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Dear Friends, As the Chair of the Communications and Technology committee, I am proud to announce that my legislation to combat the harmful use of AI in creating child sexual abuse materials is headed to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. This legislation sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the exploitation of minors through advanced technology. You can read more about this legislation below. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Pennycuick Legislation to Combat AI-Generated Deepfake Images of Minors in PA Set for Enactment
Legislation sponsored by myself, Sen. Jimmy Dillon (D-5) and Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-18) to combat “deepfake” images of minors and child sexual abuse materials generated by artificial intelligence (AI) received final legislative approval and is set for enactment into law. Senate Bill 1213 addresses the alarming rise in AI-generated deepfake sexual images of children and non-consenting adults. Currently, Pennsylvania law makes it illegal to share intimate images without consent but does not clearly address the use of AI deepfake technology for this purpose. This gap in our law leaves many vulnerable to a new form of digital abuse. The bill also prohibits AI from being utilized to generate child sexual abuse material, previously referred to as “child pornography,” which is not currently prohibited under law. With the changes contained in SB 1213, law enforcement will now have the ability to prosecute individuals who generate and disseminate these types of child sexual abuse materials. Full release here. Breast Cancer Awareness Kick Off
Had a wonderful press conference this morning at the Upper Perkiomen YMCA to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month! We were honored to have former Senator Mensch join us, who championed critical legislation in the fight against breast cancer. Additionally, representatives from the PA Breast Cancer Coalition were in attendance. Throughout the month of October, participating YMCAs will be showcasing important breast cancer awareness information. These include:
Let’s come together to fight against breast cancer and raise awareness about this important cause. Act 1 of 2023
Act 1 of 2023, a landmark law we passed in Pennsylvania, eliminates all costs associated with screening breast MRI, ultrasound, genetic testing and counseling for individuals at high risk of breast cancer who are insured under state-regulated plans. High-risk factors include a personal or family history of breast cancer, abnormal breast screenings or dense breast tissue. Individuals with gene mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, or those with a first-degree relative carrying these mutations, are also covered for additional screenings and genetic counseling. The law will be fully in effect for all state-regulated insurance plans by the end of 2025, though many plans will begin coverage between 2024 and 2025. To find out if your plan qualifies, check with your insurer or employer’s human resources. For uninsured or underinsured women who need immediate screenings, Pennsylvania offers no-cost options through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. One Year Later: Remembering the Hamas Attacks
This week marked the solemn one-year anniversary of the October 7th Hamas-led attacks on Israel. This remains the most devastating terrorist assault in Israel’s history. We pray for a swift resolution to this conflict, one that preserves innocent life and paves the way for an enduring peace in the region. State Services Day – October 24
You’re invited! I will be hosting a State Services Day to connect Pennsylvanians to various state departments on Thursday, October 24. To accommodate attendees, the event will be held in two locations on the same day. In Berks County from 9-11 a.m. at the Eastern Berks Fire Department, 1817 N. Main St. in Bechtelsville. In Montgomery County from 1-3 p.m. at the Schwenksville Borough Hall, 300 Main St. in Schwenksville. The following will be at both locations:
Interested in attending? Register here. 90 lbs of Food Donated to Fight Hunger
My office is proud to have contributed 90lbs of food to The Open Link in Pennsburg as part of our participation in National Hunger Action Month (September)! This contribution represents our commitment to supporting our local community and addressing food insecurity. We extend our sincere thanks to all who helped make this donation possible! Honoring our First Responders
I’m excited to announce that I’m creating a ‘Wall of Heroes’ collage to honor the dedicated first responders in our community on National First Responders Day, October 28th. This display will be featured both in my district office and online, showcasing the exceptional work of these unsung heroes. To be included on the Wall of Heroes, please submit a high-resolution photograph that represents your organization. This could be a group photo, emblem, emergency vehicle, or any other relevant image. Your photo will be displayed alongside other first responders in a tribute to their service and sacrifice. To participate, please submit your photo using this form. Let’s show our appreciation for the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our community. Together, we can create a lasting tribute to their service and sacrifice. NAIFA-PA Provides Valuable Insights on Industry Challenges
Had a productive meeting with NAIFA-Pennsylvania President Paul Valerio and Trustee Carina Hatfield on Day on the Hill in Harrisburg. NAIFA, the nation’s oldest and largest association for insurance professionals, provided valuable insights as we discussed key industry issues and how to serve our state’s residents. Senate Committee Votes to be Prepared for Natural Disasters
As hurricanes Helene and Milton remind us of the importance of being prepared to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies, the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee advanced three bills to support Pennsylvania’s emergency responders. All three bills now advance to the full Senate for consideration. House Bill 843 would establish a second urban search and rescue team in western Pennsylvania. Funding for the team was included in this year’s state budget. The bridge collapse and East Palestine train derailment demonstrated the need for emergency response in minutes, not hours. House Bill 1304 would update the language in the 911 Law to increase penalties for misuse of the 911 system and ensure communications service providers report service outages as specified by the Federal Communications Commission or Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. House Bill 2407 would update the state Fire and EMS Grant Program by enabling fire and EMS companies to use grants for preventative health measures, mental health awareness and treatment. The legislation also would allow testing after each of the four training modules that total 188 hours for the Firefighter 1 certification, as opposed to requiring firefighters to pass a cumulative test covering all modules as is currently the case. Finally, the bill would increase the thresholds that fire and EMS companies can borrow from the low-interest Fire and EMS Loan Program. PA’s Credit Rating Upgraded Because of Strong Budget Reserves
Pennsylvania received yet another upgrade to its credit rating because of strong budget reserves and prudent financial management of Senate Republicans. Moody’s Investor Services raised the rating to Aa2. The announcement was the fourth significant upgrade to the state’s financial outlook in the past 13 months. Previous upgrades helped Pennsylvania and its taxpayers save nearly $100 million during the December 2023 bond sale. Senate Republicans have been dedicated to building the state’s Rainy Day Fund, allocating nearly $740 million more in this year’s budget – bringing the total balance to more than $7 billion. Above the national average, the fund directly influenced the rating upgrades. What Do You Think of PennDOT’s Construction and Maintenance Services?
Motorists have until Tuesday, Oct. 22, to provide feedback regarding PennDOT’s construction and maintenance services via an online survey. The survey asks respondents how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations regarding construction and maintenance services. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to their department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services.
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