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In this Update:
Bill Limiting Smartphone Use in Schools Passes Senate
The Senate this week approved my legislation to improve students’ mental health and academic performance by limiting their use of smartphones in school. Since the early 2010s, there has been a steep decline in mental health in children, and their academic performance is suffering. This decline directly correlates to the rise of smartphones and social media apps. Senate Bill 1207 would establish the Cell Phone Lockable Bag Pilot Program to award grants to participating schools to purchase secure, lockable smartphone bags in which students would deposit their mobile devices until the end of the school day. The bill would then require participating schools to track certain metrics like academic performance, mental health, and instances of bullying and other behavioral issues to study the impact of a smartphone-free school on students. The bill would also require schools participating in the program to include exemptions in their smartphone use policy for students who have a documented medical condition – such as diabetes – that requires the use of a smartphone. Learn more about Senate Bill 1207 and the research supporting it on my website here. Work Continues on the 2024-25 State Budget
Our Senate Republican Caucus remains committed to producing a pro-growth budget which will empower Pennsylvanians and is equally honest with taxpayers about our state’s fiscal health both now and in the future. We have been diligently working to come to consensus on a final product. Additional session days will be added as needed to complete the budget as quickly as possible. Learn more about the process of enacting the 2024-25 state budget and watch the Senate in session here. Senate Advances Bill to Allow Year-round Motorcycle Inspections
The Senate passed legislation to allow safety inspections to be performed year-round on motorcycles registered in Pennsylvania. Even though motorcycles can be purchased and driven on Pennsylvania roadways throughout the year, the state Vehicle Code currently only allows safety inspections to be performed from March to October. Senate Bill 1147 would eliminate that restriction so motorcycle operators have more opportunities to complete required inspections. Motorcycle registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation would continue to be tied to the month the vehicle is to be inspected. Bill Expanding First Responder Service Dog Fee Exemptions Receives Senate Approval
The Senate approved Senate Bill 82 to extend license fee exemptions to service dogs integral to fire departments, sheriff’s offices and rescue services. This exemption currently applies only to municipal and state police departments. The bill was sent to the governor to be signed into law. Service dogs detect threats, aid in search and rescue missions, and provide critical support during medical emergencies. The exemption from licensing fees aims to minimize financial barriers for agencies relying on these highly trained animals. Additionally, the measure addresses challenges created by a revision to the state’s dog law that prohibited out-of-state residents from boarding their dogs in Pennsylvania-based kennels. Senate Passes Bill Discounting Hunting and Fishing Licenses to Volunteer Firefighters
The Senate approved a bill that would enable volunteer firefighters to obtain discounted hunting licenses and fishing licenses in Pennsylvania. Resident adult hunting licenses cost $20.97 and fishing licenses cost $27.97. The legislation would reduce the cost of each to $1 for volunteer firefighters who served at least the previous 12 months in the commonwealth. Pennsylvania in the 1970s had as many as 300,000 volunteer firefighters. There currently are approximately 38,000 volunteer firefighters in the commonwealth. This bill could help reduce that shortage by incentivizing more residents to volunteer for this vital component of public safety. My Staff is CPR Certified
My staff recently got officially certified in CPR by the amazing staff at Lititz Fire Company No. 1. If you’re interested in learning how to administer life-saving CPR, check out this info from American Red Cross Training Services. Manheim Residents Honored for 55 Years of VFW Service
The VFW Post No. 5956 in Manheim honored Walter and Louise Gerhart for each of their 55 years of service to the VFW. Ms. Gerhart held nearly every position at the post level and currently serves as chair of the Trustee, Scholarship, and Hospital committees. The current conductoress at the district level, she has also been named district president twice, and she has held the position of state historian for the Pennsylvania VFW Auxiliary for 13 years. Mr. Gerhart served this country with honor and distinction as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he joined the VFW where he served every position at the post level and was named commander twice. He also served as chaplain for four years and quartermaster, the position he currently holds, for 25 years. Mr. Gerhart has also supported the VFW youth baseball team program in the community. Congratulations to First Place Track and Field Champion
It was a pleasure to host Manheim Central High School junior, Laci Nelson, and her family at the state Capitol last month. Laci won first place in the Class AAA Girls’ Shot Put event at the 2024 PIAA State Track and Field Championships with a throw of 40 feet, 2.50 inches. Congratulations, Laci! Happy 100th Birthday to Two Elizabethtown Residents
Jack Crow Happy belated 100th birthday to Elizabethtown resident Jack Crow! Born in Hollywood, California, in 1924, Jack is the beloved husband of Margaret Crow and the proud father of three children. He has also been blessed with seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. To his great credit, Mr. Crow served this country with honor and distinction as a member of the United States Army from 1943-46.
Doris Beeler Happy belated 100th birthday to Elizabethtown resident Doris Beeler! Born in Manhattan, New York, in 1924, Doris was the beloved wife of Robert Beeler for 55 years prior to his passing in 2016. She is the proud mother of three children and also has been blessed with seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
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