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In this Update:
PA Lawmakers Launch First-Ever Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus
Ladies and gentleman, slavery still exists in America. Human trafficking is infiltrating our communities and neighborhoods, from parents and siblings trafficking young children to sextortion schemes sentencing victims to what the organized crime/trafficking community calls, “The Life.” Being aware of the statistics and horrors of human trafficking is useless without taking serious legislative action. On Tuesday March 24, during a state Capitol news conference, it was my honor as the inaugural Chairman to announce the formation and legislative priorities of the first-ever, bipartisan, bicameral Pennsylvania Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) Caucus. The mission of the PA AHT Caucus is to facilitate the passage of AHT legislation; educate fellow elected officials, partnering organizations, and the public on AHT issues; and advocate on behalf of AHT organizations. The PA Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus is a WORKING Caucus and the AHT Caucus steering committee has already unanimously endorsed the following AHT legislation with strong bicameral, bipartisan support:
We are also striving to give all survivor networks, human service agencies and law enforcement the tools they need to combat this scourge against all humanity—which is exploiting and enslaving millions of women and children and illegally generating more than $150 billion worldwide every year. As a retired law enforcement officer and member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was proud to play an instrumental role in securing more than $2 million over the last two budget cycles to establish and expand the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Section. With this week’s official launch of the bipartisan, bicameral Pennsylvania Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus, I am greatly looking forward to working together collaboratively and shepherding even more high-priority anti-human trafficking initiatives across the finish line. Through force, fraud and coercion, human traffickers push their victims into demeaning forms of abuse, including domestic servitude and commercial sexual exploitation. If you suspect someone is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Time for Action on Convention of States
As the prime sponsor of multiple resolutions, which I have long championed, calling for a limited “Convention of States” (Senate Resolutions 112, 117, 118), I was honored to speak at this year’s Convention of States PA Capitol Rally Day. The purpose of this convention would be to propose amendments to the United States Constitution, limited to consideration of the following possible topics: imposition of fiscal restraints on the Federal Government, limitations on its power and jurisdiction, and limitations of the terms of office for Congress and federal officials. I firmly believe that our Founding Fathers gave us the Article V convention for the purpose of reining in an out-of-control Federal government that many times tramples on the role of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, businesses and our local governments. It is time we implement this powerful tool to build a better future for our Commonwealth and for our nation. Senate Approves Measure to Protect Children from Harmful AI Chats
The Senate approved legislation to establish commonsense safeguards for children interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. The bill will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 1090 would require robust, age-appropriate safeguards to prevent content generation that encourages self-harm, suicide or violence against others, and directs users to appropriate self-harm crisis resources whenever high-risk language is detected. Heartbreaking stories have been reported of vulnerable individuals, including minors, who have used AI chatbots to cope with trauma, mental health, depression and anxiety. Multiple families have alleged in lawsuits that chatbot responses contributed to their teen’s death by suicide. Legislation Expanding First Responder Training Passed by Senate
Legislation to help alleviate the shortage of emergency responder instructors across Pennsylvania was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 782 would allow retired public school and state employees who previously worked part-time as certified EMS, fire or police instructors to return to that work without losing their pension benefits. Retirees would not earn additional benefits. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Acts to Protect Vehicle Choice in Pennsylvania
Legislation preserving Pennsylvanians’ ability to choose their preferred vehicle by prohibiting state mandates on specific vehicle purchases was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 990 protects consumer choice, encourages innovation and helps prevent higher costs associated with uniform mandates. The bill supports a comprehensive approach to transportation that includes gas and diesel-powered vehicles, hybrids, electric vehicles and emerging technologies, allowing new advancements to develop and compete. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Shooting Range Improvement Program Accepting Applications
Shooting ranges and related organizations open for public use have until May 8 to apply for state grants for development and renovation work that helps ensure community access to safe ranges. Related organizations include shooting clubs, recreational shooting organizations, archery clubs and education groups. Public use of facilities includes public range times, educational outreach/trainings or organized shooting competitions. Retail ranges are not eligible to apply for this program. Each Pennsylvania Game Commission region will receive at least one project. Learn about eligible projects and how to apply here.
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