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In this Update:
Safe Harbor Legislation for Sexually Exploited Children
Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) and I this past week introduced legislation to update existing “safe harbor laws” to address the gaps in the current statute regarding the protection and support of minors who have been victims of sexual exploitation. We need to change how the law treats children who have been sexually exploited and implement provisions that seek to reverse the long-term impact on victims of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. Minors should not be charged with prostitution; these children should be recognized as victims and provided with the necessary support services to help them recover from their exploitation. The Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing this past January about human trafficking, learning not only that prosecution of offenders needs to be uniform across localities and states, but, just as important, that more needs to be done to protect the victims of human trafficking. The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 1299, was developed based on the information received during that hearing. SB 1299 covers all criminal offenses related to the sexual exploitation of children, not just specific crimes. Using a broader scope will ensure all victims receive the assistance and protection they need, regardless of the circumstances of their exploitation. The changes to state law contained in SB 1299 will create a system that better protects the rights and well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Flagship Niagara License Plate
Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) and I plan to soon introduce legislation to bring back the Flagship Niagara license plate. The Flagship Niagara plate was available from late 1995 to early 1997 but discontinued due to significant legibility problems. However, advancements in design and printing technology now provide an opportunity to address these issues and reintroduce the plate with a new, improved design. The governor’s recent decision to revamp the design of Pennsylvania’s license plates offers an opportunity to bring back a newly designed Flagship Niagara plate, aligning with the state’s efforts to modernize and enhance license plate aesthetics. Reintroducing the Flagship Niagara license plate not only pays tribute to this important historical vessel but also promotes state pride and heritage. It offers Pennsylvanians a unique way to connect with our state’s rich history and honor the legacy of those who served aboard the Niagara. Erie Water Works
I had the pleasure of attending an event in Erie showcasing the historic investments made by Erie Water Works to eradicate lead pipping in our public water systems. Since 2021, Erie Water Works has received more than $49 million – $39 million in federal grants and $9.4 million in low-interest loans through PENNVEST – to aid in the acceleration of the removing these pipes. Thank you to Acting Assistant EPA Administrator for Water Bruno Piggott for attending and all those who organized this event. New Law to Increase School Security
To protect students, the Senate voted in favor of legislation that would require every school building in Pennsylvania to have an armed officer. Senate Bill 907 was amended into Senate Bill 700, an omnibus School Code bill that was passed as part of the budget and is now law. Each school district is required to have at least one school security personnel, who has completed training to be armed, and may be either a school police officer, school resource officer or school security guard. School safety personnel would undergo background investigations, be required to maintain certification and be annually certified in position-specific training. The legislation furthers the Senate Republican priority of fostering healthy and safe communities. PASSHE Freezes Tuition for In-State Undergraduates
For the seventh year, the Board of Governors for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) froze tuition for in-state undergraduates for the 2024-25 academic year. The tuition rate will stay the same at all 10 state-owned public universities. PASSHE schools serve the most in-state students of any four-year college or university in Pennsylvania, at the lowest price. Nearly 90% of PASSHE’s 82,000 students are Pennsylvania residents, many from middle-income families. To make higher education more affordable, Senate Republicans passed Grow PA – a package of bills that creates new programs to recruit the best talent to Pennsylvania schools in industries that will grow the state’s economy while also expanding existing financial assistance programs that are already working. Read more about the scholarship and tuition waiver programs. Program Increasing Digital Connectivity to Provide Laptops
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is accepting applications for its Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Through the new program, the PBDA will purchase and distribute $20 million in laptops for eligible public-facing institutions such as libraries, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations and other institutions that can offer internet access to individuals who lack the technology. PBDA strongly encourages interested applicants to review the program frequently asked questions (FAQ), before applying. The FAQ, pre-recorded webinar providing an overview of the program, guidelines and online application are available here. Applications must be submitted by Monday, Aug. 19. Prevent Hot Car Deaths in Children
In 2023, 29 children died of heatstroke because they were left or became trapped in a hot vehicle. This tragedy can happen to anyone, but is preventable. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s body temperature. When a child is left in a vehicle, the situation quickly can become dangerous. Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches about 104 degrees, and a child can die when his or her body temperature hits 107 degrees. Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended for any length of time – even with the windows down or when parked in the shade, as it does little to change the interior temperature of the vehicle. Stop to check the back seat and lock the door before leaving a hot car. Store car keys out of a child’s reach and teach kids that a vehicle is not a play area. Read more tips. Fighting Human Trafficking
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is Tuesday, July 30, and this year’s theme is “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.” Children represent a significant portion of trafficking victims worldwide, and they are twice as likely as adults are to face violence during trafficking. Traffickers use social media to recruit and exploit children. Senate Republicans worked to support these young victims, unanimously passing a law that ensures sexually exploited children who are human trafficking victims always have full access to appropriate services and support.
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