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In this Update:
Senate Approves Coleman Bill to Expunge COVID-era Citations The Pennsylvania Senate approved my legislation expunging punitive COVID-related citations issued by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) against small businesses with liquor licenses. I introduced Senate Bill 241 after the PLCB confirmed that they were still using the license renewal process to penalize license holders for failing to comply with COVID-related executive orders. The PLCB’s enforcement has included the issuance of conditional licenses, which come with higher insurance premiums, and the required sale of a liquor license, effectively putting someone out of business. Every other commonwealth agency has recognized the impossible situation restaurants were in and they’ve dropped enforcement actions for COVID rule violations. It’s beyond time that the PLCB follows suit and lets these small businesses focus on making a living. September 18 License Plate Replacement Event
I will be hosting a license plate replacement event on September 18 at the Hilltown Police Department in Bucks County. 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 event, 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. If you’re interested in attending, you can learn more and pre-register by visiting the event page. Protecting Animals from Painful Experiments
The Senate unanimously approved legislation aimed at protecting dogs and cats from painful, taxpayer-funded experiments. Senate Bill 381, also known as the Beagle Bill, would:
Senate Bill 381 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. School Bus Bill Improves Safety for Pennsylvania Children
Legislation to improve school bus safety and better protect children traveling to and from school was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 65 increases the required stopping distance from 10 feet to 15 feet for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. It also raises penalties for violations, including higher fines and license suspensions for repeat offenders, and mandates additional driver education or examinations. It also establishes penalties for drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights, adding an important layer of accountability. During Operation Safe Stop in October 2024, law enforcement and bus drivers across 22 school districts reported 131 violations in a single day, underscoring the urgency of these reforms. Helping Disabled Veterans Enjoy Outdoor Activities
The Senate passed legislation supporting opportunities for Pennsylvania’s disabled veterans to participate in outdoor traditions. Senate Bill 533 would streamline requirements for hunting and furtaking licenses and refine special permits for regulated hunting grounds to specifically benefit disabled veterans who take part in hunting events. The legislation makes it easier for organizations to host hunts for disabled veterans by clarifying the permitting process and reducing unnecessary barriers, ensuring more veterans can be included in these events. Senate Bill 533 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Importance of Community Pharmacies Highlighted at Briefing
Community pharmacies and the important role they play for Pennsylvania residents was the focus of an informational briefing with pharmacists, the state Department of Human Services, the Insurance Department and others. Roughly 600 pharmacies have closed across the commonwealth within the last two years, reducing access to professionals serving on the frontlines of health care. The Senate Community Pharmacy Caucus discussed the impacts of Act 77 of 2024, the Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) reform measure. The law banned harmful practices, strengthened network adequacy requirements, increased PBM transparency and accountability and implemented additional oversight. Further action needed to protect community pharmacies was among the topics explored at the briefing, which can be viewed here. Remembering September 11, 2001
Once again, we pause on Sept. 11 to remember the tragic events on that date in 2001 – attacks that changed our nation forever. We honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, and hold in our hearts the families left behind. The first responders who courageously gave their lives to save others remain a source of inspiration for a nation brought together in grief and determined to keep America’s enemies at bay.
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