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In this Update:
Langerholc Bill Benefiting Veterans, Sportsmen and Farmers Heads for Enactment into Law
Legislation, I sponsored, to benefit farmers, veterans and sportsmen in Pennsylvania was approved by the Senate this week and sent to the governor for his signature. Senate Bill 916 authorizes farmers to make deliveries directly to homes using registered farm vehicles. Under current law, products can only be delivered from a farm to a home using a registered commercial vehicle, placing an unnecessary burden on Pennsylvania farmers by requiring them to maintain a commercial vehicle to meet home delivery demands. In addition, the bill requires PennDOT to reissue military registration plates at no cost to veterans while also approving the creation of a new license plate to celebrate hunters and fishermen. The Pennsylvania Sportsman plate would cost $40 plus a registration fee, with $14 of the proceeds being deposited into a new Youth Hunting and Fishing Restricted Account to support youth hunting and fishing activities promoted by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Assisting our farmers with delivery is an issue presented to me during a local legislative Farm Bureau tour several years ago. It is a priority for the Farm Bureau, who I worked alongside with to make this a reality. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation that removes unnecessary barriers for our veterans and farmers while promoting the rich outdoor heritage of our Commonwealth. Work Continues on the 2024-25 State Budget
Our Senate Republican Caucus remains committed to producing a pro-growth budget which will empower Pennsylvanians and is equally honest with taxpayers about our state’s fiscal health both now and in the future. We have been diligently working to come to consensus on a final product. Additional session days will be added as needed to complete the budget as quickly as possible. Learn more about the process of enacting the 2024-25 state budget and watch the Senate in session here. Bill Limiting Smartphone Use in Schools Passes Senate
The Senate this week approved legislation to improve students’ mental health and academic performance by limiting their use of smartphones in school. Since the early 2010s, there has been a steep decline in mental health in children, and their academic performance is suffering. Children’s compromised mental health, social skills and academic performance directly correlates to the rise of smartphones and social media apps. Senate Bill 1207 would establish the Cell Phone Lockable Bag Pilot Program until Dec. 1, 2026. The School Safety and Security Committee would award grants to purchase secure, lockable smartphone bags in which students would deposit their mobile devices until the end of the school day. The bill would also require schools participating in the program to create and post online a policy prohibiting the use of smartphones during school time. It must include exemptions for students who have a documented medical condition – such as diabetes – that requires the use of a phone. Senate Advances Bill to Allow Year-round Motorcycle Inspections
The Senate passed legislation to allow safety inspections to be performed year-round on motorcycles registered in Pennsylvania. Even though motorcycles can be purchased and driven on Pennsylvania roadways throughout the year, the state Vehicle Code currently only allows safety inspections to be performed from March to October. Senate Bill 1147 would eliminate that restriction so motorcycle operators have more opportunities to complete required inspections. Motorcycle registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation would continue to be tied to the month the vehicle is to be inspected. Bill Expanding First Responder Service Dog Fee Exemptions Receives Senate Approval
The Senate approved Senate Bill 82 to extend license fee exemptions to service dogs integral to fire departments, sheriff’s offices and rescue services. This exemption currently applies only to municipal and state police departments. The bill was sent to the governor to be signed into law. Service dogs detect threats, aid in search and rescue missions, and provide critical support during medical emergencies. The exemption from licensing fees aims to minimize financial barriers for agencies relying on these highly trained animals. Additionally, the measure addresses challenges created by a revision to the state’s dog law that prohibited out-of-state residents from boarding their dogs in Pennsylvania-based kennels. Senate Passes Bill Discounting Hunting and Fishing Licenses to Volunteer Firefighters
The Senate approved a bill that would enable volunteer firefighters to obtain discounted hunting licenses and fishing licenses in Pennsylvania. Resident adult hunting licenses cost $20.97 and fishing licenses cost $27.97. The legislation would reduce the cost of each to $1 for volunteer firefighters who served at least the previous 12 months in the commonwealth. Pennsylvania in the 1970s had as many as 300,000 volunteer firefighters. There currently are approximately 38,000 volunteer firefighters in the commonwealth.
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