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In this Update:
New Task Force Created to Keep Kids Safe Online
To make sure state laws keep pace with emerging online threats, the Senate voted for a measure this week I co-authored to create a Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. Senate Resolution 244 directs the Joint State Government Commission to convene a task force to review Pennsylvania’s laws, assess new technologies and identify legal gaps in protections for children in the digital environment. The commission will meet at least every two years and issue recommendations for action to the General Assembly. The proposal builds on previous work by the legislature: In 2024, we passed a law to combat AI generated child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). In 2025, we acted to classify deepfakes as digital forgery for more severe punishment. The Senate also approved bills to strengthen reporting requirements for AI-generated CSAM and to establish commonsense safeguards for AI chatbots accessible by minors. Read more about our efforts to protect children in the digital age here. Senate Approves Bills to Make Housing More Attainable Across PA
The Senate acted to help alleviate Pennsylvania’s growing housing shortage by approving three bills to expand access to housing while preserving local control. Senate Bill 1279 creates a Housing Development Regulatory Compliance Officer to improve coordination and efficiency in the permitting process. Senate Bill 1236 reduces regulatory burdens on small-scale home construction projects by reforming the stormwater permitting process. Senate Bill 1281 empowers local governments to streamline approval processes using uniform housing plans, helping reduce delays and cut unnecessary red tape. These reforms reduce several of the barriers contributing to Pennsylvania’s housing shortage, helping create more opportunities for homeownership while giving communities the flexibility to encourage growth in a way that reflects local needs and priorities. The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Cellphone Law to Reduce Distracted Driving Takes Full Effect
After a one-year warning period, a state law aimed at reducing distracted driving becomes fully enforceable today (June 5). The law prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light or other delays. Drivers can still use their phones to alert authorities in the event of an emergency and use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use a GPS and listen to music. Drivers convicted of using a hand-held device while driving will pay a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees under Paul Miller’s Law. The law is named for Paul Miller Jr., who was tragically killed in a 2010 Monroe County crash by a tractor trailer operator distracted while reaching for his phone while driving. Read more about this new law here. Protecting Yourself During Tick Season
Pennsylvania recorded more than 18,700 cases of Lyme disease in 2025, and the Centers for Disease Control estimates the true number may be much higher due to underreporting. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can cause serious long-term health complications, particularly when left untreated. Nearly 55% of ticks tested in Pennsylvania were found to carry at least one tick-borne pathogen, and blacklegged ticks have now been identified in all 67 counties. You can protect yourself by using repellent, avoiding brushy areas and checking your body and pets after outdoor activities. Learn more about protecting yourself from ticks here. Remembering D-Day
On June 6, 1944, the fate of Europe would be determined by the largest amphibious invasion in history, including 13,000 aircraft and gliders, 23,400 paratroopers, 5,000 ships and landing craft and 160,000 American, British and Canadian troops. More than 9,000 Allied servicemen were killed or wounded that day in northern France. It is our responsibility as Americans to honor their bravery, tell the stories of their heroism and preserve what they defended so their sacrifices were not in vain.
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