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Mobile Office Hours – Times & Locations! Dear Friends, This week, the Senate approved my legislation (Senate Bill 835) to require the POW/MIA flag be displayed at any public school in the Commonwealth that already displays the American flag, provided the school can reasonably accommodate it. The POW/MIA flag is a powerful symbol recognizing and honoring the courageous men and women of our Armed Forces who remain prisoners of war or missing in action. My proposal amends the Commonwealth’s Public-School Code, which already outlines requirements regarding the display of the American flag, to also provide for the display of the POW/MIA flag whenever the U.S. flag is flown and space permits. In doing so, we reinforce the importance of remembering those who served and highlight our shared responsibility to recognize their contributions and the sacrifices of their families. By displaying this flag, schools also demonstrate their commitment to supporting military families and educating students about the importance of service. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Women Veterans Day Commemoration
This week, I was proud to honor the women veterans of Pennsylvania whose courage, dedication, and sacrifice have helped defend our nation and strengthen our communities. Women have served in every generation of our military, often overcoming barriers while answering the call to serve. It was a privilege to recognize their contributions and hear powerful stories of service, leadership, and resilience that continue to inspire us. Thank you to every woman veteran for your service and unwavering commitment to our country. Committee Advances Bill to Ban AI “Nudification” Apps
This week, the Communications and Technology Committee approved Senate Bill 1368, legislation I introduced to prohibit AI-powered “nudification” applications from being developed, operated, or made available in the Commonwealth. These applications use artificial intelligence to take innocent, non-explicit photographs and generate fake nude or sexually explicit images without a person’s consent. This technology can be weaponized to cause serious emotional, reputational, and psychological harm—especially for children and young people. My legislation strengthens protections against the misuse of emerging AI tools and reflects our ongoing responsibility to safeguard Pennsylvanians from digital exploitation and abuse. Senate Approves Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age
The Pennsylvania Senate has unanimously approved my resolution to establish a Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. As technology rapidly evolves, so do the risks facing children online. This task force will review existing laws, assess emerging technologies, and identify gaps in protections to help ensure Pennsylvania keeps pace with new digital threats. Guard & Veterans Day Recognized at the Capitol
Yesterday, I was honored to recognize Guard & Veterans Day at the Capitol and to introduce Major General Michael Wegscheider. As we join the nation in celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States of America, the program highlighted the distinguished history of the Pennsylvania National Guard, which traces its origins to Benjamin Franklin’s Associators in 1747. For nearly 300 years, the Pennsylvania National Guard and our Commonwealth’s veterans have carried forward a legacy of service, unity, commitment, and sacrifice in defense of our freedoms and in support of fellow veterans. We are deeply grateful to all who continue to serve Pennsylvania and our nation. Senate Passes Bill to Fight Human Trafficking
Legislation to give investigators and prosecutors new tools to fight human trafficking in Pennsylvania was passed by the Senate. Senate Bill 45 will help local law enforcement agencies and the state attorney general investigate and prosecute human trafficking by increasing penalties for several related crimes, including promoting prostitution, promoting prostitution of a minor, exploiting prostitutes and patronizing prostitutes. The bill also consolidates crimes related to human trafficking within the Crimes Code, giving the attorney general concurrent jurisdiction so these crimes, which are frequently the basis for large-scale human trafficking organizations, can be prosecuted more effectively. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Read more about our latest action to combat human trafficking here. Bill Targeting Dangerous Fentanyl Additive Passes Senate
The Senate passed legislation to combat the increasing illicit use of the veterinary anesthesia medetomidine by regulating it as a Schedule III controlled substance. Senate Bill 866 provides law enforcement and public health officials with another tool to combat dangerous drug adulterants while including clear exemptions to ensure veterinarians can continue using the medication in the care and treatment of animals. Medetomidine has rapidly overtaken xylazine as a common adulterant in Pennsylvania’s illicit drug supply. While medetomidine was not detected in samples collected in early 2024, it was found in approximately 80% of adulterants sold as fentanyl in Pennsylvania by April 2026. The drug is estimated to be significantly more potent than xylazine and can cause severe cardiovascular complications, even after naloxone has been administered. The General Assembly passed legislation to make xylazine a Schedule III drug in 2024. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about the measure here. PA Guard Military Family Education Program
As students begin preparing for the fall semester, Pennsylvania National Guard members are reminded their families could be eligible for assistance to offset the cost of higher education. The Military Family Education Program is for Guard members who completed an initial service obligation on or after July 1, 2019, and is eligible to reenlist in the PA National Guard for a period of six years. The grants can be used for a degree-granting or certificate-granting curriculum, course of study, or training program required for entrance into a specific career at an approved Pennsylvania institution of higher learning. Read more details and find applications here. Entries Accepted for PA Agriculture Photo Contest
Pennsylvania residents have until June 30 to submit entries in the 2026 Pennsylvania Agriculture Photo Contest. Submit up to four original photos highlighting the people, places, traditions and beauty of agriculture across our region or the commonwealth. Winning photos will be displayed in the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex during the first weeks of September. The categories are On the Farm, PA Fair Season, Agritourism, and Conservation. Click here for rules and how to submit your photos. National Cancer Survivors Month
There are more than 18.6 million people living with a history of cancer in the U.S. Each person diagnosed with cancer faces a unique set of challenges, but one in four survivors reports a poor physical quality of life, and many experience psychosocial challenges. If you are a cancer survivor or caregiver, you can find resources from the National Cancer Institute here that may help you enhance your health and well-being after a cancer diagnosis. They address emotional concerns, nutrition and physical activity, support services, follow-up medical care and testing for cancer. |
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