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In this Update:
Ending Outdated Emissions Testing
The Senate passed my legislation to eliminate the vehicle emissions testing requirement across the commonwealth, doing away with an outdated and unnecessary mandate. The measure will save Pennsylvanians an estimated $160 million annually. Senate Bill 1298 would remove all 25 counties currently subjected to annual emissions testing. It also clarifies that no additional counties can be added into the program, protecting Pennsylvania vehicle owners. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1298 here. Senator for a Day at Saint Francis University
On Thursday, I hosted my fifth annual Senator for a Day event at Saint Francis University! Over 100 students from across the 35th Senatorial District attended the event. Participants learned about the legislative process, divided into committees to discuss and amend bills, and convened to vote on the bills as a full Senate. Thank you to Saint Francis University for hosting this event once again and thank you to all the Student Senators who attended! Committee Moves Langerholc Bill to Support Police
The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee approved my legislation to provide law enforcement with discounted hunting and fishing licenses. Under Senate Bill 469, law enforcement officials would be able to acquire each license for $1. This legislation is a small but meaningful token of appreciation for the unwavering dedication and service of the men and women in our law enforcement community. They confront demanding, high stress situations every day on behalf of our communities, and this measure recognizes their commitment. The measure now goes to the full Senate for consideration. Committee Advances Measure to Protect Children Online
The Senate Communications and Technology Committee unanimously passed Senate Resolution 244, which I co-prime sponsored alongside Sens. Tracy Pennycuick and Scott Martin, to establish a Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. The legislation would direct the Joint State Government Commission to convene a task force, to meet no less than once every two years, to review Pennsylvania’s existing statutes, assess emerging technologies, and identify statutory gaps in protections for children in the digital environment. The commission will issue a report and recommendation for action to the General Assembly. The committee’s approval strengthens and expands the Senate’s ongoing commitment to protecting children from the threats of the digital world. This task force will position the Commonwealth to anticipate emerging challenges and safeguard the Commonwealth’s youth. The proposal builds upon work by the legislature to address digital harms to children. In 2024, the General Assembly passed Pennycuick’s legislation, now Act 125 of 2024, to combat AI generated child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). In 2025, Pennycuick’s legislation to classify deepfakes as digital forgery was signed into law as Act 35 of 2025. The Senate also recently approved Senate Bill 1050, which would strengthen reporting requirements for AI-generated CSAM, and Senate Bill 1090, which would establish commonsense safeguards for AI chatbots accessible by minors. In 2021, the General Assembly established a similar Task Force on Child Pornography, which examined deficiencies in existing law and recommended reforms, including updating terminology to align with national standards. By establishing an ongoing review process, this legislation ensures that Pennsylvania’s laws keep pace with the digital age and that our statutes and policies are continually reevaluated, updated, and strengthened to close gaps and protect children. New Mount Aloysius Nursing Program in DuBois
I attended a press conference with state Reps. Mike Armanini and Dallas Kephart in DuBois, Clearfield County, announcing a collaboration between Mount Aloysius College and Penn Highlands Healthcare to launch a new nursing program at the site of Penn State DuBois. Free Native Replacements for Invasive Plants
Registration is open for the opportunity to receive free native trees and shrubs by removing invasive plants from your property. You can participate in the Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive Program by removing an invasive tree or shrub from your property or with permission from a property owner (such as a park, library or school), taking a photo of the removed plants and attending an event to receive a replacement plant. It’s available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Learn more and register here. Chance to Win $5,529 for Education Savings
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the fifth annual 529 Day Promotion is running throughout May. Pennsylvania families who contribute at least $10 to their PA 529 account this month could be eligible to win one of six regional awards of $5,529 to boost their education savings. The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program is a tax-advantaged way for families to save for a wide variety of education, including technical training, college, apprenticeship, credential program and K-12 expenses. Saving with a PA 529 does not impact eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid. The PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan helps families save at today’s tuition rates to cover tomorrow’s tuition expenses and the PA 529 Investment Plan offers a wide variety of investment options to choose from. Find official rules and learn more about how to make an eligible contribution here. No-Cost Breast Cancer Screenings, Diagnostic Imaging
In Pennsylvania, we’ve enacted laws to cover breast cancer screenings and diagnostic breast imaging at no cost for individuals with state-regulated insurance. I urge women to take advantage of these potentially lifesaving laws. Under Act 1 of 2023, supplemental screenings including breast MRI, ultrasounds and BRCA-related genetic testing and counseling are covered at no cost for those with an increased risk who are insured under PA law. Under Act 52 of 2025, which is currently in the implementation stage, diagnostic breast imaging including diagnostic mammograms, breast MRI and ultrasounds are covered at no cost for individuals insured under state law who are of average risk or higher. Learn more about no-cost screenings here. Learn more about no-cost diagnostic imaging here. Information on no-cost mammograms for those without insurance can be found here. News for Veterans Sign Up
I am now offering a monthly e-newsletter with updates on news and information for veterans! If you are interested in receiving my veterans e-newsletter, please visit my website to sign up here. Share Your Local Events
If you’re hosting a local event, I want to hear about it. Please send your event details to wlangerholc@pasen.gov. If the event is free and open to the public, it could be highlighted in my e-newsletter or featured on my Facebook page to help share it with the community. |
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