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In this Update:
Senate Committee Approves Bill to Establish Safe Exchange Zone ProgramThe Senate Community, Economic, and Recreational Development Committee unanimously approved my bill, the Denise Williams Act, to establish a Safe Exchange Zone Program. Senate Bill 665 is named in memory of Denise Williams, a Cambria County resident who went to purchase an item on Facebook Marketplace and was murdered during the exchange. SB 665 would create a grant program for municipalities and counties to establish Safe Exchange Zones across the commonwealth. Safe Exchange Zones are places in public view and close proximity to law enforcement designated as safe spaces to exchange goods purchased on Facebook Marketplace and other online entities. These areas may also be used to transfer custody of children by parents involved with custody agreements. Safe Exchange Zones have been established in places like Johnstown and have received positive reviews. Creating a grant program to support the establishment of more Safe Exchange Zones across the commonwealth will continue to make our communities safer and prevent future tragedies. This legislation now heads to the full Senate for consideration. Zoo Day in the State CapitolIt was Zoo Day in the State Capitol this week! Animals and their caretakers came to visit from zoos across the commonwealth to share educational programs and fascinating information about the animals featured. Upcoming Free License Plate Replacement EventThis week in Cambria County, I hosted two free license plate replacement events! Centre County residents with a damaged license plate are invited to stop by my final event to start the process of receiving a replacement plate for free. License plates are considered damaged if they feature a loss of reflectivity, peeling, blistering, or discoloration, and are unreadable from 50 feet away. Police will be present at the events to determine if plates need to be replaced and to help with any necessary paperwork. Once an application is submitted to PennDOT, a replacement plate with the same design and a new number will arrive by mail to the vehicle owner’s home address. PennDOT only allows an individual to keep the same registration number if the original plate was personalized or if the individual pays an extra fee. The date, time, and location of my Centre County plate replacement event is as follows: June 17, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. If you are unable to attend the upcoming scheduled event, please contact my office at 814-266-2277 and my staff will be happy to provide you with the information needed to get your plate replaced. Miss Kiss Visits the CapitolMiss Kiss from the Hershey Company visited the Senate this month. Senate Approves Bill to Secure and Modernize PA’s IT InfrastructureThe Senate unanimously approved two cybersecurity bills to strengthen the commonwealth’s digital defenses. Senate Bill 376 would ban TikTok from all state-owned devices and networks, citing national security risks. It would bring Pennsylvania in line with federal guidelines and action taken by more than 39 other states. Senate Bill 377 would require all state IT contracts to meet cybersecurity standards established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a move aimed at protecting taxpayer-funded systems and reducing the risk of data breaches across state government. Both measures now head to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill to Expand Naloxone Access, Support EMS Providers Passes SenateLegislation to strengthen emergency response efforts and help address Pennsylvania’s opioid crisis passed the Senate with unanimous support. Senate Bill 95 would make permanent the temporary declaration allowing EMS personnel to give a dose of naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, to a caregiver or loved one of someone who has overdosed. Although this life-saving medication has been approved for over-the-counter use, not all versions are readily available. This legislation would allow EMS providers to distribute any formulation at the scene of an overdose, including those still awaiting final approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Measure to Preserve Public Information Receives Senate SupportLegislation to ensure transparency and empower Pennsylvanians by preserving their access to information about government actions was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 686 would make tampering with Right-to-Know (RTK) records a third-degree felony, which can result in up to seven years of prison and a $15,000 fine. The RTK law holds public officials accountable for their actions regarding matters of public concern. However, it doesn’t currently mention a criminal offense for destroying or altering records subject to a request. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. Happy Father’s Day!Happy Father’s Day to the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures in the 35th Senatorial District and across the commonwealth! |
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