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In this Update:
Sen. Laughlin’s SB 471 Passes Senate: Strengthening Public Safety and Accountability
I am pleased to share that SB 471, my legislation to protect Pennsylvanians from criminal illegal migrants, has passed the Senate and is now headed to the House for consideration. This bill requires state and county prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when they learn a defendant is unlawfully present in the United States during a criminal proceeding. This legislation is about protecting our communities and ensuring that dangerous individuals who break our laws are held accountable. Pennsylvanians deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods, and SB 471 provides the tools to strengthen public safety and prevent repeat offenses. Now, it’s time for the House to act swiftly and get this crucial bill to the Governor’s desk. I remain committed to putting the safety of Pennsylvanians first and standing up for the rule of law. Rejecting Safe Injection Sites: A Commitment to Real Recovery Solutions
I stand firmly in support of SB 347 to prohibit safe injection sites in Pennsylvania. These facilities send the wrong message by enabling dangerous, illegal drug use instead of guiding individuals toward the help they truly need. Safe injection sites do NOT make our streets safer or solve the addiction crisis—they only normalize substance abuse and create a false sense of security. Pennsylvania deserves real solutions that address the root causes of addiction, including comprehensive treatment options, effective prevention programs, and strong enforcement measures to keep dangerous drugs off our streets. We need to focus on helping individuals reclaim their lives through proven pathways to recovery, not policies that accept or encourage destructive behavior. My priority remains standing up for the health, safety, and well-being of Pennsylvanians. Supporting SB 96: Strengthening Penalties for Threats Against Schools
I voted in support of SB 96, a bill that establishes new felony criminal penalties for threats made against our schools. This legislation is a crucial step in protecting students, teachers, and staff from dangerous hoaxes and threats that disrupt learning and create unnecessary fear. The swatting incident at Erie High School in March 2023 served as a stark reminder of the chaos and danger these false threats can cause. Our schools should be safe places where students can learn and grow, not environments where reckless behavior puts lives at risk. SB 96 sends a clear message: threatening our schools will not be tolerated in Pennsylvania. I urge the House to act swiftly and pass this important bill to help keep our schools safe for everyone. Supporting Career and Technical Education
I had the privilege of speaking with students from Upper Bucks County Technical School at the Capitol during Career and Technical Education Advocacy Day. Drawing from my experience as a contractor, I shared how hands-on learning provides a strong foundation for success in the skilled trades. With the growing demand for skilled workers, I am committed to supporting Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that are shaping the future of Pennsylvania’s workforce. Edinboro Pop-Up Office Open April 10
A member of my staff will be available April 10th at the Edinboro Borough Building from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. to help with any state-related issues. Stop in and see us! Celebrating the Impact of Women in Our Community
Monday, my staff had the honor of attending the Mercy Center for Women’s ‘Women Making History’ event, which celebrated the incredible women who are making a meaningful impact in our community. These women embody strength, resilience, and dedication, and their contributions are truly inspiring. Thank you to the Mercy Center for Women for recognizing these exceptional individuals who are breaking barriers, shaping the future, and making a difference in the lives of many. May 7 is the REAL ID Deadline
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. Only about 26% of Pennsylvania drivers have replaced their standard driver’s license with a REAL ID. REAL IDs are available now and will continue to be available to Pennsylvanians after the May 7 enforcement deadline. Learn more about REAL ID documentation requirements and find a printable checklist for required REAL ID documents here. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering dedicated times at specific driver license centers to help Pennsylvanians get their REAL ID. Some centers will be able to process and issue a REAL ID at the time of service. Others will be able to verify and image your documents. You will then receive your REAL ID by mail within 15 business days. Dates for these REAL ID Days include April 7, April 14, April 28 and May 5 – all Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Customers who want a REAL ID but aren’t able to attend a REAL ID Day may visit any REAL ID Center to receive a REAL ID at the time of service, visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have documents verified and then receive REAL ID within 15 business days or apply online (pre-verified customers only). April is National Donate Life Month
For the 23rd year, we recognize April as an opportunity to raise awareness about organ donation. In the season that represents new beginnings, we honor donors, recipients, their families, caregivers and the clinical teams that make it all possible. More than 6,000 Pennsylvanians are awaiting organ transplants. Organ donation can save up to eight lives, and tissue donation can enhance the lives of 75 others by helping them recover from trauma, spinal injuries, burns and vision loss. If you aren’t an organ or tissue donor yet but would like to be, there’s no need to wait until you get or renew your driver’s license, learner’s permit or photo ID. It’s easy to register online to donate. There are no costs to the donor’s family for donation. Paramedics, doctors and nurses remain committed to doing everything possible to save donors’ lives. Learn more.
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