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In this Update:

• Baker’s Trust Modernization Legislation Signed into Law
• New Law Aims to Limit Student Smartphone Use in Schools
• Senate Approves Bill Providing Support to Military Community
• Easy Ways to Lower Your Energy Costs
• New PA License Plate Coming in 2025
• Recognizing National Hire a Veteran Day
• 78^th Annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction
• Scenes from the 20^th District Featured Photo: Round Bales, Lathrop Township

Baker’s Trust Modernization Legislation Signed into Law

A bill I introduced seeking to modernize and enhance Pennsylvania’s trust laws was signed by the governor this week.

Directed trusts, which have been increasing in popularity, allow trustees to share administrative powers with another person – the trust director. Senate Bill 1231 – now Act 64 of 2024 – will reduce administrative costs and simplify account settlements for these types of trusts, directly benefiting beneficiaries.

Pennsylvania’s lack of a directed trust act posed a barrier to our competitiveness in establishing and managing directed trusts. By reducing costs and alleviating administrative burdens we are ensuring a more efficient distribution of trust income to beneficiaries and making more funds available for their benefit.

This action makes Pennsylvania the 20^th state to implement a directed trust act, allowing directed trusts, and the business they generate, to be formed in the commonwealth rather than being moved out of state. The changes are based on a recommendation from a 2021 report by Joint State Government Commission Advisory Committee on Decedents’ Estates Law and guidance from the Uniform Laws Commission.

This new law represents a significant step forward in ensuring that our trust laws are up-to-date, equitable and reflective of current best practices. By clarifying and updating various provisions, we are providing more robust protections and clearer guidance for trustees and beneficiaries alike.

The bill received bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, reflecting a shared recognition of the importance of trust law reform in safeguarding the interests of both trustees and beneficiaries.

New Law Aims to Limit Student Smartphone Use in Schools

Legislation to improve student mental health, academic performance and social skills by limiting student smartphone use in schools has been signed into law. The measure allows schools the option of using dedicated school safety funding for secure, lockable smartphone bags in which students deposit their mobile devices until the end of the school day.

Senate Bill 700, now Act 55 of 2024, amended the School Safety and Mental Health Grant Program to allow for the purchase of these smartphone bags as an eligible use of funding. As part of the grant program, school districts receive an automatic base grant of $100,000 and each intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, regional charter school or cyber charter school is provided an automatic base grant of $70,000.

Senate Approves Bill Providing Support to Military Community

The Senate unanimously passed legislation to improve the quality of life for service members, veterans and their families by creating and operating the Service Member Veterans and Their Families Fund (SMVF Fund).

Senate Bill 1192 would allow the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to lease real estate at Fort Indiantown Gap and use the proceeds to support the SMVF Fund. To ensure transparency and accountability in the fund’s operations, the bill also includes provisions for annual reporting on the revenues, expenditures and activities financed by the SMVF Fund.

The fund would be dedicated to paying for quality-of-life programs – including physical fitness, personal growth, social interaction and recreational activities – for the military community. The programs would be designed to support the readiness and well-being of the service members, veterans and their families.

Easy Ways to Lower Your Energy Costs

Rising energy costs are compounded by the hot temperatures we have been experiencing. If you’ve been shocked by your energy bill and are looking for ways to lower costs, here are some helpful tips from the Public Utility Commission:

• Check Your Thermostat – The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill.
• Clean is “Green” – Regularly clean and replace air conditioner filters and ensure air circulation paths are clear.
• Power Off – Turn off non-essential appliances and lights to reduce power use and unwanted heat.
• Don’t Cool Unneeded Space – Close off unused rooms and adjust air vents or thermostats to avoid unnecessary cooling expenses.
• Keep the Heat Outside – Seal cracks to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.

Learn more about how to stay cool while keeping your summer power bills manageable.

New PA License Plate Coming in 2025

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has unveiled a new standard license plate for vehicles.

The new plate, showcasing Pennsylvania as the birthplace of America, will be available in 2025. It features the Liberty Bell and the text, “Let Freedom Ring.” Military, special organization, special fund and specialty plates without legislatively mandated designs will also be updated with the new design.

If you would like to be one of the first to get the new license plate, sign up for updates. You will be notified when the license plate is ready to order. When the plates become available, fee information will be included with replacement instructions on PennDOT’s website and will vary based on plate type and any optional personalization. The department and its partners will use all existing standard issue license plate inventory before transitioning to the new plate design.

Recognizing National Hire a Veteran Day

Thursday, July 25, marks National Hire a Veteran Day. The men and women who served our country have many skillsets and experiences – in addition to a high level of dedication – that can benefit employers.

Employers who would like to hire veterans and guard members can list their job opening for free on the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations’ Job Board. Veterans can search the board here.

National Hire a Veteran Day also serves as a reminder for employers that it’s important to support veterans by providing resources to them as they transition from military life to the civilian workforce.

78^th Annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction

I was pleased to serve as an auctioneer at the 78^th Annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction.  A long-standing tradition for many, the event is one of the major fundraisers of the year, helping the library to continue to flourish.  Between the bidding on items old and new, the special activities, and the food vendors, there is something for everyone.  One of the favorite items up for grabs is a live painting of the action done by students from Sue Hand’s Imagery. 

Scenes from the 20^th District Featured Photo: Round Bales, Lathrop Township

This week’s featured photo from the Scenes from the 20^th District Photo Gallery was submitted by Jennifer Pashchuk from Wyoming County.  “Round Bales, Lathrop Township” captures the patriotism and unique character of the community.

Use the online submission form to showcase your photography skills and submit your best photographs that highlight the natural landscapes, community events, historical landmarks and everyday life within the district

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