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In this Update:
Anti-Human Trafficking Legislation to Criminalize AI-Generated Child Pornography Awaits Governor’s Signature
It’s really no secret that the Internet is an unparalleled hunting ground where criminal human traffickers savagely prey upon innocent children and minors. Child pornography, better described as “child sexual abuse materials,” re-traumatizes victims every time the material is shared online and has lasting damage. On Oct. 9, legislation I co-sponsored to combat child sexual abuse materials generated by artificial intelligence (AI) received final Senate approval and is set for enactment into law. Senate Bill 1213 addresses the alarming rise in AI-generated deepfake sexual images of children and non-consenting adults. Currently, Pennsylvania law makes it illegal to share intimate images without consent but does not clearly address the use of AI deepfake technology for this purpose. This gap in our law leaves many vulnerable to this new form of digital abuse. The bill prohibits AI from being utilized to generate child sexual abuse material, which is not currently prohibited under law. In August, police in Lancaster County launched an investigation into a case of artificially generated nude photos that use the faces of more than 20 female teenage students. The district attorney said that in some cases charges can’t be filed because the images don’t involve actual children. Currently awaiting the governor’s signature, Senate Bill 1213 would close that loophole. Get Your State and Federal Government Questions Answered on Wednesday, Oct. 30
Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson and I are pleased to announce our upcoming Cameron County area satellite office hours. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, team members from both offices will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Driftwood Senior Center, 7806 Bridge Street, Driftwood, PA 15832. This is your opportunity to get your important state and federal government questions answered at one location. No appointments are necessary. For further information, contact my Smethport district office at 814-734-2785. Standing With Israel, Praying for Israel
On Oct. 7, the Senate observed a moment of silence during session in remembrance of the one-year anniversary of the unconscionable attacks perpetuated against Israel and the Jewish people by Hamas terrorists. More than 1,100 innocent Israeli babies, children, women and men were inhumanely tortured and murdered while attending an outdoor music festival on Oct. 7, 2023. We must never forget, and never stop praying for the release of the remaining hostages held captive by Hamas. Our Commonwealth’s and our nation’s sacred bond with the sovereign nation of Israel is forged from the deeply embedded and shared values of liberty, freedom and an unyielding pursuit of peace. Genesis 12:1-3 Let us continue to bless Israel with our prayers and pray for peace to come to all those who inhabit the land. Bill to Preserve Cash Entrance to School-Sponsored Activities Earns Senate Approval
Last week, my legislation to require schools to accept cash as payment for entry to all school-sponsored activities (Senate Bill 1176), including sporting events sanctioned by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, was approved (47-1) by the Pennsylvania Senate. Many Pennsylvania schools now refuse to accept cash as a form of payment into school-sponsored concerts, plays and athletic events. While the mandatory cashless option is much more convenient for some and greatly streamlines the accounting process at the ticket office, for the elderly and others living on fixed incomes, it can make routine attendance at school-sponsored activities much more difficult or impossible. Although schools across the commonwealth would still be able to offer cashless payment options, under Senate Bill 1176, they would no longer be allowed to turn away anyone who is unable to download an app or swipe a credit card to purchase a ticket. Amended by the Senate Education Committee, Senate Bill 1176 also includes language that would allow schools to refuse exceedingly large bills, such as a $100 bill for an activity where entry is only $1. In our constitutional republic, anyone willing to purchase a ticket with legal United States currency should never be discriminated against or denied entrance to a championship football game or any other school-sponsored activity—simply for lacking the latest payment technology. Senate Bill 1176 now advances to the Pennsylvania House for consideration. More information is available here. Legislative Responsibility Must Be Preserved
A resolution to ensure transparency and uphold the balance of power between legislative branches of government was adopted by the Senate on Oct. 8. Senate Resolution 334 was introduced in response to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Secretary Patrick M. Browne refusing to comply with the subpoena issued by the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee on July 10, 2024. With the legislative authority laid forth in the Pennsylvania Constitution, the legislative branch has the responsibility to review programs established in statute and determine what changes, modifications or eliminations may need to take place. From the misuse of government resources to purposely misinterpreting legislation during the regulation writing process that places undue burdens on taxpayers, businesses, school districts and municipal governments, it’s time for the Pennsylvania Legislature to start fully exercising our investigative subpoena authority to put a stop to these abuses that are destroying the lives and livelihoods of the citizens we serve. Senate Committee Votes to be Prepared for Natural Disasters
As hurricanes Helene and Milton remind us of the importance of being prepared to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies, the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee advanced three bills to support Pennsylvania’s emergency responders. All three bills now advance to the full Senate for consideration. House Bill 843 would establish a second urban search and rescue team in western Pennsylvania. Funding for the team was included in this year’s state budget. The bridge collapse and East Palestine train derailment demonstrated the need for emergency response in minutes, not hours. House Bill 1304 would update the language in the 911 Law to increase penalties for misuse of the 911 system and ensure communications service providers report service outages as specified by the Federal Communications Commission or Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. House Bill 2407 would update the state Fire and EMS Grant Program by enabling fire and EMS companies to use grants for preventative health measures, mental health awareness and treatment. The legislation also would allow testing after each of the four training modules that total 188 hours for the Firefighter 1 certification, as opposed to requiring firefighters to pass a cumulative test covering all modules as is currently the case. Finally, the bill would increase the thresholds that fire and EMS companies can borrow from the low-interest Fire and EMS Loan Program. What Do You Think of PennDOT’s Construction and Maintenance Services?
Motorists have until Tuesday, Oct. 22, to provide feedback regarding PennDOT’s construction and maintenance services via an online survey. The survey asks respondents how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations regarding construction and maintenance services. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to their department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. Know Your Breast Cancer Risk
Understanding your breast cancer risk is vital for protecting your health. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can lower your risk. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking are also important preventive steps. Regular screenings and self-exams are essential for early detection, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Discussing your personal risk with a doctor can help you explore further preventive options, such as genetic testing or medications. By implementing these strategies and staying informed, you can take significant steps toward lowering your risk. Learn more about breast cancer risk here. Prepare Now for the Nov. 5 Election
Election Day on Nov. 5 is approaching. Make sure you’re able to participate by registering to vote no later than Oct. 21. If you’ve moved, this is also a great time to double check that you’re registered to vote at your current address—and to ensure that no one else inadvertently registered at your address as well. Anyone who wishes to vote by mail must apply by Oct. 29. You must be a registered voter to submit an application to vote by mail. If you are looking for a way to help your community, learn more about becoming a poll worker here. Thousands of Pennsylvanians are needed to run elections, and poll workers are needed in all 67 counties.
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