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In this Update:

• My Bill to Require AEDs at Utility Worksites Passes Senate
• Measures Helping Nonprofit Fundraising Efforts Approved by Senate
• Focus on the 46th
• Senate Acts to Strengthen Property Rights
• School Bus Driver Safety Bill Approved by Senate
• Senate Passes Bill to Establish Animal Abuser Registry
• Standing with Breast Cancer Survivors

My Bill to Require AEDs at Utility Worksites Passes Senate

I am proud to see bipartisan legislation I introduced with Sen. Nick Pisciottano, Senate Bill 1328, advance from the Senate by a vote of 47-2. The bill would require electric utilities and their contractors to have automated external defibrillators readily available at utility and electrical worksites, including temporary and field locations. Lineworkers routinely work in dangerous conditions, and having an AED close at hand could be critical when every second matters.

Travis Beck, president, Utility Workers Union of America System Local 102, “Pennsylvania’s utility lineworkers work in all weather and in inherently dangerous conditions, where sudden cardiac arrest from electrical shock on highly energized systems is a constant risk. When we brought this concern to Senator Bartolotta, she immediately went to work for lineworkers and led the effort to ensure we have access to AEDs on our worksites. UWUA System Local 102 and the PA Energy Workers Alliance greatly appreciate her bipartisan leadership and her commitment to being a champion for energy workers.”

Aric Baker, president, IBEW Local 459, “Today’s bipartisan passage of SB 1328 in the Senate is a huge step forward for Pennsylvania’s lineworkers and the blue-collar energy workers who keep our hospitals, homes, schools and businesses running. Lineworkers deserve real, life-saving protections on the job, and today’s vote shows what’s possible when lawmakers come together to prioritize worker safety. IBEW Local 459 thanks Senators Bartolotta and Pisciottano for their leadership and steadfast support of energy workers.”

You can watch my floor remarks by tapping or clicking the image above.

Measures Helping Nonprofit Fundraising Efforts Approved by Senate 

The Senate approved two bills to give a boost to civic organizations, fire companies, veterans’ groups and other Pennsylvania nonprofits that rely on small games of chance for crucial fundraising.  

Under current law, clubs and organizations are limited to awarding no more than $35,000 in prizes from small games of chance each week. That cap has not been updated since 2013, despite inflation and the rising costs of programs these organizations fund. 

Senate Bill 995 would raise the weekly limit to $60,000, ensuring local groups can continue generating the revenue they rely on to support vital community programs and services. Read more about this bill.  

Senate Bill 465 would allow licensed clubs to retain up to 50% of their small games of chance proceeds, up from the current 40%. Clubs would continue to be required to use at least 50% of proceeds for public interest purposes. The change would provide clubs with more flexibility to cover operating costs while continuing to support their communities. Read more about this measure.

The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Focus on the 46th

I enjoyed joining my colleagues for the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Legislative Breakfast Forum. We had a great discussion about the issues shaping business growth and economic development across Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Strong partnerships between our business community and elected leaders are essential to creating opportunities, supporting employers, and keeping our region moving forward. Thank you to Chris Heck, President and CEO of PAACC, for the invitation, and to Dj Ryan of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission for moderating the discussion.

It was a pleasure to join the Washington Italian Festival in recognizing and honoring Washington County’s Italian American active-duty service members and veterans. This year marked the 10th annual festival organized by the Sons & Daughters of Italy Primo Italiano Lodge 2800, celebrating both our Italian American heritage and the contributions of those who serve our nation.

A special thank-you to Tina Calabro and Jon Bruno for their dedication to organizing this event year after year. Their hard work helps ensure we continue to recognize the sacrifices of our service members and veterans while celebrating the traditions that bring our community together.

I was grateful to join my dear friend Diana Irey Vaughan, President and CEO of Washington City Mission, for Conversations on a Bench, a national, 24-hour livestream highlighting homelessness and the efforts underway to bring hope and help to people in need. We discussed how faith, compassion, and community can come together to change lives.

Washington City Mission puts the love of Christ into action every day by providing shelter, food, and care for veterans, women, and children, while helping people overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. I believe faith means more when we put it into practice. Scripture calls us to love our neighbors, share our blessings, and care for those who are struggling.

We can all make a difference, whether by volunteering our time, sharing a meal, mentoring a child, or simply listening to someone who needs support. I am thankful to Diana and the entire City Mission team for being a beacon of hope in our community. Sometimes, one of the most meaningful ways to share God’s love is simply to show up.

You can watch my discussion with Diana by tapping or clicking the image above.

I recently welcomed a couple of very special visitors to my Washington district office when VetPets of SWPA stopped by with some of their therapy dogs! These wonderful animals offer comfort and companionship, and I am proud to support the organization’s work in our community.

I am also happy to help spread the word about VetPets of SWPA’s upcoming 5th Annual Bash for Heroes on October 17 at the South Franklin Fire Hall. I encourage everyone to learn more about the event and support this great organization.

Congratulations to Greene County Solicitor Robert “Gene” Grimm on receiving the Outstanding County Solicitor Award from the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania at its 140th Annual Conference and Trade Show. This recognition is a well-deserved honor for his dedicated service.

I was pleased to present Gene with a Senate Citation of Congratulations in recognition of this achievement. Thank you, Gene, for your continued commitment to Greene County and the residents you serve. It is always a privilege to recognize the people who work hard to strengthen our communities.

I recently visited Fredericktown Butcher Shop to celebrate 50 years of serving our community! Established in 1976 by the late Albert Giles, affectionately known as “Mr. Albert,” and his wife, Cynthia, the shop continues its family tradition today under the ownership of their daughter, Cindy Jean Giles. I was honored to present Cindy Jean with a Senate Citation of Congratulations marking this impressive milestone.

Of course, I couldn’t leave without sampling some of the local favorites! The fried chicken and famous beef sticks were fantastic, and I even got to try their smoked coffee. Naturally, I brought a bag of those beans home with me!

If you’re traveling along Route 88, Fredericktown Butcher Shop is a must-stop. Congratulations to Cindy Jean and the entire Giles family on five decades of serving our community. Here’s to many more years of success!

You can watch me present the Senate Citation to Cindy Jean by clicking this link.

Beautiful fall weather provided the perfect backdrop for kicking off Cecil Township’s 38th Annual Fall Festival! Events like this are a wonderful opportunity to bring neighbors together, enjoy great food, and support the small businesses and vendors that help make our communities special. Thank you to the Cecil Township Parks & Recreation Board and all the volunteers who work hard to make this annual tradition possible.

Senate Acts to Strengthen Property Rights

Property rights are enshrined in both the U.S. and the Pennsylvania constitutions, and the Senate approved legislation to strengthen protections against warrantless entry onto private property by Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel.

Senate Bill 1431 would require Game Commission personnel to obtain a valid warrant before entering private property, including posted land, unless a judicially recognized exception to the warrant requirement applies.

Current law gives Game Commission personnel broad authority to enter land outside buildings, whether posted or otherwise. Senate Bill 1431 would place clear limits on that authority while preserving recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement. Read more about the effort to strengthen property rights.

School Bus Driver Safety Bill Approved by Senate

Approximately 1.5 million children are transported on school buses every day in Pennsylvania, and the Senate approved legislation aimed at keeping reckless bus drivers from getting behind the wheel.

Senate Bill 1262 would increase penalties for school bus drivers who transport children while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or a dangerous combination of both. Read more about this school bus safety measure.

The latest Senate action follows passage last year of Senate Bill 65, which would increase the required stopping distance for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. Both bills await passage in the House of Representatives.

Senate Passes Bill to Establish Animal Abuser Registry

The Senate approved Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee’s Law, to help prevent convicted abusers from obtaining more animals by establishing a statewide animal abuser registry. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

People selling, transferring or offering dogs, cats or horses for adoption would be required to check the registry, which would be maintained by Pennsylvania State Police, and refuse placement with anyone listed. These requirements will help shelters, rescues and others placing animals in new homes identify convicted abusers before another animal is put at risk.

The legislation is named after a six-month-old husky found abandoned in a crate beneath a bridge in Erie during subzero temperatures. She was severely underweight, covered in filth and suffering from frostbite on all four paws. Despite the rescuers’ efforts to save her, Aimee did not survive. Read more about Aimee’s Law.

Standing with Breast Cancer Survivors

I was proud to join the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition at the State Capitol as we kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by turning the East Wing Fountain pink. It was especially meaningful to stand alongside breast cancer survivors and thrivers, advocates and families from across Pennsylvania who continue to bring hope and strength to this important cause.

The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and ensuring women have access to the screenings, care and support they need. And here in Pennsylvania during October, we’re reminded that breast cancer is not a red or blue issue – it’s pink. It affects every one of us. Together, we can raise awareness, support those facing breast cancer and celebrate the survivors and thrivers who inspire us every day.