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In this Update:

• Senate Stands with Attorney General, District Attorneys, State Troopers and Police
• Lancaster Senior Expo Set for August 27
• Measure Cracking Down on “CDL Mills” Becomes Law
• Consider a Future as an Emergency Medical Services Provider
• Nominate a Non-Teaching School Employee for a RISE Award
• Organ and Tissue Donation Saves Lives

Senate Stands with Attorney General, District Attorneys, State Troopers and Police

Individuals convicted of second-degree murder have committed some of the most horrific crimes imaginable, including acts of torture, sexual assault and arson that resulted in the death of another person. They deserve stiff punishments that fit the heinous nature of these crimes.

In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that our current sentencing structure for second-degree murder (life without parole in every case) is unconstitutional. This raises the risk that some of those individuals who have been convicted of these crimes could eventually be re-sentenced or even released. In other cases, courts could struggle to give victims’ families a meaningful chance to participate since many did not sign up for victim notifications, believing their loved one’s killer would be behind bars for life.

The justices gave the General Assembly 120 days to enact legislation correcting the situation. The state Senate successfully passed strong bipartisan legislation to address this issue – twice. The Senate’s legislation is supported by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania District Attorneys, the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, the Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, and the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.           

Unfortunately, state House Democrat leaders refused to allow a vote on this bipartisan legislation, instead passing a weak bill that included numerous elements that create serious concerns, including a lack of actual sentencing guidelines and other provisions that could result in even more dangerous criminals being released from prison.

I will continue fighting for a strong, commonsense response to the Supreme Court’s decision because the safety of our communities is at stake.

Lancaster Senior Expo Set for August 27

Approximately 60 exhibitors will be available to offer information on programs and services for older community residents at my Senior Expo August 27. This free public event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Farm and Home Center, located at 1383 Arcadia Road in Lancaster.

State, county and local agencies will be on hand to provide information on a wide variety of benefits for older Pennsylvanians, including health and wellness, assistive technologies, consumer protection, income tax assistance, veteran benefits, traffic safety, utility assistance, and much more. Free health screenings, door prizes and light refreshments will also be available for visitors.

Some of the features of this year’s expo include:

• America250PA celebrating the nation’s 250^th anniversary.
• A secure drug take-back box to dispose of unused prescriptions (offered by the Lancaster District Attorney’s Office).
• Technology tutoring for seniors offered by Tech Buddies, a non-profit organization that encourages teenage volunteers to help older Pennsylvanians with cell phones and other devices.

Seniors can RSVP to attend the expo at https://senatorscottmartinpa.com/senior-expo-constituent-reg/.

Measure Cracking Down on “CDL Mills” Becomes Law

Legislation cracking down on unauthorized commercial driver’s license (CDL) schools operating in Pennsylvania is now law, significantly boosting penalties for these “CDL mills.”

Act 50 of 2026 increases the maximum civil penalty for operating an unauthorized CDL school from $2,500 to $25,000, giving the state Department of Education a stronger enforcement tool to stop illegal operations and discourage violations. The new law does not impact private employers that provide CDL training to their own employees at no cost.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1295 to reinforce tractor trailer safety in the commonwealth. The legislative package reflects new federal regulations and federal legislation to strengthen commercial vehicle operations following allegations of unqualified truck drivers in the country illegally. Read more about improving commercial vehicle safety here.

Consider a Future as an Emergency Medical Services Provider

You could have a future in Emergency Medical Services, a critical component of healthy communities.

Find out what it takes to be an EMS provider and get your start with the state Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.

The site includes EMS education, information and resources, regional EMS council contact information and more.

Nominate a Non-Teaching School Employee for a RISE Award

Non-teaching school employees – including paraprofessional, clerical, transportation, food service, custodial, security and health workers – play key roles in keeping our local schools running.   

If you know an incredible non-teaching employee, you can nominate them for a Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. Find details and a nomination form at the state Department of Education website.

Nominations for 2026 close Aug. 30.

Organ and Tissue Donation Saves Lives

Saturday is PA Donor Day across the commonwealth, a statewide effort to rally support for the more than 6,000 Pennsylvanians waiting for a life-saving transplant. It’s held on 8/1 because eight lives can be saved by just one registered donor.

PA Donor Day 2026 is especially important because the number of Pennsylvanians registering as organ donors has slowed and transplant waiting lists are long.

You can register to donate at any time – you don’t need to get a driver’s license or permit. Learn more about organ and tissue donation and register to be a donor here.