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In this Update:

• New Law Aims to Limit Student Smartphone Use in Schools
• Senate Approves Bill Providing Support to Military Community
• Bill Increasing Access to Qualified Barber Teachers Passes Senate
• Easy Ways to Lower Your Energy Costs
• New PA License Plate Coming in 2025
• Recognizing National Hire a Veteran Day

New Law Aims to Limit Student Smartphone Use in Schools

Legislation to improve student mental health, academic performance and social skills by limiting student smartphone use in schools has been signed into law. The measure allows schools the option of using dedicated school safety funding for secure, lockable smartphone bags in which students deposit their mobile devices until the end of the school day.

Senate Bill 700, now Act 55 of 2024, amended the School Safety and Mental Health Grant Program to allow for the purchase of these smartphone bags as an eligible use of funding. As part of the grant program, school districts receive an automatic base grant of $100,000 and each intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, regional charter school or cyber charter school is provided an automatic base grant of $70,000.

Senate Approves Bill Providing Support to Military Community

The Senate unanimously passed legislation to improve the quality of life for service members, veterans and their families by creating and operating the Service Member Veterans and Their Families Fund (SMVF Fund).

Senate Bill 1192 would allow the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to lease real estate at Fort Indiantown Gap and use the proceeds to support the SMVF Fund. To ensure transparency and accountability in the fund’s operations, the bill also includes provisions for annual reporting on the revenues, expenditures and activities financed by the SMVF Fund.

The fund would be dedicated to paying for quality-of-life programs – including physical fitness, personal growth, social interaction and recreational activities – for the military community. The programs would be designed to support the readiness and well-being of the service members, veterans and their families.

Bill Increasing Access to Qualified Barber Teachers Passes Senate

The Senate unanimously passed legislation to address the scarcity of qualified barber teachers. It is now before the governor to be signed into law.

House Bill 327 would also reduce age and training requirements for a barber-teacher applicant from 23 to 18 years of age and 1,250 to 500 hours of supervised training. It would only apply to people who pay the associated fee and have no record of disciplinary action.

The legislation would also allow barber-teachers licensed in other states to obtain a Pennsylvania barber-teacher license.

Easy Ways to Lower Your Energy Costs

Rising energy costs are compounded by the hot temperatures we have been experiencing. If you’ve been shocked by your energy bill and are looking for ways to lower costs, here are some helpful tips from the Public Utility Commission:

• Check Your Thermostat – The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill.
• Clean is “Green” – Regularly clean and replace air conditioner filters and ensure air circulation paths are clear.
• Power Off – Turn off non-essential appliances and lights to reduce power use and unwanted heat.
• Don’t Cool Unneeded Space – Close off unused rooms and adjust air vents or thermostats to avoid unnecessary cooling expenses.
• Keep the Heat Outside – Seal cracks to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.

Learn more about how to stay cool while keeping your summer power bills manageable.

New PA License Plate Coming in 2025

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has unveiled a new standard license plate for vehicles.

The new plate, showcasing Pennsylvania as the birthplace of America, will be available in 2025. It features the Liberty Bell and the text, “Let Freedom Ring.” Military, special organization, special fund and specialty plates without legislatively mandated designs will also be updated with the new design.

If you would like to be one of the first to get the new license plate, sign up for updates. You will be notified when the license plate is ready to order. When the plates become available, fee information will be included with replacement instructions on PennDOT’s website and will vary based on plate type and any optional personalization. The department and its partners will use all existing standard issue license plate inventory before transitioning to the new plate design.

Recognizing National Hire a Veteran Day

Thursday, July 25, marks National Hire a Veteran Day. The men and women who served our country have many skillsets and experiences – in addition to a high level of dedication – that can benefit employers.

Employers who would like to hire veterans and guard members can list their job opening for free on the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations’ Job Board. Veterans can search the board here.

National Hire a Veteran Day also serves as a reminder for employers that it’s important to support veterans by providing resources to them as they transition from military life to the civilian workforce.

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