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In this Update:

• Register Today for Millersville License Plate Replacement Event
• Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Rules Released
• Senate Acts to Strengthen Property Rights
• Senate Passes Bill to Establish Animal Abuser Registry
• Standing with Breast Cancer Survivors

Register Today for Millersville License Plate Replacement Event

My office will be hosting a damaged license plate replacement event Thursday, Oct. 15, from 5-7 p.m. at the Millersville Borough Building, located at 100 Municipal Drive in Millersville.

You may be eligible for a replacement plate if your damaged plate has loss of reflectivity, peeling, blistering or discoloration, and if it cannot be read from 50 feet away.

Law enforcement will make the final determination if your plate needs replacing and will help with completing the appropriate paperwork. Once PennDOT receives the paperwork, the replacement plate will be mailed to your home address.

This is a free service, and you can pre-register by calling my Strasburg office at 717-397-1309. Registration is not required, but it is appreciated.

Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Rules Released

The U.S. Department of Treasury recently released additional details on a new federal scholarship program that could bring hundreds of millions of dollars to Pennsylvania to support expanded learning opportunities for students.

The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program – which will launch on January 1 – allows taxpayers to earn up to $1,700 in tax credits for contributions to non-profit Scholarship Granting Organizations. These organizations could use the funds to provide scholarships for education-related services at private or public schools, including tuition, fees, academic tutoring, special education services, technology services and classroom supplies.

For students and families to be eligible for scholarships, a state must opt in with either an order signed by its governor or a law passed by the state legislature by Jan. 1, 2027. If a state does not opt in, taxpayers in that state will still be eligible for the tax credit, but the money will fund scholarships in other states.

There is no excuse for Pennsylvania to fail to opt in. I co-authored legislation that would allow our students to access this federal funding and I encourage Gov. Shapiro to opt into the program without further delay.

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.

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

The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the State Capitol this week by turning the East Wing Fountain pink. 

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.