|
||||
|
In this Update:
PA Earns Overall ‘F’ Ranking, But ‘A’ for Effort on National Child Sex Trafficking Report Card
Without question, Human Trafficking is real time, Organized Crime, and the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world, exploiting millions of men, women and children, and generating more than $150 billion US dollars every year. Human trafficking happens everywhere, including right here in Pennsylvania—and as close as your neighborhood or nearest computer laptop. This is precisely why Shared Hope International created the State Report Cards on Child and Youth Sex Trafficking—to evaluate whether each state’s laws are strong enough to protect vulnerable children and hold traffickers and those who enable them fully accountable. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania earned an overall “F” score of 39 and ranked #44 nationally among all 50 states and the District Columbia. Released on Oct. 15, Shared Hope’s latest state report card analysis also revealed that the Keystone State has made important strides in recent years toward expanding legal relief, access to justice, and non-criminalization protections for human trafficking survivors. Most notably, Senate Bill 44—my unanimously advanced landmark legislation that was signed into law as Act No. 39 of 2023—received the only “A” (10 for 10) score for “inclusively defining” that sexually exploited child human trafficking victims always have full access to necessary recovery services and support under the law. Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Bill Addressing AI-Generated Child Sex Abuse Material
With a direct focus on dramatically improving Pennsylvania’s previously mentioned F-rating on Shared Hope International’s National Child and Youth Sex Trafficking Report Card, on Oct. 28, I joined with my colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee in advancing legislation to better protect young people against the serious threats posed by child abuse materials generated using artificial intelligence (AI). Senate Bill 1050 would require mandated reporters to report all instances of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) they become aware of, including those produced by a minor. This applies to teachers, child care workers, health care providers, and other individuals responsible for caring for children. In the past year, the Senate has already taken important steps to combat the issue of sexually explicit materials created through AI by passing Act 125 of 2024 and Act 35 of 2025, which addressed deepfakes and sexual deepfakes. Now awaiting consideration by the full Senate, Senate Bill 1050 would build on these accomplishments and ensure cases involving CSAM are reported and investigated promptly. Human Trafficking Awareness & Response Conference Comes to Pitt-Bradford
Bringing together professionals, students, law enforcement and community leaders, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford partnered with my team and I in hosting a full-day Human Trafficking Awareness and Response Conference on Friday, Oct. 24. It was truly an honor for me to present certificates of appreciation and/or share the podium with the following individuals featured in the photo montage above:
All totaled, 100 nursing, criminal justice and computer information systems and technology majors from Pitt-Bradford and the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville had the opportunity to participate in interactive break-out sessions on identifying signs of human trafficking and supporting survivors; investigative approaches and community collaboration with law enforcement; as well as online exploitation prevention strategies with a focus on the Dark Web. Throughout the event, representatives from regional organizations — including the YWCA of Bradford, Bradford Regional Medical Center, McKean County District Attorney’s Office, Bradford City Police, and national partners such as The Asservo Project and Greenlight Operation—provided resource materials and support contacts for victims and advocates. Measure to Alleviate Corrections Officer Shortage Passed by Senate
The Senate approved legislation targeting the staffing crisis facing the state’s correctional institutions. Senate Bill 111, supported by the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, would expand the pool of qualified candidates to help fill critical vacancies in Pennsylvania’s correctional facilities. Corrections officers across the commonwealth have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years – including mandatory overtime, increased stress and a rise in violent incidents – that have strained morale and operations. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill Protecting Privacy of Lottery Winners Passes Senate
Legislation that would protect the privacy of Pennsylvania Lottery winners who receive prizes of $100,000 or more was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 73 would keep the names, addresses and other personal identifying information of these winners confidential, unless they choose to make it public. The measure allows the Pennsylvania Lottery to continue operating transparently by releasing the winner’s county and municipality of residence and the prize amount. Half of all states already provide either full or partial anonymity for major lottery winners to shield them from harassment, scams and unwanted attention after winning large sums of money. Senate Acts to Expand Access to Midwife Maternal Care
The Senate approved legislation to strengthen maternal health care in Pennsylvania by expanding access to midwife services. Senate Bill 507 would modernize licensure requirements for certified midwives, improve collaboration between midwives and physicians and update prescription authority – particularly for the treatment of substance use disorders. Midwives provide care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, as well as newborn care during the first 28 days of life. Many also offer routine reproductive health services, including prenatal care, clinical exams, screenings and patient education. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Watch Out for Increased Deer Activity on Roads
The number of deer-related crashes in Pennsylvania has been on the rise since 2020, with last year’s total of 6,426 setting a five-year high, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Autumn means increased deer activity on roads. Deer become more active at dawn and dusk, and if you see one, there are usually more. PennDOT advises motorists involved in a deer-related crash to assess the situation to determine whether they need to contact local authorities. Pennsylvanians can report a dead deer for removal from state-maintained roads by calling 1-800-FIX-ROAD or submitting feedback through the PennDOT Customer Care Center.
For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my mission reports, you can get on the e-newsletter mailing list here. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatordush.com | Privacy Policy |
