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Dear Friend,

This week, the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee approved my legislation aimed at combating fraudulent enrollment and protecting the integrity of Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace. Senate Bill 1439, would target fraud, waste and abuse within Pennie and require applicants to provide proof of residency or documentation demonstrating their intent to reside in Pennsylvania.

Enrollment fraud has affected both federal and state Affordable Care Act exchanges, including Pennie. According to information presented to the committee, insurers offering plans through Pennie paid approximately $163.6 million in fraudulent claims billed to insurers this calendar year alone.

Tackling fraud in our health insurance marketplace is critical to protecting consumers and the taxpayers who pay for subsidized healthcare. Strong safeguards are not barriers to access; they are essential protections that ensure benefits are available for eligible Pennsylvanians while preserving the integrity and long-term sustainability of the program.

The measure has strong bipartisan support and ensures the state takes every necessary step to prevent consumers from experiencing higher insurance costs due to fraud.

Sincerely,

In this Update:

• Supporting our Emergency Responders
• Senate Acts to Strengthen Property Rights
• My School Bus Driver Safety Bill Approved by Senate
• Senate Committee Approves My Legislation to Require Insurance Coverage for Fertility Preservation for Women Undergoing Cancer Treatment
• Senate Passes Bill to Establish Animal Abuser Registry
• Measures Helping Nonprofit Fundraising Efforts Approved by Senate
• Standing with Breast Cancer Survivors

Supporting our Emergency Responders

Last week, I visited the Upper Perk Police Department in Pennsburg to highlight grant funding I helped obtain for their upcoming purchase of important emergency response equipment. This support is essential to strengthening their day‑to‑day operations and will make a meaningful difference in keeping the community safe. These tools help officers do their jobs effectively, and I’m proud to support projects that provide the equipment they need.

I also met with the Upper Perkiomen Valley Ambulance Association to review the $100,000 grant I helped secure for their utility vehicle purchase. Our EMS professionals work tirelessly, often in the most challenging circumstances, and ensuring they have the tools they need is one of the most important commitments we can make. I’m proud to support our first responders and to help bring state resources back to the community they serve every single day.

In addition, I stopped by the East Greenville Police Department to discuss the $68,577 grant I helped provide for their upcoming vehicle purchase. This investment will help strengthen public safety in a community that depends on reliable equipment and dedicated officers. Thank you to all our law enforcement officers who work tirelessly each day to keep our communities safe!

Senate Acts to Strengthen Property Rights

Property rights are enshrined in both the U.S. and the Pennsylvania constitutions, and the Senate approved legislation to strengthen protections against warrantless entry onto private property by Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel.

Senate Bill 1431 would require Game Commission personnel to obtain a valid warrant before entering private property, including posted land, unless a judicially recognized exception to the warrant requirement applies.

Current law gives Game Commission personnel broad authority to enter land outside buildings, whether posted or otherwise. Senate Bill 1431 would place clear limits on that authority while preserving recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement. Read more about the effort to strengthen property rights.

My School Bus Driver Safety Bill Approved by Senate

Approximately 1.5 million children are transported on school buses every day in Pennsylvania, and the Senate approved my legislation aimed at keeping reckless bus drivers from getting behind the wheel.

Senate Bill 1262 would increase penalties for school bus drivers who transport children while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or a dangerous combination of both. Read more about this school bus safety measure.

The bill awaits passage in the House of Representatives.

Senate Committee Approves My Legislation to Require Insurance Coverage for Fertility Preservation for Women Undergoing Cancer Treatment

Legislation I introduced to require insurance coverage in Pennsylvania for standard fertility preservation services for cancer patients who must undergo medical treatment that results in infertility passed the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee this week and is on its way to the full Senate.

We know cancer treatment can save a patient’s life, yet it can also permanently damage reproductive function. We also know that paying for fertility preservation can be cost prohibitive for most people and are inconsistently covered by insurers, leaving many with a nearly impossible choice between the treatment they need to survive and preserving their ability to have children. That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 1315 to require insurance coverage in Pennsylvania for standard fertility preservation services for cancer patients who must undergo medical treatment that results in infertility.

Senate Passes Bill to Establish Animal Abuser Registry

The Senate approved Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee’s Law, to help prevent convicted abusers from obtaining more animals by establishing a statewide animal abuser registry. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

People selling, transferring or offering dogs, cats or horses for adoption would be required to check the registry, which would be maintained by Pennsylvania State Police, and refuse placement with anyone listed. These requirements will help shelters, rescues and others placing animals in new homes identify convicted abusers before another animal is put at risk.

The legislation is named after a six-month-old husky found abandoned in a crate beneath a bridge in Erie during subzero temperatures. She was severely underweight, covered in filth and suffering from frostbite on all four paws. Despite the rescuers’ efforts to save her, Aimee did not survive. Read more about Aimee’s Law.

Measures Helping Nonprofit Fundraising Efforts Approved by Senate 

The Senate approved two bills to give a boost to civic organizations, fire companies, veterans’ groups and other Pennsylvania nonprofits that rely on small games of chance for crucial fundraising.  

Under current law, clubs and organizations are limited to awarding no more than $35,000 in prizes from small games of chance each week. That cap has not been updated since 2013, despite inflation and the rising costs of programs these organizations fund. 

Senate Bill 995 would raise the weekly limit to $60,000, ensuring local groups can continue generating the revenue they rely on to support vital community programs and services. Read more about this bill.  

Senate Bill 465 would allow licensed clubs to retain up to 50% of their small games of chance proceeds, up from the current 40%. Clubs would continue to be required to use at least 50% of proceeds for public interest purposes. The change would provide clubs with more flexibility to cover operating costs while continuing to support their communities. Read more about this measure.

The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Standing with Breast Cancer Survivors

I was proud to join the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition at the State Capitol as we kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by turning the East Wing Fountain pink. It was especially meaningful to stand alongside breast cancer survivors and thrivers, advocates and families from across Pennsylvania who continue to bring hope and strength to this important cause.

The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and ensuring women have access to the screenings, care and support they need. And here in Pennsylvania during October, we’re reminded that breast cancer is not a red or blue issue – it’s pink. It affects every one of us. Together, we can raise awareness, support those facing breast cancer and celebrate the survivors and thrivers who inspire us every day.