Senator Coleman E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Upcoming License Plate Replacement Events
  • Improving Health Care
  • New Law Streamlines Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
  • 2026-27 PA Student Aid Guide Available
  • Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law
  • Happy Labor Day

Upcoming License Plate Replacement Events

I will be hosting two free license plate replacement events in September.

Area motorists whose license plates have lost reflectivity, are peeling, have blistering or discoloration, and cannot be read from 50 feet away, may be eligible for a free plate replacement. During the events, law enforcement officers will make the final determination and assist with completing the appropriate paperwork.

Once the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation receives the paperwork, the replacement plate will be mailed to the motorist’s home address.

Those interested in attending, can learn more about these events and pre-register by visiting our events page.

Improving Health Care

The Senate approved several measures this year to improve the delivery of health care in our communities.

Among the new laws we passed was a measure establishing a statewide stroke registry to deliver vital information to EMS providers and hospitals, ensuring the best treatment possible. Other laws aim to reduce overdose deaths by incorporating real-time reporting by EMS providers into the statewide overdose mapping system, and giving EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind a dose of naloxone at overdose scenes, placing this lifesaving medication in the hands of a caregiver or loved one.

Critical measures passed by the Senate and awaiting action in the House of Representatives include bills to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law by ensuring diagnostic imaging is fully covered, and preserving prescription drug coverage for more than 10,000 seniors.

You can review other measures we passed to improve health care and address other subjects here.

New Law Streamlines Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

A new law we passed earlier this year is now in effect removing the annual fishing license fee and application for veterans with 100% disability.

Previously, only those disabled veterans with a 100% permanent disability determination from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs could receive free lifetime fishing licenses. Disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination also receive free licenses but must apply for them on an annual basis.

Act 21 of 2025 takes away the annual fee and application part of the process and allows all disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination, whether or not it is a permanent determination, to purchase free lifetime fishing licenses.

2026-27 PA Student Aid Guide Available

For parents and students planning for college, the new Student Aid Guide from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) provides a complete overview of the financial aid process.

The guide can help you:

  • Estimate costs
  • Access state and federal aid
  • Fill out applications
  • Set up a timeline to make the process manageable

For more help planning for college, check out PHEAA webinars and EducationPlanner.org.

Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law

Students are heading back to class, so we all need to be on the lookout for children around school buses and bus stops.

Some reminders about Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law:

  • Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm activated.
  • Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.
  • Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn and all children have reached safety.

School districts are permitted to install automated camera systems on buses to enforce the law. You can find more information about the law and penalties, and safety tips for children, here.  

Happy Labor Day

Labor Day is a time to celebrate the workers who make our communities thrive while providing for their families. No matter what your vocation or whether you’re an active employee or a retiree, I hope you enter this last stretch of summer with a wonderful holiday weekend.

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