|
||||
|
In this Update:
PA AHT Caucus Scores Victories for Victims, Law Enforcement, Survivors
On July 20, the following bills endorsed by the first-ever bipartisan, bicameral Pennsylvania Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) Caucus were signed into law: Act 41 of 2026 (Senate Bill 45) – Requested and fully supported by the PA Office of Attorney General, Act 41 specifically increases criminal penalties for those who prey upon vulnerable individuals who have been groomed, manipulated and forced into “The Life.” As prime sponsor, the fundamental purpose of this new law remains and has always been giving the attorney general’s office full jurisdiction to comprehensively combat sex trafficking and prostitution across the commonwealth. Act 31 of 2026 (House Bill 1286) – Act 31 establishes mandatory human trafficking awareness training for Pennsylvania workers in the hospitality industry, including online lodging and reservation companies. The signing of this landmark legislation proves once again that ending human trafficking takes all of us: law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, survivor networks, employers and lawmakers. As chairman, I especially would like to express my gratitude to Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman and all of my outstanding PA AHT Caucus co-chairs (pictured above) for taking an extremely active role in advancing this high-priority, bipartisan, bicameral anti-human trafficking legislation across the finish line to prevent further destruction of innocent lives. Fully recognizing that the Keystone State’s geographical location makes it a major hot spot for sex trafficking, domestic servitude, prostitution and organized crime, we also successfully increased state budget funding for two key programs overseen by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday – the Child Predator Interception Unit and the Human Trafficking Enforcement and Prevention program. If you suspect someone is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. ParentCenter.org: AI Technology Actually Used for Good
Today’s parents are navigating an online environment no previous generation has ever faced. Meanwhile, children and young adults are growing up surrounded by smartphones, social media, online grooming, pornography exposure, AI manipulation and algorithm driven platforms competing constantly for their attention, identity and emotional well-being. On this edition of the Mission Report Podcast, Layne Shill, Director, National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) and I “test drive” the newly launched www.ParentCenter.org. We also candidly discuss troubling parental concerns about AI companions and extensively explore what safely separates The Parent Center’s AI tool from other mainstream AI chatbots in the video links below:
Visit my website for exclusive access to every complete episode of the Mission Report Podcast. You can also subscribe and watch by logging on to my YouTube channel. Tremendous Win for Private Property Rights
Every Pennsylvanian deserves to feel safe and secure on their own property, and this week the Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld the strong privacy and property protections provided by our state constitution. The court’s unanimous decision, which came in a case involving two hunting clubs and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, is a major victory for private property rights across the commonwealth. It puts needed restrictions on the use of warrantless searches and correctly overturns the court’s 2007 decision in Commonwealth v. Russo. Specifically, the court held that “Article I, Section 8 provides Pennsylvania citizens with greater protection than the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution as it relates to the open fields of any landowner that has demonstrated a reasonable expectation of privacy by taking sufficient steps to exclude intruders therefrom.” State game wardens have an important and dangerous job, which we all respect. However, the court emphasized the Game Commission must also respect the lawful rights of property owners. Honoring Veterans with Visual Impairments with a Capitol Monument
A Braille Flag monument honoring veterans with visual impairments could be installed at the Pennsylvania Capitol Building under legislation passed by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Braille Flag was created to honor the service of veterans who have been left with life-long visual disabilities. Under Senate Bill 1303, the monument would be made of bronze and include the Pledge of Allegiance in Braille. The display would be sponsored by the Moose Lodge and the American Braille Flag Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to the placement of these flags throughout the country. Read more about Senate Bill 1303 here. Find Summer Getaway Ideas Here in PA
There’s plenty of summer left. If you haven’t had time for a vacation yet, or you’re looking for another getaway, there’s plenty to experience here in our commonwealth. Use VisitPA to explore by regions, such as the Pennsylvania Wilds, Great Lakes, Laurel Highlands, the Lehigh Valley, Dutch Country and more. Break it down by things to do, outdoor activities, dining and other experiences. From rivers and trails to iconic attractions and historic sites, you can start planning your trip at the VisitPA website. Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Photo Contest Accepting Entries
Amateur and professional photographers: Take your best photos of the landscapes, wildlife and activities in a Pennsylvania state park or forest and enter the 2026 Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation “Through the Seasons” photo contest. A panel of experts will select a Judges’ Choice in each category prior to the photos being made available for public voting on the foundation’s Facebook page. Award winners receive gift cards and may be showcased in photo exhibitions. Find rules and entry info at the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation website. All photos must be submitted by Sept. 30. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatordush.com | Privacy Policy |
