|
||
|
Mobile Office Hours – Times & Locations! In this Update:
Senators Call for Immediate Action on Second-Degree Murder Sentencing Before Court Deadline
This week, Republican lawmakers from both chambers called for immediate legislative action to address Pennsylvania’s second-degree murder sentencing laws before the court-imposed deadline of July 24. In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in Commonwealth v. Lee that Pennsylvania’s sentencing scheme for second-degree murder was unconstitutional because it required a mandatory sentence of life without parole without allowing courts to consider an individual’s level of culpability. The court gave the General Assembly until July 24 to enact a constitutional remedy. If lawmakers fail to act before the deadline, Pennsylvania’s current sentencing framework will be invalidated. Senate Bill 1400, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support, would establish a constitutional sentencing framework for future second-degree murder convictions while creating a balanced parole review process for individuals currently serving mandatory life sentences. The legislation also strengthens victims’ rights by ensuring they are notified and given meaningful opportunities to participate in any parole or resentencing proceedings. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday has warned that without legislative action, courts could be required to re-sentence hundreds of individuals convicted of second-degree murder under a sentencing statute that has been ruled unconstitutional. Approximately 1,100 inmates are currently serving mandatory life sentences for second-degree murder, and the absence of a new sentencing framework could create significant legal uncertainty for prosecutors while forcing victims’ families to endure resentencing proceedings. Thanks to your calls and emails, the House came back to work to debate the issue. I’ll be sure to report to you as the measure moves forward. Tremendous Win for Private Property Rights
Every Pennsylvanian deserves to feel safe and secure on their own property, and this week the Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld the strong privacy and property protections provided by our state constitution. The court’s unanimous decision, which came in a case involving two hunting clubs and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, is a major victory for private property rights across the commonwealth. It puts needed restrictions on the use of warrantless searches and correctly overturns the court’s 2007 decision in Commonwealth v. Russo. Specifically, the court held that “Article I, Section 8 provides Pennsylvania citizens with greater protection than the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution as it relates to the open fields of any landowner that has demonstrated a reasonable expectation of privacy by taking sufficient steps to exclude intruders therefrom.” State game wardens have an important and dangerous job, which we all respect. However, the court emphasized the Game Commission must also respect the lawful rights of property owners. Standing Up for Rape Crisis Services
Rape crisis centers across Pennsylvania play a vital role in supporting victims of sexual violence, and I’m pleased that this year’s budget includes a historic $12 million increase for rape crisis centers. The significant funding for rape crisis centers would not have been possible without Senate Republicans pushing for support well above the governor’s request. With total state funding now amounting to nearly $25 million, this increase almost doubles the funding available for services, including 24-hour crisis hotlines, counseling, medical and legal advocacy, prevention education and accompaniment for survivors navigating hospitals, police investigations and court proceedings. In June, the state Senate passed my legislation to expedite the testing of rape kits. For years, Pennsylvania has worked to address the backlog of untested rape kits and to ensure survivors of sexual assault are treated with the urgency and dignity they deserve. Through Act 122 of 2024, Pennsylvania is now moving forward with a statewide sexual assault evidence tracking system so survivors can better understand where their kit is in the process. But, as the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency identified in its annual report, there are still gaps in current law that are creating delays. Senate Bill 1212 makes a narrow but important change. It removes that discretionary language and helps establish a clear, statewide expectation that sexual assault evidence that has been collected and has not yet received DNA or other appropriate forensic analysis should be treated consistently. When a survivor goes through the difficult process of having evidence collected, that evidence should not sit untested because of inconsistent local practices. Senate Bill 1212 strengthens our commitment to survivors, improves investigative integrity, and continues Pennsylvania’s work to eliminate rape kit backlogs. If you or someone you know have been the victim of sexual assault and need to access rape crisis services, click here to find a center located near you. Protecting Our Communities from Child Predators and Human Trafficking
We are making progress in the never-ending fight against child predators and human trafficking in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 45, which I supported and which was recently signed into law as Act 41 of 2026, will help Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and law enforcement officials across the state target and prosecute human trafficking more effectively. This is a huge step forward. And in the new state budget, we also increased funding for two key programs overseen by AG Sunday – the Child Predator Interception Unit and the Human Trafficking Enforcement and Prevention program. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Investing in the Future of PA College Students
The successful Grow PA Scholarship program invests in Pennsylvania students looking to pursue a college education, develops the future of our workforce and incentivizes jobs to remain here in the commonwealth. Importantly, the program secures a commitment for students to stay and work in Pennsylvania communities after graduation, helping to address the state’s future economic and demographic challenges. With demand rising for Grow PA scholarships, the Senate secured a $10 million funding increase for the program in the 2026-27 state budget – bringing the annual funding total to $42.5 million. Grow PA, established in 2024, offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Learn more about this program here. Honoring Veterans with Visual Impairments with a Capitol Monument
A Braille Flag monument honoring veterans with visual impairments could be installed at the Pennsylvania Capitol Building under legislation passed by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Braille Flag was created to honor the service of veterans who have been left with life-long visual disabilities. Under Senate Bill 1303, the monument would be made of bronze and include the Pledge of Allegiance in Braille. The display would be sponsored by the Moose Lodge and the American Braille Flag Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to the placement of these flags throughout the country. Read more about Senate Bill 1303 here. Find Summer Getaway Ideas Here in PA
There’s plenty of summer left. If you haven’t had time for a vacation yet, or you’re looking for another getaway, there’s plenty to experience here in our commonwealth. Use VisitPA to explore by regions, such as the Pennsylvania Wilds, Great Lakes, Laurel Highlands, the Lehigh Valley, Dutch Country and more. Break it down by things to do, outdoor activities, dining and other experiences. From rivers and trails to iconic attractions and historic sites, you can start planning your trip at the VisitPA website. Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Photo Contest Accepting Entries
Amateur and professional photographers: Take your best photos of the landscapes, wildlife and activities in a Pennsylvania state park or forest and enter the 2026 Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation “Through the Seasons” photo contest. A panel of experts will select a Judges’ Choice in each category prior to the photos being made available for public voting on the foundation’s Facebook page. Award winners receive gift cards and may be showcased in photo exhibitions. Find rules and entry info at the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation website. All photos must be submitted by Sept. 30. |
||
|
||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorpennycuick.com | Privacy Policy |
