Pennsylvania! They moved beyond simply casting a vote — they dug into research, weighed the facts, debated with purpose, and highlighted Pennsylvania’s agricultural strength, especially Adams County’s legacy of apple growers. These students reminded us of what leadership looks like. When young people engage in civic life, the future of our Commonwealth becomes brighter What an outstanding group!
** Employers, Trade Unions and Lawmakers: New Permitting Reforms, Stopping RGGI Will Boost PA Economy
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Trade unions, employers and energy producers joined lawmakers at the Capitol to celebrate new reforms cutting red tape and blocking the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax – moves that will unleash Pennsylvania’s economic potential and help create jobs.
Both reforms were enacted with the 2025-26 state budget ([link removed]) .
Pennsylvania’s permitting process has been a deterrent to businesses moving to or expanding in Pennsylvania, costing our state countless jobs. The new law cuts red tape, establishes clear timelines for permit reviews and creates a real-time online tracking system. In addition, key permits will be deemed approved if a state agency moves too slowly.
Participating in RGGI, a multi-state electricity tax Gov. Tom Wolf attempted to implement via an illegal regulation and which Gov. Josh Shapiro pursued through the courts, would have increased electricity rates for families and businesses, eliminated energy and manufacturing jobs, forced Pennsylvania power plants to close and created serious threats to grid reliability.
“After six long years the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will no longer be a part of Pennsylvania politics and our energy future in Pennsylvania. This is great news for hardworking Pennsylvanians all across the state,” said Shawn Steffee, business agent, Boilermakers Local 154 Pittsburgh and president, South Central Building Trades Council. Read more reaction to these reforms here ([link removed]) .
** AI and Children: Legislation to Keep Kids Safe
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The Senate approved legislation to better protect young people ([link removed]) against the increased threats posed by child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Senate Bill 1050 ([link removed]) would require all individuals classified as mandated reporters to notify authorities of all instances of CSAM they become aware of, including those produced by a minor. A mandated reporter includes teachers, childcare workers, health care providers and others responsible for caring for children. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
The Senate previously passed key legislation to combat the issue of sexually explicit materials created through AI by passing Act 125 of 2024 ([link removed].) and Act 35 of 2025 ([link removed].) , which addressed deepfakes and sexual deepfakes.
In addition, Senate Bill 1090 ([link removed]) , the Safeguarding Adolescents from Exploitative Chatbots and Harmful AI Technology (SAFECHAT) Act, was approved by the Senate Communications and Technology Committee. Read about that measure here ([link removed]) .
** New Law Will Preserve Prescription Access for Seniors
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Legislation to prevent thousands of Pennsylvania seniors from losing access to life-sustaining prescription medications is set to become law following final passage by the Senate.
House Bill 923 ([link removed]) would extend the practice of excluding Social Security cost-of-living adjustments when calculating income eligibility for the PACE and PACENET programs. The exclusion, currently set to expire at the end of 2025, will be extended through Dec. 31, 2027 when the bill is signed by the governor.
Without the extension, 10,039 PACENET enrollees would lose their coverage. Additionally, 12,594 PACE enrollees would move to PACENET, losing their lower copayment and their PACE-paid Part D premium.
** Bill to Ensure Disabled Veterans Receive Free Hunting Licenses Passes Senate
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The Senate passed legislation that would close an unintended gap ([link removed]) in Pennsylvania’s existing free hunting license program for disabled veterans.
Under current law, only veterans who suffered injuries during combat and were deemed 100% disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for free hunting licenses. Partially disabled veterans may purchase discounted licenses. Those who suffered service-connected injuries outside of combat — in training, non-combat operations, peacetime duties or other hazardous activities — are not currently eligible for a discount.
Senate Bill 1020 ([link removed]) would expand eligibility so that all 100% disabled veterans qualify for a free hunting license, regardless of how or where their service-connected injuries occurred. It would also maintain discounted licenses for partially disabled veterans. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
** Attorney General’s New Elder Exploitation Section Expands Protections for Older Pennsylvanians
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An expansion of protections and services for seniors, focused on deterring financial theft and holding offenders criminally responsible, was announced with the launch of the Office of Attorney General’s Elder Exploitation Section ([link removed]) by Attorney General Dave Sunday.
The section will primarily focus on cases involving financial exploitation, deception and theft from older residents — typically perpetrated by relatives, caregivers or appointed conservators and powers of attorney.
These are complex cases, involving meticulous review of financial records and other documents. Municipal police departments may not have the resources required to take on these investigations. The Elder Exploitation Section will have the resources, and expects referrals to come from police departments, county, state, and federal agencies and other sources.
** National Diabetes Awareness Month
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Diabetes affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth. A disease that occurs when your blood sugar is too high, diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer.
The good news is that taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems. Find out more here ([link removed]) .
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