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Capitol Report
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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House Returns to Consider Sentencing Legislation Following Supreme Court Decision
On Thursday, the House returned to session to consider House Bill 1042, legislation intended to establish a constitutional sentencing framework after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court struck down the state's mandatory life-without-parole sentence for second-degree murder. In March, the court ruled that automatic life sentences violate the Pennsylvania Constitution because they do not allow courts to consider an individual's level of culpability. The decision is scheduled to take effect today.
Approximately 1,100 inmates are currently serving life sentences for second-degree murder. Without updated sentencing guidelines, these offenders may seek resentencing under the court's ruling, leaving judges with the discretion to make those who were sentenced to life without parole in many cases immediately eligible for parole.
Individuals convicted of second-degree murder include many of the most egregious offenders in our Commonwealth. Many of these offenders pled guilty to second-degree murder to avoid being prosecuted for a death penalty offense. New sentencing guidelines are imperative to ensure that society is protected from the most violent offenders in our Commonwealth. These guidelines are also necessary to prevent re-traumatizing victims repeatedly through the parole process for individuals who have been sentenced to spend the rest of their natural lives in prison.
The bill was amended hours before a vote on final passage by a small panel instead of being debated before the entire House prior to amending. The amendment, among other things, changed language which already passed over a month ago by a bipartisan majority of the state Senate and in consultation with district attorneys and the Attorney General’s office.
Most troubling, the amendment included language which would provide far reaching judicial discretion rather than a more consistent structure of sentencing. This language means offenders in Philadelphia County will be treated differently than offenders in Cumberland County for the same crimes. This is a miscarriage of justice and means that equal justice under the law will no longer be a bedrock of our criminal justice system for offenders convicted of second-degree murder.
Additionally, the amendment establishes that any inmate—regardless of the nature of the offense—can be eligible for medical release. This means that even the most violent offenders and sexual predators can be released for medical purposes. Even more alarming, the language allows for such broad terms that any offender with almost any medical condition may apply for release.
I voted against each of these misguided provisions.
By refusing to engage in meaningful negotiation earlier in this process and instead removing bipartisan language which already passed the Senate, the House has set the process back several weeks and chaos will ensue in our criminal justice system as a result. Again, I voted against this reckless action.
Throughout this process, I have supported establishing a clear sentencing framework that complies with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling while promoting consistency in sentencing and ensuring that protecting victims’ and their families’ safety and wellbeing remain at the forefront of this conversation.
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Welcoming Spark by Hilton to Mechanicsburg
This week, my office joined community leaders, local officials, and business representatives for the ribbon cutting celebrating the new Spark by Hilton in Mechanicsburg. Investments like this strengthen our local economy, create jobs, and provide another quality lodging option for residents and visitors alike. Congratulations to everyone who helped bring this project to completion and thank you for choosing to invest in our community.
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Free Shredding and Damaged License Plate Replacement Event on July 30
Join Sen. Dawn Keefer and me for our free Shredding and Damaged License Plate Replacement Event on Thursday, July 30, from 4-7 p.m. at Mechanicsburg Middle School, 1750 S. Market St., Mechanicsburg.
Bring your confidential documents for secure shredding, and if your Pennsylvania license plate is faded, peeling, damaged, or difficult to read, our staff can help eligible motorists begin the free replacement process.
No RSVP is required; just stop by anytime during the event. I hope to see you there!
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Get Notified About My Upcoming Shredding Events
Identity theft can happen to anyone, but securely disposing of personal documents is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. Throughout the year, I host free shredding events to help residents safely dispose of sensitive paperwork.
If you would like to be notified when my office schedules future shredding events, please consider signing up for alerts.
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Celebrate National Night Out
National Night Out, which falls on Aug. 4, is a great opportunity to meet local first responders, connect with neighbors, and celebrate the strong partnerships that help keep our communities safe.
This year, my office will have booths at:
• Upper Allen Township – Winding Hills Park, 5-8 p.m.
• Silver Spring Township – Stony Ridge Park, 6-8 p.m.
• Boiling Springs (South Middleton Township) – Spring Meadows Park, 6-8 p.m.
• Mt. Holly Springs National Night Out – Aug. 15, 2-7 p.m.
Be sure to check your municipality's website for additional event details. I hope you'll stop by and say hello!
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Lisburn Community Fire Company Festival
One of our community's favorite summer traditions returns Aug. 5-8 at the Lisburn Community Fire Company, 1800 Main St., Mechanicsburg.
Enjoy great food, rides, games, live entertainment, bingo, hayrides, and much more while supporting one of our local volunteer fire companies. I encourage everyone to come out and support the dedicated volunteers who serve our community year-round.
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Supporting Our Veterans
I recently joined in the unanimous support of a new state law that aims to improve services for veterans affected by military sexual trauma.
Act 38 of 2026 will require county directors of veterans affairs to undergo additional training and certification in trauma-informed care, including military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The goal is to help staff recognize symptoms, reduce potential triggers, and better connect veterans with appropriate services and resources.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly one in three women and one in 50 men in the armed forces report experiencing sexual assault or sexual harassment during military service. The actual number is believed to be higher because many incidents go unreported.
The law takes effect in 180 days.
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New Law to Boost Human Trafficking Awareness
Statistics show hotels, motels and short-term lodging rentals are some of the most common venues where human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking, take place. A new state law aims to stop that.
I recently voted in support of Act 31 of 2026, which requires training to ensure employees of these establishments are prepared to identify and respond to suspected human trafficking as it occurs. The law takes effect in one year.
The measure is the latest effort by the General Assembly to stop this fast-growing crime. Another new law, Act 41 of 2026, aims to help the Pennsylvania attorney general and law enforcement more effectively target and prosecute human trafficking by moving most of the state’s prostitution offenses to the human trafficking section of the state Crimes Code and enhancing penalties. This law will take effect in 60 days.
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
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Looking for a Career in Law Enforcement?
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is accepting applications from people interested in a rewarding career in public service as a state trooper.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. They must be at least 20 years old at the time of application, and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the PSP academy.
Applications for the current cadet hiring cycle should be submitted via the Commonwealth’s employment website by July 31. A new cadet hiring cycle will open on Aug. 1.
For more information on becoming a state trooper, including applicant requirements and job benefits, visit PATrooper.com.
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Antlerless License Round 2 Begins July 27
Hunters looking to purchase a second antlerless license for the 2026-27 hunting season will soon have the opportunity to do so when the second round of licensing begins on Monday, July 27.
As of that date, unsold licenses will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to both residents and nonresidents.
One antlerless deer license per hunter can be purchased per round in the first three rounds. More information is available here.
Licenses are available for purchase online at huntfish.pa.gov or in-person at license issuing agents. Click here for a map of agents across the Commonwealth.
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| Office Locations |
| Upper Allen Twp.: 2 Market Plaza Way, Suite 9, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 | Hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or call 717-975-2235 for an appointment |
| South Middleton Twp.: 520 Park Drive, Boiling Springs, PA 17007 | Office hours: Tues. and Thurs., 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or Call 717-258-0247 for appt. |
Capitol Office: 149-B East Wing, PO Box 202087, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2087 | Ph: 717-783-2063 | FAX: 717-782-2897
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| Email: repkutz@pahousegop.com |
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