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Is this Update:
AI and Children: Legislation to Keep Kids Safe
The Senate approved legislation to better protect young people against the increased threats posed by child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) generated using artificial intelligence (AI). Senate Bill 1050 would require all individuals classified as mandated reporters to notify authorities of all instances of CSAM they become aware of, including those produced by a minor. A mandated reporter includes teachers, childcare workers, health care providers and others responsible for caring for children. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Senate previously passed key legislation to combat the issue of sexually explicit materials created through AI by passing Act 125 of 2024 and Act 35 of 2025, which addressed deepfakes and sexual deepfakes. In addition, Senate Bill 1090, the Safeguarding Adolescents from Exploitative Chatbots and Harmful AI Technology (SAFECHAT) Act, was approved by the Senate Communications and Technology Committee. Read about that measure here. New Law Will Preserve Prescription Access for Seniors
Legislation to prevent thousands of Pennsylvania seniors from losing access to life-sustaining prescription medications is set to become law following final passage by the Senate. House Bill 923 would extend the practice of excluding Social Security cost-of-living adjustments when calculating income eligibility for the PACE and PACENET programs. The exclusion, currently set to expire at the end of 2025, will be extended through Dec. 31, 2027 when the bill is signed by the governor. Without the extension, 10,039 PACENET enrollees would lose their coverage. Additionally, 12,594 PACE enrollees would move to PACENET, losing their lower copayment and their PACE-paid Part D premium. PUC Schedules Public Input Hearings on Proposed PPL Rate Increase
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has announced several public input hearings in December to gather feedback on PPL Electric Utilities’ proposed rate increase. The Commission voted in October to suspend and investigate the request, which would raise the average residential bill by about 7 percent. These hearings give customers an opportunity to share their concerns, ask questions, and provide testimony directly to the administrative law judges overseeing the case. In-Person Hearings All In-person hearings begin at 6 p.m.
Telephone Hearings Monday, December 15 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Residents who wish to testify by phone are encouraged to pre-register by December 11 at 4 p.m. by contacting Pamela McNeal at 215-560-4228 or pmcneal@pa.gov. More Information The PUC will issue a final decision by July 1, 2026. I encourage constituents who have questions or concerns about this proposed increase to take part in the public input process. Employers, Trade Unions and Lawmakers: New Permitting Reforms, Stopping RGGI Will Boost PA Economy
Trade unions, employers and energy producers joined lawmakers at the Capitol to celebrate new reforms cutting red tape and blocking the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax – moves that will unleash Pennsylvania’s economic potential and help create jobs. Both reforms were enacted with the 2025-26 state budget. Pennsylvania’s permitting process has been a deterrent to businesses moving to or expanding in Pennsylvania, costing our state countless jobs. The new law cuts red tape, establishes clear timelines for permit reviews and creates a real-time online tracking system. In addition, key permits will be deemed approved if a state agency moves too slowly. Participating in RGGI, a multi-state electricity tax Gov. Tom Wolf attempted to implement via a regulation and which Gov. Josh Shapiro pursued through the courts, would have increased electricity rates for families and businesses, eliminated energy and manufacturing jobs, forced Pennsylvania power plants to close and created serious threats to grid reliability. “After six long years the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will no longer be a part of Pennsylvania politics and our energy future in Pennsylvania. This is great news for hardworking Pennsylvanians all across the state,” said Shawn Steffee, business agent, Boilermakers Local 154 Pittsburgh and president, South Central Building Trades Council. Read more reaction to these reforms here. Bill to Ensure Disabled Veterans Receive Free Hunting Licenses Passes Senate
The Senate passed legislation that would close an unintended gap in Pennsylvania’s existing free hunting license program for disabled veterans. Under current law, only veterans who suffered injuries during combat and were deemed 100% disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for free hunting licenses. Partially disabled veterans may purchase discounted licenses. Those who suffered service-connected injuries outside of combat — in training, non-combat operations, peacetime duties or other hazardous activities — are not currently eligible for a discount. Senate Bill 1020 would expand eligibility so that all 100% disabled veterans qualify for a free hunting license, regardless of how or where their service-connected injuries occurred. It would also maintain discounted licenses for partially disabled veterans. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Attorney General’s New Elder Exploitation Section Expands Protections for Older Pennsylvanians
An expansion of protections and services for seniors, focused on deterring financial theft and holding offenders criminally responsible, was announced with the launch of the Office of Attorney General’s Elder Exploitation Section by Attorney General Dave Sunday. The section will primarily focus on cases involving financial exploitation, deception and theft from older residents — typically perpetrated by relatives, caregivers or appointed conservators and powers of attorney. These are complex cases, involving meticulous review of financial records and other documents. Municipal police departments may not have the resources required to take on these investigations. The Elder Exploitation Section will have the resources, and expects referrals to come from police departments, county, state, and federal agencies and other sources. Reminder Fire and EMS: Unconventional Gas Well Fund Grant Applications Due Nov. 30th
Fire and EMS companies in Columbia and Luzerne Counties, this is a reminder that applications are being accepted by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner for the Unconventional Gas Well Fund Grant Program. A total of $250,000 in funding is available to support fire companies, emergency medical services, and rescue organizations located in eligible counties. The program supports critical public safety training, equipment, and readiness needs related to natural gas well operations. Applications will be accepted until November 30 at 4:00 p.m. More details, including eligibility and application materials, are available through the State Fire Commissioner’s website. This is an excellent opportunity for local fire departments and first responders in our region to strengthen safety resources for their communities. Litter Hawk Youth Award Program Now Open for Students
The Litter Hawk Youth Award Program is once again inviting Pennsylvania students in grades K–6 to take part in a fun, creative competition that promotes environmental awareness and community pride. This year’s theme, “Celebrate America250 – Keep It Beautiful!”, encourages students to reflect on their role in keeping communities clean and beautiful as our nation prepares for its 250th anniversary in 2026. Participants can enter by creating a poster (Grades K–4), essay (Grade 5), or short video (Grade 6). Submissions are due by January 31, 2026, and winners will be honored at the State Capitol in April as part of a special America250PA exhibit. To learn more or download entry materials, visit Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s website. This program is a wonderful way for young people to express creativity, build awareness, and take pride in their environment. National Diabetes Awareness Month
Diabetes affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth. A disease that occurs when your blood sugar is too high, diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer. The good news is that taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems. Find out more here.
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