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In this Update:

• 10,000 Comments Stop Shapiro Health Regulations “For Now”
• PA Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus Declares Major Victories for Victims, Law Enforcement, Survivors
• Legislation to Ban “Nudification” Apps Passed by Senate
• Strategies to Combat Antisemitism and Hate Highlighted at Senate Hearing
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Don’t Miss Your Mammogram!

10,000 Comments Stop Shapiro Health Regulations “For Now”

On Sept. 25, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Department of Health (DOH) withdrew proposed health regulations that would have vastly expanded state government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians. 

Shortly before the regulations were withdrawn, more than 10,000 citizens, school officials and others submitted comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission expressing their serious concerns. I joined my colleagues in a letter to the commission warning the changes would greatly imperil our constitutional rights. 

Make no mistake, this 502-page Orwellian monstrosity was only temporarily abandoned by the Shapiro Administration. Unfortunately, our victory is far from guaranteed.

Ever since the Shapiro administration’s late Friday afternoon announcement of this regulatory withdrawal, they have conveniently reverted to the following two-word catch phrase, “For Now.”

We must remain vigilant – as the DOH could “resubmit new proposed regulations” on any “Future Date”– which if left unchecked would still drastically expand government authority to infringe upon our homes and businesses, our schools, our parental rights and our personal privacy.

Although Pennsylvanians successfully endured and ultimately, overruled, the previous governor’s senseless, job-killing COVID-19 economic lockdown, we can never afford to go back.

Reimposing universal mask mandates, warrantless searches, extended quarantines and “vaccine passports” via DOH regulations is another unilateral executive branch assault to circumvent the checks and balances of your state legislature, our state constitution, and the WILL of the PEOPLE.

PA Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus Declares Major Victories for Victims, Law Enforcement, Survivors

Earlier this week, I was proud to join with members of the PA Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus (AHT) for a state Capitol news conference to celebrate two monumental legislative victories for victims, law enforcement, and survivors (Act 31 of 2026, Act 41 of 2026).

The signing of this landmark legislation proves once again that ending human trafficking takes all of us: AHT-focused organizations, law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, community leaders, employers, lawmakers, and especially, survivors.

The important work of the PA AHT Caucus is getting a great deal of attention because we are consistently able to demonstrate a significant cross-party unanimity that bridges the partisan divide between the PA House and PA Senate.

Assembled earlier this year, our mission is to accelerate passage of impactful legislation through evaluating and making bipartisan and bicameral recommendations to each of the four sets of leadership in the PA General Assembly and the governor.

Fully recognizing that the Keystone State’s geographical location makes it a prime hot spot for sex trafficking, labor trafficking, prostitution and organized crime, we will continue working together to shepherd more high-priority legislative initiatives across the finish line to prevent further destruction of innocent lives.

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.

Legislation to Ban “Nudification” Apps Passed by Senate

Continuing our work to implement stronger safeguards on artificial intelligence, legislation to ban “nudification” apps – which allow individuals to take an image of someone and generate a fake nude or sexually explicit photo of that person – was approved by the Senate.

Senate Bill 1368 prohibits such apps from being developed, operated or made available in Pennsylvania, including through online application marketplaces.

These apps serve no legitimate purpose and pose a special risk to children and school students, whose lives can be upended and reputations damaged through the malicious use of this technology. The measure will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Learn more about Senate Bill 1368 here.

Strategies to Combat Antisemitism and Hate Highlighted at Senate Hearing

Educators, parents and advocacy organizations shared their experiences with antisemitism and explored strategies to combat hate during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee.

According to the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) 2025 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, Pennsylvania recorded 281 antisemitic incidents, the fifth highest number in the nation. Harassment accounted for 70% of these cases — 194 incidents — alongside 80 acts of vandalism and seven physical assaults. It’s believed these incidents are grossly underreported because victims fear for their safety.

Testifiers discussed how antisemitism can take root in schools, noting the state Department of Education doesn’t track or require administrators to note when an incident is antisemitic, leaving students and parents without a way to seek justice. Video of the full hearing and written testimony are available on the Senate Majority Policy Committee’s website.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Don’t Miss Your Mammogram!

The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, talk with your healthcare provider about whether earlier or additional screening may be appropriate.

To help, we passed Act 1 of 2023 to ensure supplemental breast cancer screening MRIs and ultrasound for individuals at higher risk are covered with no out-of-pocket costs. We also passed Act 52 of 2025 to eliminate all out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic breast imaging, including mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds needed to evaluate an abnormal finding. Act 52 is currently beginning the implementation process, with full implementation by January 2028.

Pennsylvania residents without insurance or limited insurance, like a high-deductible plan, may qualify for no-cost mammograms and follow-up imaging through programs such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn more, contact the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s Director of Patient Advocacy Dolores Magro at 800-377-8828.

When breast cancer is detected at its earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Don’t miss your mammogram. Early detection saves lives!