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In this Update:
Sunday Hunting Expansion Clears Final Legislative Hurdle!
Since my election to the Senate in 2016, expanding access to Sunday hunting has been one of my top legislative priorities. After years of advocacy, negotiation, and persistence, I’m proud to announce that our efforts have paid off, legislation to expand Sunday hunting is now on its way to the Governor’s desk. This is a huge win for hunters across Pennsylvania, especially working families and younger generations who deserve the same access and outdoor traditions many of us grew up with. I’ve always said this is about fairness, and I’m proud to have stood shoulder to shoulder with Pennsylvania’s hunting community to make it happen. Stay tuned for more as we work to get this signed into law and open new opportunities for hunters throughout the Commonwealth. Laughlin Bill Creates Cannabis Control Board
I’ve introduced Senate Bill 49 to create the Pennsylvania Cannabis Control Board, a new agency that would oversee the state’s Medical Marijuana Program and regulate untested, intoxicating hemp products currently being sold without proper oversight. Since medical marijuana was legalized in 2016, the Department of Health’s management of the program has lacked consistency and transparency. At the same time, hemp-derived products—often sold without age restrictions, accurate labeling, or safety testing—have become a growing public health concern. The Cannabis Control Board would bring structure, accountability, and uniform safety standards to both sides of the cannabis market, protecting consumers and ensuring responsible growth of the industry. Erie County Resilience Center Wins National Award
Congratulations to the Erie County Community Resilience Center and all their amazing partners for receiving the prestigious National Association of Counties (NACo) Award! This honor highlights the power of community, through innovation, compassion, and teamwork, they made sure no one in Erie County was left without shelter this past winter. A special thank you to The Home Team, EUMA, and the dedicated church volunteers, you truly are the heart of this vital work. Progress on the 2025-26 State Budget
Standing up for families and taxpayers remains our focus as work on the 2025-26 budget continues in Harrisburg. Over the last two weeks we have taken steps to advance several key components of the state budget, to fund certain government functions, as work continues on reaching a full budget agreement. This year’s budget must invest in our communities and core government functions that people across Pennsylvania rely on as part of their daily lives. However, we must also address the fact that in the current fiscal year Pennsylvania is faced with a $3 billion structural deficit that could grow to $6 billion if spending is left to grow unchecked. We cannot rely on one-time use dollars from our state’s Rainy Day Fund to fill the gap, given this would cause a massive fiscal cliff and tax increases in the coming years. While divided government certainly brings challenges of different viewpoints, Senate Republicans are focused on completing a budget that respects taxpayers and addresses the needs of organizations and individuals who rely on state resources and services. Senate Acts to Prevent Student-Athlete Tragedies
To prevent student-athlete deaths from sudden cardiac arrest, the Senate passed legislation requiring schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) present at sporting events. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student-athletes nationally and can strike without warning, even in young people with no known heart conditions. Timely access to an AED can increase survival rates by up to 70%. In addition to ensuring an AED is present at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices, Senate Bill 375 would require schools to develop and rehearse emergency plans for cardiac incidents. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Legislation Cracking Down on New Car Theft Tactic Approved by Senate
The Senate approved legislation that would target thieves who use new technology to spoof key fobs and steal vehicles. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Current law does not specifically cover this tactic, which involves criminals using key programming tools and relay attack devices to gain access to vehicles by cloning or reprogramming key fobs. Senate Bill 739 would update the statute governing the manufacture, distribution and possession of master keys to include these new devices, making it a first-degree misdemeanor and ensuring the law keeps pace with technological developments. New Law Targeting Organized Retail Theft Results in Arrests
Senate Republicans led the way on cracking down against organized retail theft, and the law we pushed for is resulting in arrests, prosecutions and recoveries of stolen goods across the commonwealth, according to Attorney General Dave Sunday. The office’s Organized Retail Crime Unit launched in July 2024 following enactment of Act 42 of 2023 and a new criminal statute that made retail theft of goods over $50,000 a first-degree felony. In its first year, the unit opened more than 65 investigations, charged more than 40 alleged thieves and recovered nearly $2 million in stolen goods. The crimes feature multiple thieves who manipulate gift cards and store return policies or enter retail stores in packs and steal as many items as they can. It’s good to see this legislation is working. Fireworks Safety Tips
Fireworks started 31,302 fires in 2022 and were involved in 9,700 emergency room injuries nationwide in 2023, with children younger than 15 accounting for nearly one third of fireworks injuries. Here are some safety tips from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner:
Find more fireworks safety tips here to avoid being a statistic. Happy Independence Day
I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend with friends and family celebrating the birth of this great nation. America is one year away from its 250th birthday. I hope the next year sees us come together as citizens to appreciate the great blessings of our nation.
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