|
|
| |
|
Capitol Report
|
#Listrak\DateStampLong#
|
The latest news from the State Capitol
|
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
|
Remember the Fallen This Memorial Day
Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day – a day set aside to honor the more than 1.1 million Americans who have died in wars which the United States entered.
Please take a moment this weekend to remember these men and women who sacrificed their lives for us and for our country and consider participating in Memorial Day events in your community.
For more information about Memorial Day and its history, click here.
If you are able, join me and my staff at the Hawley Borough Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 24. The parade starts at 1 and will run from Riverside Park to Bingham Park.
|
Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Memorial Day
PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed Saturday, May 23, and Monday, May 25, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. Services include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.
|
Fish for Free This Sunday!
This Sunday, May 24, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host a Fish for Free day to allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations still apply.
This is the first of two dates set by the PFBC to enhance fishing opportunities. The next day is Independence Day, Saturday, July 4. This is a great way to expose the next generation of anglers to the outdoors. More information about fishing in Pennsylvania is available here.
|
Bill Targets AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material
The state House recently gave unanimous approval to legislation that would strengthen protections for children victimized by AI-generated sexually explicit images.
House Bill 2474 would require schools and other mandated reporters to immediately notify law enforcement when they become aware of suspected child sexual abuse material involving artificial intelligence-generated “deepfake” images. The bill aims to prevent delays that can allow harmful material to continue spreading and additional victims to be targeted.
The bill was developed in response to at least two known cases in which school officials did not immediately report such incidents. The legislation is intended to remove uncertainty about reporting obligations and ensure law enforcement becomes involved immediately.
The bill is now pending consideration in the Senate.
|
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and continuing the fight against the stigma people face when seeking help.
In Pennsylvania, mental health services are administered through county Mental Health and Developmental Services programs. To learn more about mental health care in Pennsylvania, click here.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
|
Bike Safely!
May is National Bicycle Safety Month. The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code considers "pedalcycles" as vehicles. That means bicyclists must follow traffic laws, such as obeying all traffic signals and riding in the same direction as traffic. If you ride in violation of the traffic laws, you greatly increase your risk of a crash and will likely be found at fault in the event of an accident.
Here are some additional safety tips for cyclists:
• Always wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.
• Use proper hand signals when turning or stopping to communicate with drivers.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing to help drivers see you.
• Regularly maintain your bike to keep it working smoothly.
• Equip your bike with reflectors, a white headlight, and a bell or horn.
• Ride a car-door width away from parked vehicles.
Motor vehicles must allow 4 feet of distance when overtaking a bicycle and travel at a careful and prudent speed. It is the motorist’s responsibility to provide the distance, not the cyclist. For more bicycle safety tips, please visit penndot.pa.gov.
|
Upcoming District Event
|
|
|
