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In this Update:

• Senate Votes to Strengthen PA’s Sexual Offender Registry
• Senate Extends and Strengthens PA One Call Law
• PA ABLE Savings Program Surpasses $125 Million in Assets
• Senate Approves Bill Exempting Milk Haulers from Travel Bans
• $10 Million Available to Farmers for Agricultural Innovation
• October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Montrose Borough Celebrates 200th Birthday
• Joining the Over 90 Club at the Village at Greenbriar
• State Pumpkin Contest Open Until Oct. 20

Senate Votes to Strengthen PA’s Sexual Offender Registry

The Senate unanimously approved legislation to protect children from sexual predators by closing a loophole in existing state law. The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Bill 1317 would add the crime of sexual assault by a sports official, volunteer or employee of a nonprofit association as a Tier II sexual offense, requiring individuals convicted of this offense to register as a sexual offender under the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. Under current law, those convicted of this offense are not required to register as sex offenders.

Senator Scott Martin and I partnered on the bill, which supports the Senate Republican priority of cultivating healthy and safe communities. 

Senate Extends and Strengthens PA One Call Law

This week, the Senate passed legislation I introduced to amend and extend the Pennsylvania Underground Utility Line Protection Law – commonly known as the PA One Call Law – marking a significant milestone as the program celebrates its 50th anniversary. The legislation ensures the continued protection of Pennsylvanians and the workers who maintain essential underground utilities such as gas, water, telecommunications and more.

Originally enacted in 1974, the law has been updated several times – most recently through Act 50 of 2017, which I also sponsored. Significant past reforms included transferring oversight of the PA One Call system to the Public Utility Commission (PUC), mapping of unconventional gas lines in rural areas and creating a Damage Prevention Committee within the PUC to address safety violations. The current law is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2024.

Senate Bill 1237 would permanently extend the PA One Call Law and includes amendments to enhance safety protocols such as communication improvements between excavators, facility owners and the PUC, as well as better documentation of underground utility lines. By removing the sunset provision, the bill ensures that the law will remain in effect indefinitely, avoiding any future lapses in its critical protections.

Among the key provisions of the bill are new safety measures for excavators and expanded timelines for filing violation reports, which are aimed at preventing dangerous situations. The bill also introduces additional consequences for non-compliance, ensuring that the law remains a strong deterrent against unsafe digging practices.

These improvements will prevent accidents, save lives and reduce the number of emergency utility line responses.

PA ABLE Savings Program Surpasses $125 Million in Assets

I recently joined Treasurer Stacy Garrity at the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association to celebrate the PA ABLE Savings Program surpassing $125 million in assets, a major program milestone. PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts help Pennsylvanians with disabilities and their families to save for disability-related expenses without impacting important benefits. To learn more about the program, and how to start saving, visit paable.gov, email info@paable.gov or call 855-529-2253.

Senate Approves Bill Exempting Milk Haulers from Travel Bans

The Senate approved legislation to exempt milk haulers from travel bans imposed during a declaration of disaster emergency. It heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Bill 153 would allow a licensed milk hauler to transport milk on highways even during weather-related commercial travel bans. These vehicles would be required to display a decal that would be developed and issued by the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board.

Dairy producers and processers had to dispose of milk due to weather-related commercial vehicle travel bans, rather than have it transported to market. This adversely affects their already tight profit margins, threatening farmers financially and making them more likely to be forced out of the industry – compromising Pennsylvanians’ access to healthy beverages and foods.

$10 Million Available to Farmers for Agricultural Innovation

To support farmers who supply our communities with healthy foods and beverages, Senate Republicans dedicated $10 million for the new Agricultural Innovation Grant Program in this year’s budget.

Funding can be used to improve efficiency on the farm or in processing, generate energy while reducing nutrient waste leaving the farm and support crops that effectively store carbon or replace non-renewable resources. It can also be used to address practical challenges including data collection, biosecurity and odor remediation.

Learn more about eligibility and apply online by Nov. 15.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As we kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, we honor the brave survivors, fighters and advocates who inspire us all in the battle against breast cancer. Each year, we turn the Capitol fountain pink as a powerful reminder of our commitment to raising awareness, advancing research and supporting early detection efforts.

This month serves as an important time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead. One in eight women will get breast cancer in her lifetime, so early detection and access to life-saving treatments remain critical. We stand united in spreading awareness and fostering hope, reminding everyone that we can make a lasting impact in the fight against breast cancer.

Stay up to date here.

Montrose Borough Celebrates 200th Birthday

Montrose Borough commemorated its 200th birthday in style with two days of festivities recounting the stories and traditions of the past and celebrating the character that makes this community so vibrant. We congratulate the residents on the observance of this momentous occasion and offer our best wishes for continued prosperity in the years to come!

Joining the Over 90 Club at the Village at Greenbriar

I was delighted to join the members of the Over 90 Club, including my friend Paul Kunkle, at The Village at Greenbriar in Dallas. We enjoyed music and dancing, told stories, and shared some cake and ice cream.

State Pumpkin Contest Open Until Oct. 20

The Department of Agriculture has announced its PA Preferred® Pumpkin Palooza Contest. Participants are encouraged to express their creativity by painting or carving a pumpkin.

Pumpkins must be purchased from a Pennsylvania farm, and contestants must be a Pennsylvania resident. Three age divisions include child (11 and younger), youth (12-17) and adult (18 and older).

Contestants should email a photo of their submission, with the subject “PA Pumpkin Palooza Entry,” to agcontests@pa.gov by Oct. 20. Winners, who will be emailed on Oct. 24, will receive a PA Preferred swag bag. Learn more.

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