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Capitol Report
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#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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Election Day This Tuesday!
This Tuesday, Nov. 3, is Election Day! Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Click here to verify your polling place for in-person voting.
Voters who have chosen to vote by mail-in or civilian absentee ballot must have those ballots back to their county Board of Elections no later than 8 p.m. on election day.
If you choose to deliver it in person, you can only return your own ballot, not anyone else’s. And no one can deliver your ballot on your behalf unless you are a voter with a disability and have designated someone, in writing, to deliver your ballot, or if you need an emergency absentee ballot. Click here for more frequently asked questions about elections from the Department of State.
More information about voting is available at www.vote.pa.gov.
Please note: My offices will be closed on Tuesday due to election day. We will resume our regular office hours on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
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Honoring Those Who Answer the Call
What a wonderful evening celebrating our first responders!
Thank you to all the first responders and their families who joined us last night for our annual First Responders Appreciation Dinner! It's always a pleasure to bring everyone together for an evening of good food, great company, and appreciation for those who do so much for our communities.
Our first responders dedicate so much of their time to keeping our neighbors safe, often making tremendous sacrifices along the way. Hosting this dinner is the least we can do to show our gratitude for their unwavering service and commitment to the 87th District. A special thank you to Upper Allen Fire Company for graciously hosting us.
To all our first responders, thank you for everything you do. We are incredibly fortunate to have you serving our communities!
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Connecting with Students at Boiling Springs High School
Wednesday morning, I had a great time visiting Ms. Bozart's AP government and AP U.S. history classes at Boiling Springs High School!
I always enjoy the opportunity to connect with students, answer their questions, and share some insight into my work representing our community in Harrisburg. We had some great conversations, and I was impressed by the students' thoughtful questions and interest in government and public service.
Thank you to Ms. Bozart and her students for inviting me to join them! It's always a pleasure to spend time with the next generation of leaders right here in the 87th District.
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Accepting the Agate Award at the Conference for Women
I was honored to receive the 2026 Agate Award at the annual Conference for Women on Thursday! This award recognizes a man who has demonstrated a commitment to uplifting, supporting, and improving opportunities for women in our communities.
I'm grateful to be recognized for my work combatting human trafficking, supporting victims of domestic violence, and advocating for women and families struggling with infertility.
Public service has never been about advocating for one group over another. It's about recognizing that behind every issue, every piece of legislation, and every policy decision are real people whose lives are directly impacted by the choices we make. Doing what's right shouldn't depend on who stands to benefit. It should be the foundation of everything we do as public servants.
I'm humbled by this recognition, but even more grateful for the opportunity to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people I serve.
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Legislative Highlights: Delivering Real Results for Our Communities
This legislative session brought meaningful, bipartisan accomplishments that will strengthen public safety, improve health outcomes, support local nonprofits, and enhance transparency in government. I was proud to support the following measures, which have recently been signed into law.
One of the most impactful measures, House Bill 2443, creates a Child Victim Recovery Fund to support Child Advocacy Centers across the state. These centers provide critical services to young survivors of abuse, helping them heal and access justice. The fund will be sustained through fines imposed on convicted sex offenders, ensuring that those who commit these crimes contribute to the recovery of the children they’ve harmed. This measure was signed into law as Act 84 of 2026.
We also took major steps to improve early detection of colorectal cancer, which has tragically become the number one cancer killer of men under 50. House Bill 1123 expands access to preventive blood testing, making screening easier, earlier, and more affordable. Earlier detection saves lives, and this bill will help more families avoid the devastating impact of a late-stage diagnosis. This measure was signed into law as Act 72 of 2026.
For our nonprofits, fire companies, and community organizations, fundraising just got a lot easier. Senate Bill 416 officially legalizes online raffle sales, modernizing an outdated system and giving local groups more flexibility to raise the funds they rely on to serve the public. Whether supporting volunteer firefighters or local charities, this change removes barriers and embraces the way people connect today. This measure was signed into law as Act 94 of 2026.
Finally, Senate Bill 1150 closes a loophole in existing law to improve transparency in local government. Residents deserve clarity and openness from their elected officials, and this legislation strengthens public trust by ensuring that local agencies operate with greater accountability. This measure was signed into law as Act 103 of 2026.
Together, these accomplishments reflect our commitment to safer communities, healthier families, stronger nonprofits, and more transparent governance. Thank you for staying engaged and for supporting policies that make a real difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians. I was proud to support each of these bills as they moved through the House.
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Protecting Kids from Internet Predators, AI
I recently voted in favor of two new state laws aimed at keeping our children safe in the age of internet predators and artificial intelligence.
Act 71 of 2026, formerly House Bill 1098 – also known as Alicia’s Law – creates a dedicated state grant program to fund law enforcement task forces focused on investigating and prosecuting internet predators who target children. The law is named after Alicia Kozak, a Pittsburgh-area woman who was abducted in 2002 at age 13 by a man she met online. Thanks to her advocacy, Pennsylvania became the 14th state to enact this law.
Act 87 of 2026, formerly House Bill 2474, requires mandated reporters of child abuse to immediately notify law enforcement when they become aware of suspected child sexual abuse material involving artificial intelligence-generated deepfake images. The legislation is intended to prevent reporting delays that can allow sexually explicit material involving children to continue circulating and additional victims to be targeted.
Act 71 takes effect immediately, while Act 87 will take effect in late January.
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New Law Bans Cell Phone Use in School
Legislation that would require schools across the Commonwealth to ban the use of cell phones during the school day was signed into law by the governor earlier this week.
Act 117 of 2026, formerly Senate Bill 1014, specifically requires all Pennsylvania public, charter, cyber charter, and private schools to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal cell phones throughout the school day, including during lunch, recess and between classes.
There are some exemptions, including students who require a mobile device due to a medical condition of the student or an immediate family member; students who have individual education plans that require them to use their phones; English-language learners who use their phones for translation services; and students who receive permission from the teacher when certain criteria are met.
The law requires school entities to inform parents, guardians, teachers and students about the policy at the beginning of each school year. The policy would have to include information about how parents or guardians can sign up for emergency notifications and how they can contact their child during the school day.
Schools are required to adopt and implement a policy by the start of the 2027-28 school year.
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October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, which is a time to celebrate our friends with Down syndrome and make others aware of their many abilities and accomplishments.
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States and is associated with delays in physical growth, characteristic facial features and intellectual challenges. Approximately 5,700 babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States each year. However, due to improved research and medical treatments, children born with Down syndrome can live long, happy and productive lives.
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Don’t Forget to ‘Fall Back’ Saturday Night
Daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. Be sure to turn your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.
It’s also a good time to check or change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. In addition to regular battery changes, experts say the alarm devices should be replaced every 10 years to better ensure your safety.
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Stay Safe this Halloween
Halloween is a fun time for many kids and families, but safety must always remain a top priority. According to the National Safety Council, the following are some tips to keep in mind while trick-or-treating:
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All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant. |
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If children are out after dark, fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks. |
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Opt for non-toxic Halloween makeup over masks, which can obscure vision. |
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A responsible adult should accompany young children on neighborhood rounds. |
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If older children are going alone, plan and review a route and establish a return time. |
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Teach children never to enter a stranger’s home or car. |
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Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stay with friends. |
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Tell children not to eat any treats until they return home, where they can be inspected by an adult. |
Motorists traveling on neighborhood trick-or-treat nights should remember to stay alert, slow down, and enter and exit all driveways and alleys carefully.
For more on these and other safety tips, click here.
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