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In this Update:
Baker, Langerholc Urge House to Protect Communities
This week, I joined Senator Lisa Baker, Clearfield County District Attorney Ryan Sayers, my Senate colleagues, and district attorneys from across the commonwealth to underscore the urgent need for the House of Representatives to pass Senate Bill 1400 to address the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling that eliminated the statutory sentencing structure for second-degree murder. In Commonwealth v. Lee, the court held that Pennsylvania’s sentencing scheme for felony‑murder convictions was unconstitutional because it did not allow judges to consider an individual’s level of culpability. The court gave the General Assembly 120 days, ending July 24, to enact a new sentencing framework before the existing one becomes invalid. The Senate acted twice in a bipartisan manner, while the House instead advanced a proposal tied to expanding medical parole, creating additional opportunities, without proper guardrails, for convicted felons to be released before completing their sentences. Senate Bill 1400 was developed in consultation with victim advocates, law enforcement, district attorneys, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The legislation establishes a constitutionally sound sentencing framework that accounts for individual culpability while preserving meaningful consequences for serious offenses. Governor Shapiro and House Democrats continue to play political games with the safety of our communities. Killing someone in the course of an inherently dangerous felony is a grave offense, and it is time for the governor and House Democrats to treat it with the seriousness it deserves. They must act immediately, by passing Senate Bill 1400, to ensure that convicted violent offenders are held accountable and that Pennsylvania communities are not put at further risk by continued inaction. Senate Bill 1400 is currently in the House Judiciary Committee, where it has remained since June 26, 2026. Senate Bill 1400 is supported by Attorney General Dave Sunday, PA State Lodge FOP, PA State Troopers Association, and district attorneys across the commonwealth. Langerholc Announces $6.3M in PENNVEST Funding
Wastewater management systems in Cambria and Clearfield counties will receive $6.3 million in funding through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). West Branch Sewer Authority in Cambria County will receive a combined $4.5 million in state grant and loan funding to install observation ports and replace infrastructure to address excessive flows in the wastewater system. Without this investment, user fees were expected to have increased by an additional 19%. BCI Municipal Authority in Clearfield County will receive a $1.8 million grant to install new equipment at pump stations in Blain City, Coalport and Lyleville. Replacing this infrastructure will improve the operation and reliability of the system while preventing a projected 38% increase in user rates. Investments in aging wastewater infrastructure are crucial to ensuring public health and community resilience. As a member of the PENNVEST Board of Directors, I am proud to have secured these funds that will improve the efficiency and reliability of wastewater systems without placing burdensome price increases on ratepayers. PENNVEST is an independent agency that provides financial assistance for drinking water, sewer and stormwater projects across Pennsylvania. It is not funded by the state’s General Fund, which covers the commonwealth’s daily operations and services. Improving the Rape Kit Testing Backlog
Legislation I introduced alongside Sens. Tracy Pennycuick and Rosemary Brown to expedite the testing of rape kits has been signed into law. Senate Bill 1212 addresses this issue by removing discretionary language and establishing a more consistent statewide standard. The legislation requires that sexual assault evidence that has been collected but has not yet undergone DNA testing or other appropriate forensic analysis be treated consistently across Pennsylvania. Every rape kit collected in this commonwealth should be tested. I am proud to have partnered with Senators Pennycuick and Brown to strengthen our efforts to empower survivors and enhance community safety. For years, Pennsylvania has worked to address the backlog of untested sexual assault evidence kits and ensure survivors receive the urgency, dignity and transparency they deserve. Through Act 122 of 2024, the commonwealth advanced a statewide sexual assault evidence tracking system to help survivors better understand the status of their kits throughout the process. However, as identified in the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s annual report, gaps in current law continue to contribute to delays. Under the existing definition of “awaiting testing,” language allows local law enforcement agencies to determine whether a sexual assault evidence kit should undergo DNA testing or other forensic analysis, creating the potential for inconsistent practices across the commonwealth. 5th Annual Richland Career Day
Always great to be back at my alma mater. Thank you Richland High School and Mr. Scott Yarnick for the invitation to participate in the 5th Annual Career Day. Veterans Appreciation Breakfasts
I’m honored to invite all veterans in the 35th Senatorial District to my annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfasts in Cambria and Clearfield counties. Breakfast will be served for veterans in Clearfield and Centre counties on October 28 and for Cambria County veterans on November 4. All veterans are welcome and registration is required. You may RSVP on my webpage or by calling my office at 814-266-2277. Please feel free to call my office with any questions. I look forward to seeing you there! Bill to Protect Animals from Painful Experimentation
Legislation to protect dogs and cats from painful, taxpayer-funded experiments has been approved by the General Assembly and signed into law. The protections in Senate Bill 381, the Beagle Bill, would make Pennsylvania the 18th state to grant dogs and cats an opportunity to be adopted into a loving home after experiments are over, prohibit the sale of cosmetics that have been newly tested on animals, prevent the expenditure of commonwealth funds on painful experiments and more. Read more about protecting animals and increasing transparency through the Beagle Bill. House Fails to Protect Fairness in Women’s Sports
The Senate passed not one, but two bills to preserve opportunities for female athletes at public schools and colleges but the House of Representatives refused to vote on either. Senate Bill 1293, which I co-sponsored, would require public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female or coed. The legislation states only biological females can join teams designated for women. The bill would also allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. It’s similar to Senate Bill 9, which, like Senate Bill 1293, was passed by the Senate with bipartisan support. Since 2020 in Pennsylvania, men have stolen first place from female athletes 98 times and unjustly took second or third place 76 times. I’ll be working again to pass this commonsense measure in the next legislative session. Breast Cancer Detection and Care Accessible
Pennsylvania has two significant laws to make early breast cancer detection and follow-up care more accessible. Act 1 of 2023 is a comprehensive breast cancer supplemental screening and genetic testing law now fully in effect for individuals with increased risk factors who are insured under Pennsylvania law. It provides coverage for the following at no cost:
Act 52 of 2025 is a diagnostic breast imaging law that includes no-cost diagnostic mammograms, breast MRIs and ultrasounds for individuals of average risk or higher with state-regulated insurance. The law will be fully implemented by January 2028. When in full effect, it will provide coverage for the following at no cost:
Learn more about no-cost breast imaging in PA. Halloween Events in Senate District 35
Check out my Facebook page for an up-to-date list of the trick or treat, trunk or treat, and Halloween parades happening in Cambria, Centre, and Clearfield counties! Booking a Tour of Your State Capitol
Fall is a great time to tour your state Capitol, a National Historic Landmark featuring Renaissance designs, paintings, stained glass and furnishings by some of the best artisans in the world. Scheduling in advance is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome according to availability. Tours take approximately 30-45 minutes and are limited to 40 guests total per tour. Self-guided tours do not take place on weekends and holidays. More than the seat of Pennsylvania’s government, the Capitol is a magnificent symbol of the hopes and vision of the commonwealth that gave birth to a nation. Find details and book a tour here. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application
The property tax/rent rebate application has been extended to December 31, 2026. If you need assistance filing your application or you are not sure if you are eligible for the program, please reach out to one of my district offices:
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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