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In this Update:
Culver Bill to Support Living Organ Donors Advances
I am pleased to share that Senate Bill 124 was unanimously approved by the Senate Finance Committee and now moves forward for further consideration. This bipartisan legislation, which I am co-prime sponsoring with Senator Lindsey Williams, would allow living organ donors to deduct up to $10,000 in unreimbursed expenses related to donation, including travel, lodging, lost wages, and medical expenses. The committee adopted an amendment that gives donors greater flexibility by allowing the deduction to be claimed either in the tax year when the transplant occurs or in the tax year when the related expenses are incurred. That is an important improvement because real-life costs do not always fall neatly into one calendar year. Living organ donors make an extraordinary choice to help save a life. This bill is a practical step to reduce a financial barrier for people who are willing to do something so meaningful. Senate Bill 124 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Approves Measure to Protect Children from Harmful AI Chats
The Senate approved legislation to establish commonsense safeguards for children interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. The bill will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 1090 would require robust, age-appropriate safeguards to prevent content generation that encourages self-harm, suicide or violence against others, and directs users to appropriate self-harm crisis resources whenever high-risk language is detected. Heartbreaking stories have been reported of vulnerable individuals, including minors, who have used AI chatbots to cope with trauma, mental health, depression and anxiety. Multiple families have alleged in lawsuits that chatbot responses contributed to their teen’s death by suicide. Legislation Expanding First Responder Training Passed by Senate
Legislation to help alleviate the shortage of emergency responder instructors across Pennsylvania was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 782 would allow retired public school and state employees who previously worked part-time as certified EMS, fire or police instructors to return to that work without losing their pension benefits. Retirees would not earn additional benefits. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Fundraiser Highlights Growth and STEM Opportunity
I appreciated the opportunity to join the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum for its recent fundraiser and to help kick off an evening focused on supporting a great local resource for children and families. The museum continues to play an important role in encouraging curiosity, hands-on learning, and exploration for young people in our region. This event helped the plans connected to the Challenger Learning Center Bloomsburg, which will create a permanent, ADA-accessible STEM hub in the museum’s new facility. Projects like this help connect students to science, technology, and problem-solving in a way that is engaging and memorable. Thank you to the museum team, supporters, and everyone who helped make the event a success. Watsontown America250 Event Recognizes Local Prominent Women
I was honored to be included in Watsontown’s recent Prominent Women Presentation as part of the community’s America250 efforts. It was a meaningful event that recognized women whose service, leadership, and accomplishments helped shape the community in different ways. The program remembered the Caldwell sisters for their commitment to church and civic life, recognized Dr. Margaret Burns Kirk for her pathbreaking medical career, and highlighted Vera Eileen Kramer Thompson’s distinguished nursing service, including her time in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps during World War II. It also honored Nurse Helen Fairchild, whose World War I service and sacrifice are remembered with deep respect, and Charlotte Jean Freeman McClintock, who broke barriers in public safety and emergency service. I appreciated the opportunity to join in honoring local women whose stories reflect dedication, courage, and a lasting commitment to others. Thank you to Diana Johnson with the Watsontown Historical Association, the Watsontown 250 Committee, the presenters, volunteers, and everyone who helped organize this special program. Events like this are an important reminder that local history is built by people who stepped forward and made a difference close to home. Senate Acts to Protect Vehicle Choice in Pennsylvania
Legislation preserving Pennsylvanians’ ability to choose their preferred vehicle by prohibiting state mandates on specific vehicle purchases was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 990 protects consumer choice, encourages innovation and helps prevent higher costs associated with uniform mandates. The bill supports a comprehensive approach to transportation that includes gas and diesel-powered vehicles, hybrids, electric vehicles and emerging technologies, allowing new advancements to develop and compete. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Meeting with County Leaders at the Capitol
This week I had the opportunity to meet with members of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP), including Snyder County Commissioner Joe Kantz and Northumberland County Commissioners Joe Klebon and Meghan Beck, during a luncheon at the Capitol hosted through the Senate Local Government Committee, which I am a member of. Conversations like these are valuable because county officials are on the front lines of many issues that directly affect our communities, from infrastructure and public safety to human services and local government operations. It is always helpful to hear directly from local leaders about the challenges they are seeing and the priorities they believe need attention. I appreciated the chance to connect with CCAP leadership and county officials and to continue those discussions about shared priorities and ongoing local government initiatives. Home Care Conversation in Selinsgrove Focuses on Workforce and Access
Yesterday I joined Hearts for Home Care for a fireside chat in Selinsgrove focused on the value of home care and the challenges facing the workforce that makes these services possible. The discussion brought together caregivers, providers, and advocates to talk about the importance of helping seniors and individuals with disabilities remain safe and supported in their own homes. We also discussed the workforce shortages, reimbursement concerns, and access issues that continue to affect families across Pennsylvania. I appreciated hearing directly from those working in this field and from those who rely on these services every day. Conversations like this are important as we continue working toward practical solutions that support quality care, strengthen the workforce, and recognize the critical role home care plays in communities across our Commonwealth. Shooting Range Improvement Program Accepting Applications
Shooting ranges and related organizations open for public use have until May 8 to apply for state grants for development and renovation work that helps ensure community access to safe ranges. Related organizations include shooting clubs, recreational shooting organizations, archery clubs and education groups. Public use of facilities includes public range times, educational outreach/trainings or organized shooting competitions. Retail ranges are not eligible to apply for this program. Each Pennsylvania Game Commission region will receive at least one project. Learn about eligible projects and how to apply here. Recognizing the Need for Government Transparency
National Sunshine Week highlights the importance of “sunshine laws” designed to ensure government transparency, and the importance of citizen access to government information. The Office of Open Records maintains information about Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act, including information about filing a request for records. You can find more tools for keeping government transparent here.
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