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Stay Connected with Senator Coleman In this Update:
Turkey Giveaway Set for Oct. 18 in Quakertown
I’m partnering with the Quakertown Police Department and the Quakertown Food Pantry to provide turkeys to local families who could use a little extra help this season. The turkey giveaway will be held immediately following the Quakertown Halloween Parade on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 3:30 p.m. at Quakertown Memorial Park, 600 West Mill Street, Quakertown. Turkeys will be distributed to local families on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limited number available. Families are encouraged to arrive early. I’m grateful to work alongside the Quakertown Police Department and the Quakertown Food Pantry to provide direct assistance to families in the Quakertown area. Through this partnership, we’re working together to support local families and provide additional resources to those who need them. I hope to see you there! Senate Acts to Strengthen Property Rights
Property rights are enshrined in both the U.S. and the Pennsylvania constitutions, and the Senate approved legislation to strengthen protections against warrantless entry onto private property by Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel. Senate Bill 1431 would require Game Commission personnel to obtain a valid warrant before entering private property, including posted land, unless a judicially recognized exception to the warrant requirement applies. Current law gives Game Commission personnel broad authority to enter land outside buildings, whether posted or otherwise. Senate Bill 1431 would place clear limits on that authority while preserving recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement. Read more about the effort to strengthen property rights. Senate Passes Key School Bus Reform Legislation
This week the Senate passed Senate Bill 1262 by a vote of 45-5, which included key reforms to the state Automated School Bus Stop Signal Arm Enforcement program that I proposed. Through my amendment, this legislation, in addition to increasing penalties for drivers who operate a school bus under the influence of drugs or alcohol, also requires side stop signal arm enforcement systems used by schools be approved by PennDOT and that any approved system verifies a school bus driver used the amber and red signals in accordance with state law so erroneous citations are not issued to motorists. Under state law, school bus operators must activate amber warning lights 150 to 300 feet before activating red lights and a stop arm to ensure motorists have adequate warning and distance to stop safely. However, current law does not require automated cameras or reviewing entities to verify whether the bus driver complied with the required signaling procedures before a citation is issued to a motorist, resulting in many improperly issued citations. Statewide, approximately 40% of appealed citations are dismissed, and I’ve talked with hundreds of residents about the errors and inconsistencies with school bus safety arm enforcement. My amendment makes a simple and important change to our existing law, ensuring the government follows its own rules before fining the public. I am pleased this legislation has been approved by the Senate and urge the House of Representatives to move it through the legislative process. Expanding Fire Safety and Encouraging Fire Sprinkler Installation
In recognition of Fire Prevention Week (October 4–10), I spoke on the Senate floor about an amendment I offered to Senate Bill 1299. The legislation establishes local tax credits for the installation of fire sprinkler systems in first-class cities. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Pennsylvania recorded 152 fire fatalities in 2025, the highest number of any state. Fire sprinklers are proven lifesaving technology, reducing fire-related deaths by nearly 90% compared to buildings without them. Their impact is particularly important in large residential buildings, which often house vulnerable populations and require additional time for safe evacuation. My amendment, which was adopted with unanimous, bipartisan support, expands the tax credit to every city in Pennsylvania, including Allentown. This change will help incentivize the installation of sprinkler systems in high-occupancy buildings and strengthen fire safety protections for residents across the Commonwealth. Senate Passes Bill to Establish Animal Abuser Registry
The Senate approved Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee’s Law, to help prevent convicted abusers from obtaining more animals by establishing a statewide animal abuser registry. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. People selling, transferring or offering dogs, cats or horses for adoption would be required to check the registry, which would be maintained by Pennsylvania State Police, and refuse placement with anyone listed. These requirements will help shelters, rescues and others placing animals in new homes identify convicted abusers before another animal is put at risk. The legislation is named after a six-month-old husky found abandoned in a crate beneath a bridge in Erie during subzero temperatures. She was severely underweight, covered in filth and suffering from frostbite on all four paws. Despite the rescuers’ efforts to save her, Aimee did not survive. Read more about Aimee’s Law. Supporting Local Nonprofits Through Grant Opportunities
Thank you to Upper Macungie Township for welcoming us to the brand-new Lifestyle Center for our second annual Nonprofit Grant Seminar. The seminar provided a valuable opportunity to connect with local nonprofit organizations, highlight available funding opportunities and share resources to help organizations navigate the grant process. Participants learned more about state, federal and foundation grants that can support their important work in our communities. We appreciate everyone who joined us and look forward to continuing to connect local organizations with resources and opportunities that can help them grow and serve our communities. Connecting Students with Career Opportunities
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Career and Technical Education Expo at Lehigh Carbon Community College. The event brought together students, families, educators and industry representatives to explore a wide range of career pathways and learn more about opportunities available right here in our community. I appreciate the collaboration of our partners and their continued commitment to providing students with meaningful opportunities to explore careers and connect with local employers. These efforts play an important role in strengthening our workforce and building connections throughout the region. Stay tuned for information about our next Career and Technical Education Expo! Recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition continues to bring people together to support breast cancer survivors and thrivers, advocate for better access to screenings and care, and remind Pennsylvanians that this disease affects families and communities across our state. Breast cancer is not a red or blue issue, it’s pink. This month, we recognize those who have faced breast cancer, remember those we have lost, and stand with the survivors, thrivers, families and advocates working to make a difference. Together, we can continue raising awareness and ensuring Pennsylvanians have access to the screenings, care and support they need. |
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