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In this Update:

• Betts Industries Celebrates 125 Years of Manufacturing
• Senate Acts to Strengthen Property Rights
• Civil Air Patrol Cadets Deliver Legislative Briefing
• School Bus Driver Safety Bill Approved by Senate
• Senate Passes Bill to Establish Animal Abuser Registry
• Measures Helping Nonprofit Fundraising Efforts Approved by Senate
• Standing with Breast Cancer Survivors

Betts Industries Celebrates 125 Years of Manufacturing

I was pleased to join Representative Rapp at an open house celebrating the 125th anniversary of Betts Industries, a longtime Warren-based, family-owned manufacturer and an important part of our region’s history and economy.

Founded in 1901, Betts has grown into an industry-leading manufacturer of critical components and lighting systems for the tank truck industry, while maintaining deep roots in Warren and a strong commitment to its employees and community.

Representative Rapp and I were honored to present President and CEO Charles Betts and Executive Vice President Ryan Betts with citations from the Pennsylvania House and Senate recognizing this remarkable milestone and 125 years of innovation, manufacturing and service.

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.

Civil Air Patrol Cadets Deliver Legislative Briefing

It was a pleasure to attend a briefing hosted this week by the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee highlighting the important work of the Civil Air Patrol–Pennsylvania Wing and its service across the Commonwealth.

I especially enjoyed hearing from Civil Air Patrol cadets about how the program has helped them grow as individuals, prepare for future careers and develop leadership skills, all while giving them opportunities to serve their communities.

I was also honored to be sworn in as a member of the Civil Air Patrol–Pennsylvania Wing Legislative Squadron along with Representative Kathy Rapp and other members of the House and Senate.  I look forward to working with them to continue supporting CAP’s service to Pennsylvania.

School Bus Driver Safety Bill Approved by Senate

Approximately 1.5 million children are transported on school buses every day in Pennsylvania, and the Senate approved legislation aimed at keeping reckless bus drivers from getting behind the wheel.

Senate Bill 1262 would increase penalties for school bus drivers who transport children while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or a dangerous combination of both. Read more about this school bus safety measure.

The latest Senate action follows passage last year of Senate Bill 65, which would increase the required stopping distance for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. Both bills await passage in the House of Representatives.

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.

Measures Helping Nonprofit Fundraising Efforts Approved by Senate 

The Senate approved two bills to give a boost to civic organizations, fire companies, veterans’ groups and other Pennsylvania nonprofits that rely on small games of chance for crucial fundraising.  

Under current law, clubs and organizations are limited to awarding no more than $35,000 in prizes from small games of chance each week. That cap has not been updated since 2013, despite inflation and the rising costs of programs these organizations fund. 

Senate Bill 995 would raise the weekly limit to $60,000, ensuring local groups can continue generating the revenue they rely on to support vital community programs and services. Read more about this bill.  

Senate Bill 465 would allow licensed clubs to retain up to 50% of their small games of chance proceeds, up from the current 40%. Clubs would continue to be required to use at least 50% of proceeds for public interest purposes. The change would provide clubs with more flexibility to cover operating costs while continuing to support their communities. Read more about this measure.

The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Standing with Breast Cancer Survivors

I was proud to join the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition at the State Capitol as we kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by turning the East Wing Fountain pink. It was especially meaningful to stand alongside breast cancer survivors and thrivers, advocates and families from across Pennsylvania who continue to bring hope and strength to this important cause.

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.