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Capitol Report
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#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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Fix for Second-Degree Murder Sentencing Fails
Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the Commonwealth’s mandatory life sentence for second-degree murder, commonly known as felony murder, is unconstitutional, and gave the General Assembly 120 days to address sentencing through updates to the Crimes Code.
To address the ruling, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1400, bipartisan legislation which would establish a constitutional sentencing framework for second-degree murder while creating a structured parole process that preserves accountability and strengthens victims' rights during parole proceedings.
Despite having four months to thoughtfully consider this legislation, the House waited until the 119th day, yesterday, to address this. That left virtually no time for meaningful public review or careful consideration of sweeping amendments that went far beyond what the Court required. You can watch my comments below.
Click here to watch the video.
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District Happenings and Celebrations
Be sure to check out my Facebook page for a recap of other District happenings:
• Visiting the “Nature Rings in Pike County” America250 bell at the Milford Community House.
• Checking out the new air packs recently purchased by the Maplewood Fire and Rescue Company.
• Attending the Firefighter Appreciation Day at Hemlock Farms.
• Participating in the Hamlin Senior Center Picnic.
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Supporting Our Veterans
I recently joined in the unanimous support of a new state law that aims to improve services for veterans affected by military sexual trauma.
Act 38 of 2026 will require county directors of veterans affairs to undergo additional training and certification in trauma-informed care, including military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The goal is to help staff recognize symptoms, reduce potential triggers, and better connect veterans with appropriate services and resources.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly one in three women and one in 50 men in the armed forces report experiencing sexual assault or sexual harassment during military service. The actual number is believed to be higher because many incidents go unreported.
The law takes effect in 180 days.
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New Law to Boost Human Trafficking Awareness
Statistics show hotels, motels and short-term lodging rentals are some of the most common venues where human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking, take place. A new state law aims to stop that.
I recently voted in support of Act 31 of 2026, which requires training to ensure employees of these establishments are prepared to identify and respond to suspected human trafficking as it occurs. The law takes effect in one year.
The measure is the latest effort by the General Assembly to stop this fast-growing crime. Another new law, Act 41 of 2026, aims to help the Pennsylvania attorney general and law enforcement more effectively target and prosecute human trafficking by moving most of the state’s prostitution offenses to the human trafficking section of the state Crimes Code and enhancing penalties. This law will take effect in 60 days.
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
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Looking for a Career in Law Enforcement?
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is accepting applications from people interested in a rewarding career in public service as a state trooper.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. They must be at least 20 years old at the time of application, and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the PSP academy.
Applications for the current cadet hiring cycle should be submitted via the Commonwealth’s employment website by July 31. A new cadet hiring cycle will open on Aug. 1.
For more information on becoming a state trooper, including applicant requirements and job benefits, visit PATrooper.com.
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Antlerless License Round 2 Begins July 27
Hunters looking to purchase a second antlerless license for the 2026-27 hunting season will soon have the opportunity to do so when the second round of licensing begins on Monday, July 27.
As of that date, unsold licenses will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to both residents and nonresidents.
One antlerless deer license per hunter can be purchased per round in the first three rounds. More information is available here.
Licenses are available for purchase online at huntfish.pa.gov or in-person at license issuing agents. Click here for a map of agents across the Commonwealth.
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Upcoming District Events
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