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In this Update:
Remembering September 11, 2001
Once again, we pause on Sept. 11 to remember the tragic events on that date in 2001 – attacks that changed our nation forever. We honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, and hold in our hearts the families left behind. The first responders who courageously gave their lives to save others remain a source of inspiration for a nation brought together in grief and determined to keep America’s enemies at bay. Fueling Pennsylvania’s Future
Last week I had the opportunity to join colleagues for a visit to a drilling site operated by Diversified Energy here in Western Pennsylvania. It gave me a firsthand look at the vital role natural gas plays in powering Pennsylvania’s economy and supporting our communities. I was impressed by the innovation and dedication of the team, who are working hard to produce energy responsibly while creating good jobs for Pennsylvania citizens. Pennsylvania is blessed with rich natural resources, and if we fully utilize them, our potential for growth and prosperity is practically limitless. This industry is not only essential to our state’s growth, but also to ensuring affordable, clean, and reliable energy for families across Pennsylvania. School Bus Bill Improves Safety for Pennsylvania Children
Legislation to improve school bus safety and better protect children traveling to and from school was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 65 increases the required stopping distance from 10 feet to 15 feet for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. It also raises penalties for violations, including higher fines and license suspensions for repeat offenders, and mandates additional driver education or examinations. It also establishes penalties for drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights, adding an important layer of accountability. During Operation Safe Stop in October 2024, law enforcement and bus drivers across 22 school districts reported 131 violations in a single day, underscoring the urgency of these reforms. Senate Approves Bill to Expunge COVID-Era Citations
The Senate approved legislation to expunge punitive COVID-related citations issued by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) against small businesses with liquor licenses. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Every other commonwealth agency has dropped enforcement actions for COVID-era rule violations, recognizing the difficult situation restaurants faced. However, the PLCB has been using its license renewal process to punish license holders for not complying with COVID-related executive orders. This includes issuing conditional licenses, which come with higher insurance premiums, and requiring the sale of a liquor license, effectively putting someone out of business. Senate Bill 241 would help local businesses by expunging COVID-related citations from the record of restaurants and bars that are under the purview of the PLCB. Helping Disabled Veterans Enjoy Outdoor Activities
The Senate passed legislation supporting opportunities for Pennsylvania’s disabled veterans to participate in outdoor traditions. Senate Bill 533 would streamline requirements for hunting and furtaking licenses and refine special permits for regulated hunting grounds to specifically benefit disabled veterans who take part in hunting events. The legislation makes it easier for organizations to host hunts for disabled veterans by clarifying the permitting process and reducing unnecessary barriers, ensuring more veterans can be included in these events. Senate Bill 533 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Importance of Community Pharmacies Highlighted at Briefing
Community pharmacies and the important role they play for Pennsylvania residents was the focus of an informational briefing with pharmacists, the state Department of Human Services, the Insurance Department and others. Roughly 600 pharmacies have closed across the commonwealth within the last two years, reducing access to professionals serving on the frontlines of health care. The Senate Community Pharmacy Caucus discussed the impacts of Act 77 of 2024, the Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) reform measure. The law banned harmful practices, strengthened network adequacy requirements, increased PBM transparency and accountability and implemented additional oversight. Further action needed to protect community pharmacies was among the topics explored at the briefing, which can be viewed here.
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