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In this Update:

• Protecting Irreplaceable Farmland from Eminent Domain
• Fighting for Faith and Family
• Shapiro’s Overreach on New State Health Regulations
• Protecting Children and Families from AI Deception
• Fire and EMS Companies Can Apply Now for State Assistance

Protecting Irreplaceable Farmland from Eminent Domain

U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and I are working together to advance state and federal legislation to protect private farmland from being forcibly confiscated through eminent domain.

GT’s recently introduced Not In My Barnyard Act (H.R. 10135) would prohibit the federal government from initiating eminent domain proceedings on any agricultural land when a feasible alternative site exists, ensuring the U.S. has enough productive farmland to feed and fuel the country.

Currently languishing in the Democrat-controlled Pennsylvania House, my private property protection legislation (Senate Bill 225) was unanimously advanced by the Pennsylvania Senate in June 2025 to financially protect farm owners whose properties are seized through eminent domain and the corresponding loss of goodwill.   

Any life-sustaining family farm that has been meticulously cared for, cultivated, and enriched over generations has amassed a great deal of economic and community goodwill which is permanently destroyed whenever agricultural producers are forced off their land.

This is especially true for Centre County farmers whose food-producing private properties are currently being targeted by PennDOT for the I-322 Connector project. As chairman of the Senate State Government Committee, I convened a public hearing on this issue back in 2024 where the committee heard from these Centre County farmers, which can be viewed here.

Both Senate Bill 225 and the Not In My Barnyard Act are fully supported by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

Ultimately, the commonsense purpose behind both our respective bills is to make it far more difficult and expensive for government to forcibly confiscate private farmland.

Fighting for Faith and Families

Pennsylvania ranks 34th in the nation for Family Stability, according to the 2026 Family Structure Index.

The combined statistics behind Pennsylvania’s plummeting national ranking undeniably prove that when marriages and families fail, churches and Commonwealth communities suffer.

On this edition of the Mission Report Podcast, and the video links below, Pastor Kurt Weaver, PA Church Ambassador Network and I candidly zero in on some immediate faith-based solutions both church leaders and state lawmakers must partner together on to significantly improve the strength and structure of Pennsylvania families:

• Fighting for Faith and Families
• Reviving Flatlining Church Attendance
• Recognizing Real Costs of Legalizing High-Potency Marijuana
• Keeping Abortion Out of PA Constitution (PA March for Life)
• Perfectly Created in God’s Image
• Becoming Disciples of Truth
• Prayerfully Building Bridges Between Church and State
• Calling All PA Prayer Warriors  

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.

Shapiro’s Overreach on New State Health Regulations

Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Health recently proposed broad new health regulations, which it appears would – among other things – give the state far more power to enter our homes, businesses, schools and doctor’s offices without a warrant. These latest proposed regulations are being pursued unilaterally by the governor outside of the legislative process – without input being sought from me or my colleagues.

While we’re currently reviewing all the details, there are tremendous concerns – and we are not about to let 502 pages of regulations run people’s lives. You can read the immense regulatory proposal here. We cannot allow any actions like we saw taken by the executive branch during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to be put in place. The draconian shutdowns and overly restrictive mandates that impeded the lives of every Pennsylvanian during COVID have no place in our state.

The public comment period is open through Sept. 21, and I encourage you to join me and submit your comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission. Our health and safety can be protected without sacrificing our privacy and freedoms.

Protecting Children and Families from AI Deception

It’s critical for state laws to keep up with fast-evolving Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, especially as it relates to protecting our children online. I’m proud of our work to address the alarming rise in AI-generated sexual images of children, as well as non-consenting adults, through  Act 125 of 2024 which gives prosecutors the ability to go after criminals who create “deepfake” AI images of minors and child sexual abuse materials.

Previously, Pennsylvania law made it illegal to share intimate images without consent, and Act 125 took it a step further to combat the use of AI technology for this purpose and prohibits AI from being utilized to generate child sexual abuse material. As technology continues to advance, we must be vigilant in making sure proper safeguards are put in place.

Fire and EMS Companies Can Apply Now for State Assistance

Attention local fire companies, emergency medical services and volunteer rescue squads: Applications are being accepted for the latest round of the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant program.

The funds can be used to help pay for facility construction/renovation, equipment, training, debt reduction and more. The application period closes Oct. 22.

Providing communities with fire, medical and rescue services comes with a considerable price tag, especially for volunteer organizations. The General Assembly funds these grants to ensure these life-saving services are available. Find more information and applications here.