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Dear Friends, On Memorial Day, we honor the young men and women who grew up to wear the uniform, take an oath, and courageously defend the freedoms we so often take for granted. When duty called, they answered — giving everything they had. May we never forget their sacrifice, and always remain grateful for the precious blessings of liberty. Sincerely,
In this Update:
New Federal Laws Crack Down on Nonconsensual Images and AI Deepfakes
This week, President Donald J. Trump signed bipartisan legislation into law to criminalize the nonconsensual sharing of sexually explicit photos and videos of individuals, including AI-generated deepfake images and to mandate that platforms quickly remove them. As Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Communications and Technology Committee I introduced similar legislation this year at the state level (Senate Bill 568) and am thrilled the federal government has taken steps to address this important issue nationwide. Unfortunately, we’ve seen a disturbing rise in the unauthorized sharing of intimate images and AI-generated deepfakes online. Victims often face significant challenges in having these images removed from websites and social media platforms, leading to continued circulation and repeated trauma. While some social media platforms often make good faith efforts to remove these images, there is currently no universal standard requiring prompt removal. The new law, which is mirrored in SB 568, addresses this issue by requiring social media platforms and similar websites to remove non-consensual and unauthorized intimate images within 48 hours of notification. Additionally, these platforms would be required to maintain a clear, user-friendly webpage where victims can submit removal requests. It also addresses the alarming rise in AI-generated deepfake sexual images of children and non-consenting adults – legislation I also introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate last year as Senate Bill 1213. My work as committee chair continues around AI, including a digital forgery bill (SB 649), an AI disclosure bill requiring a clear and conspicuous disclaimer whenever AI-generated images, audio, video, or text are used to market or sell consumer goods, as well as protecting our elections from AI interference. Senate Votes to Improve Communication About School Safety Issues
To empower parents and increase transparency, the Senate passed legislation to improve reporting requirements about potentially dangerous situations at schools. Senate Bill 246 would require parental and employee notification when there is a weapon on any school property that violates its weapons policy, as well as when there are cases of harassment and bullying. It would apply to public, non-public and private schools. Current law does not require school districts to inform parents about incidents when a weapon is brought onto school grounds or to related activities. The bill is part of a larger Senate Republican initiative to empower families and foster safe communities. It moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Grants Available for Firefighting Equipment and Training
The Office of the State Fire Commissioner has two grant programs that are accepting applications through May 29. Both programs distribute grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Applications should be submitted online. The Emergency Training Center Capital Grant Program awards funds that can be used to establish or modernize facilities, acquire or renovate structures and repair or purchase equipment. Emergency service training centers, community colleges, county-owned facilities, municipal or fire department-owned facilities and nonprofit, countywide associations are eligible. The Municipal Fire Department Capital Grant Program awards money to municipal fire departments to improve structures and firefighting equipment in the commonwealth. Brandywine Heights High School to Receive State Grant for Solar Energy Project
This week, I announced the approval of a $300,000 state grant to help Brandywine Heights High School install a solar energy system that will significantly cut electric costs and benefit the entire community. The project includes the installation of a 3,806-kilowatt ground mount and parking canopy photovoltaic system on the high school campus. This investment will support site preparation, equipment purchase and installation, engineering, administration, and ongoing maintenance. With a total project cost of $9.2 million, this initiative is expected to save district taxpayers nearly $200,000 each year in energy costs—funds that can instead be directed toward classroom learning and student resources. Every dollar a school district must spend on energy is a dollar it can’t spend on educating our children. That’s why I strongly support projects like this that not only promote sustainability but also deliver long-term savings to our schools and communities. This is a smart investment in the future of our schools and a great example of how targeted state funding can make a real difference. Full release here. Free License Plate Replacement Event – May 29
Do you have a faded, peeling, or hard-to-read license plate? Join me on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Gerald Richards Park (2150 Buchert Road, Sanatoga) for a Free License Plate Replacement Event. This event is a convenient opportunity for drivers to have their damaged or illegible Pennsylvania license plates inspected and begin the process of receiving a free replacement. Officers from the Lower Pottsgrove Township Police Department will be on-site to verify the condition of your plate and complete the necessary documentation. Keeping your license plate clearly visible is not only important for identification and safety—it’s required by law. I’m proud to host this event to help residents take care of this issue easily and at no cost. To register, please visit here. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact my office at (215) 541-2388. Join Me for a Scam Jam in Pottstown on June 13
Scammers are getting smarter, and it’s more important than ever to stay informed. That’s why I’m inviting you to join me on Friday, June 13, from 10 AM to 12 PM at the TriCounty Active Adult Center in Pottstown for a Scam Jam event focused on protecting yourself and your loved ones from fraud. This free, public event will feature presentations from experts with the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, the Pottstown Police Department, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the AARP Pennsylvania Office. These experts will share the latest information on common scams, offer tips to safeguard your personal and financial information, and answer your questions. Whether you’ve experienced scam attempts or simply want to be better prepared, this is a valuable opportunity to learn directly from those on the front lines of fraud prevention. The event will be held at 288 Moser Road in Pottstown. To reserve your spot, please visit here. I hope you’ll join us as we work together to protect ourselves and our communities. PA Offers Free Motorcycle Training
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a great time to sign up for a motorcycle safety course whether you’re a novice or experienced rider. Classes are free for Pennsylvanians who have a motorcycle learner’s permit or motorcycle license. Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course offered by the state waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT driver license center and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license. Class schedules are coordinated by third-party training providers at locations across the commonwealth and posted online at least four weeks before the class begins. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Safety Program. Rite Aid Customers Can Redeem Gift Cards Until June 6
As a result of a bankruptcy announcement, Rite Aid will accept gift cards, coupons and other Rite Aid rewards through June 6. Returns and exchanges will not be accepted after June 4. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday encourages any consumers who experience issues redeeming their Rite Aid points, coupons or unused gift cards or with returning merchandise to Rite Aid to submit an online complaint to the Bureau of Consumer Protection. They may also contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555. Read more. Remembering the Fallen on Memorial Day
“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Unknown To all the men and women who selflessly gave their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms we hold dear, thank you. To the families who are missing a loved one from their lives, please know that loss was not in vain. We remember, and we appreciate the sacrifice.
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