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In this Update:
Department of Health Withdraws Overbearing Health Regulations After Public Outcry
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has withdrawn its proposed 502-page update to the Commonwealth’s communicable and noncommunicable disease regulations. The proposal was formally withdrawn on Friday, Sept. 25. Thousands of Pennsylvanians submitted comments raising concerns about the proposal, and I joined 20 Senate colleagues in a letter to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission outlining concerns about privacy, property rights, parental involvement and the scope of the department’s authority. I appreciate everyone who took the time to review the proposal and participate in the public comment process. The response showed the importance of giving Pennsylvanians an opportunity to weigh in on regulations that could significantly affect their families, businesses and communities. Although the proposal has been withdrawn, I will continue to follow any future changes the department may consider in this area. Read the Senate letter regarding the proposed regulations on PASenateGOP.com Alice’s Law Advances as Senate Works to Strengthen Senior Protections
Alice’s Law took an important step forward this week when the Senate Aging and Youth Committee unanimously advanced Senate Bill 807 as amended. The bill would establish a statewide Older Adult Abuse Registry to help prevent individuals convicted of abusing older or care-dependent Pennsylvanians from moving between care settings without that history being known. Alice’s Law is named in memory of Alice Longenberger, who endured abuse while receiving care at a facility. Her daughter, Lynn Fiedler, founded Journey to Justice in her mother’s memory and has worked to raise awareness of elder abuse and advocate for stronger protections. The committee’s amendment provides additional detail on how the registry would operate. It would place responsibility for the registry with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, in consultation with the departments of Aging and Health, and establish clearer procedures for placement on the registry and administrative review. I appreciate Lynn’s continued advocacy and everyone who has helped move Alice’s Law forward. Our goal remains creating stronger safeguards for older adults while establishing a fair and workable process. Learn more about Alice’s Law and elder abuse awareness on SenatorCulver.com In addition to Alice’s Law advancing, the Senate passed two other measures to protect older Pennsylvanians. Senate Bill 1376 would address deficiencies identified in Auditor General Tim DeFoor’s recent audit by strengthening staff training, case-handling standards and oversight of Pennsylvania’s Area Agencies on Aging. View more information about Senate Bill 1376 on PASenateGOP.com The Senate also approved Senate Bill 738, which I co-sponsor, to strengthen protections against financial exploitation. It would require financial institutions to report suspected financial abuse of older adults and allow them to temporarily hold suspicious transactions while concerns are reviewed. Read more about Senate Bill 738 and protections against financial scams on PASenateGOP.com Raising Awareness of Histiocytosis
I recently introduced Senate Resolution 375 to recognize September 2026 as Histiocytosis Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. Histiocytosis is a group of rare disorders caused by an overproduction of white blood cells known as histiocytes, which can lead to organ damage and tumor formation. While research has improved our understanding of these disorders, they remain rare and are not widely recognized or understood. Greater awareness can help patients and families connect with information and support while encouraging continued research. Watch my remarks recognizing Histiocytosis Awareness Month on Vimeo View Senate Resolution 375 on PAlegis.us Promoting Rail Safety Across Pennsylvania
I introduced Senate Resolution 380 to recognize Sept. 21-27 as See Tracks? Think Train! Week in Pennsylvania and help raise awareness about staying safe around railroad tracks and crossings. In 2025, Pennsylvania recorded 56 highway-rail grade crossing collisions, resulting in three fatalities and 24 injuries. Trespassing incidents resulted in another 34 deaths and 15 injuries in the Commonwealth. Drivers should never attempt to beat a train at a crossing, and pedestrians should only cross tracks at designated locations. Thank you to the Keystone State Railroad Association, Operation Lifesaver and everyone who helped spread this important safety message. Watch my Senate remarks on rail safety and See Tracks? Think Train! Week on Vimeo View Senate Resolution 380 on PAlegis.us Legislation to Ban “Nudification” Apps Passed by Senate
Continuing our work to implement stronger safeguards on artificial intelligence, legislation to ban “nudification” apps – which allow individuals to take an image of someone and generate a fake nude or sexually explicit photo of that person – was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 1368 prohibits such apps from being developed, operated or made available in Pennsylvania, including through online application marketplaces. These apps serve no legitimate purpose and pose a special risk to children and school students, whose lives can be upended and reputations damaged through the malicious use of this technology. The measure will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Learn more about Senate Bill 1368 here. Upcoming EventsI have several events coming up in October, including two opportunities to connect with residents in Luzerne County and another virtual discussion on data centers.
Friday, Oct. 9 – Coffee and Conversation – 10 a.m. Stop by for coffee and a conversation about state government and issues affecting our communities.
Friday, Oct. 9 – Damaged License Plate Replacement Event – 12:30-2:30 p.m. Residents can have damaged or difficult-to-read Pennsylvania license plates reviewed by law enforcement and receive assistance with the replacement process.
Monday, Oct. 26 – Virtual Data Center Update – 6-7 p.m. Penn State Extension will provide updated information on data center technologies, trends and best practices. The program will be available through Facebook Live and Zoom, with questions accepted through Zoom. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. View information and register for upcoming events on SenatorCulver.com Welcoming the Gratz Fair Queen to the Capitol
I recently had the opportunity to welcome Jovi Ramsey, the 2026 Gratz Fair Queen, to the state Capitol. The Gratz Fair has a long tradition of celebrating agriculture and the young people who help carry those traditions forward and the Gratz Fair Queen Program is open to 15-20 year olds from Dauphin, Schuylkill, and Northumberland Counties. Congratulations to Jovi on earning this year’s title. It was wonderful to meet her and welcome her to the Senate. There’s Still Time to Visit the Bloomsburg Fair
It has been another great week at the Bloomsburg Fair, and there is still time to enjoy everything the fair has to offer before it closes Saturday, Oct. 3. From agriculture and exhibits to food, rides and entertainment, the fair continues to bring our region together each year. My staff and I will continue to be at our stand in the Government Building through the end of fair week. If you are heading to the fair, stop by and say hello. View Bloomsburg Fair schedules, tickets and information on BloomsburgFair.com Celebrating Anna Kratzer’s 100th Birthday
I recently had the honor of helping Anna Kratzer celebrate her 100th birthday with Rep. David Rowe. Anna was born Sept. 27, 1926, and over the years worked at Blough Wagner Shirt Factory, spent time as a homemaker and later worked in food service at the Selinsgrove Center. She also devoted many years to volunteering with organizations throughout her community. Anna is also a talented seamstress and made 23 outfits for the United States Bicentennial celebration in 1976. Congratulations to Anna on an incredible milestone and on a lifetime of service to her family and community. Veterans Leadership Breakfast Brings Local Leaders Together
I recently hosted local veterans and community leaders for a Veterans Leadership Breakfast at VFW Post 6631 with Representative David Rowe. Veteran leaders from the area attended and had the opportunity to hear from Brigadier General Keith Graham, executive director for Veterans Programs and Services with the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and William Klaips, assistant medical center director at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. The discussion covered several issues including state veterans affairs, the Veterans’ Trust Fund, veterans real estate tax relief, skills games and other current concerns. Thank you to the VFW Post 6631 Ladies Auxiliary for preparing breakfast and helping make the event possible, and thank you to everyone who attended and took part in the conversation. Thank You for Supporting Hunger Action Month
Thank you to everyone who donated food at my district offices during Hunger Action Month. Throughout September, our Bloomsburg, Mount Carmel and Shamokin Dam offices collected nonperishable food items to help support neighbors facing food insecurity. A special thank you to SunCom Industries, which stopped by our Shamokin Dam District Office with a generous donation for the collection. I appreciate everyone who took the time to contribute and support local families. Hunger Action Month may be over, but food banks and community organizations continue this important work throughout the year. Strategies to Combat Antisemitism and Hate Highlighted at Senate Hearing
Educators, parents and advocacy organizations shared their experiences with antisemitism and explored strategies to combat hate during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee. According to the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) 2025 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, Pennsylvania recorded 281 antisemitic incidents, the fifth highest number in the nation. Harassment accounted for 70% of these cases — 194 incidents — alongside 80 acts of vandalism and seven physical assaults. It’s believed these incidents are grossly underreported because victims fear for their safety. Testifiers discussed how antisemitism can take root in schools, noting the state Department of Education doesn’t track or require administrators to note when an incident is antisemitic, leaving students and parents without a way to seek justice. Video of the full hearing and written testimony are available on the Senate Majority Policy Committee’s website. Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grants Available
Pennsylvania students who are blind, deaf or have a visual or hearing impairment may qualify for up to $500 in scholarships through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Applicants must supply written documentation to PHEAA showing they have been evaluated and are eligible to receive benefits and supply a completed Medical Professional Certification form regarding a visual or hearing impairment. Interested students must also complete the Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant Application. The completed 2026-27 application and additional documentation must be submitted by March 31, 2027. Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Don’t Miss Your Mammogram!
The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, talk with your healthcare provider about whether earlier or additional screening may be appropriate. To help, we passed Act 1 of 2023 to ensure supplemental breast cancer screening MRIs and ultrasound for individuals at higher risk are covered with no out-of-pocket costs. We also passed Act 52 of 2025 to eliminate all out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic breast imaging, including mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds needed to evaluate an abnormal finding. Act 52 is currently beginning the implementation process, with full implementation by January 2028. Pennsylvania residents without insurance or limited insurance, like a high-deductible plan, may qualify for no-cost mammograms and follow-up imaging through programs such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn more, contact the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s Director of Patient Advocacy Dolores Magro at 800-377-8828. When breast cancer is detected at its earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Don’t miss your mammogram. Early detection saves lives! |
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