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In this Update:
Pennsylvania is One Step Closer to Cellphone-Free Schools
After more than two years of working on this issue, I’m proud to announce that the General Assembly has finally voted to make Pennsylvania schools cellphone-free! Thank you to Senator Vincent Hughes (D-7), Senator Steve Santarseiro (D-10) and all the other advocates and stakeholders who helped get this across the finish line – your hard work will make a difference in students’ lives across the commonwealth. Senate Bill 1014 would require Pennsylvania schools to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day, with some limited exceptions. The bill also maintains local control by allowing each school district to decide how to ensure students are not using their cellphones throughout the school day. We need to get cellphones out of our classrooms and let kids focus on learning. Teachers should not have to compete with smartphones for their students’ attention, and kids should be able to get through the school day without the constant pressure of social media and notifications. Senate Bill 1014 establishes a clear statewide standard while allowing school districts to decide what works best for their communities. Senate Bill 1014 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature. Learn more about the legislation here. Bill Combatting Online Child Predators Approved by General Assembly
As more and more children have access to the internet at a young age, the predators we once worried about on our streets are now sitting behind computers and smartphones interacting with innocent children. This is where “Alicia’s Law” comes in. Representative Jason Ortitay (R-46), Alicia Kozak, and I are fighting back against these criminals by finally passing our legislation to provide the funding and tools needed to better investigate and prosecute these horrendous crimes, and most importantly – protect PA children. House Bill 1098 would provide critical resources to law enforcement agencies and prosecutors working to protect children from online exploitation and abuse by expanding the Investigation and Prosecution of Internet Crimes Against Children Program within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). Learn more about the legislation here. Bill Modernizing Nonprofit Fundraising Almost Law
My legislation to support Pennsylvania’s local fire companies, youth sports leagues, VFWs, and other nonprofits by modernizing the small games of chance law was unanimously approved by the Senate and is one step closer to enactment. Senate Bill 416, also sponsored by Sen. Fontana (D-42), would allow eligible nonprofit organizations to accept electronic payments — such as credit cards, debit cards, and online platforms like PayPal or Venmo — for raffle tickets. Under current law, nonprofits are limited to accepting cash or checks for these transactions, which has made it harder to raise funds in today’s increasingly cashless society. Pennsylvania’s nonprofit organizations do incredible work in our communities, and we should make it easier for them to raise the funds they need to support their missions. As more people rely on electronic payments, our laws need to keep pace with the way people do business today. This legislation provides nonprofits with more convenient, modern fundraising options while maintaining important safeguards to ensure raffle ticket purchasers meet the legal age requirement. Learn more about the legislation here. Dam Signage Bill Approved in Memory of Bethel Park Teacher
Representative Natalie Mihalek’s (R-40) House Bill 961 is a very simple measure that could save lives. By requiring all dams on PA waterways to be properly marked, this bill will prevent future tragedies like the tragic loss of Bethel Park School District teacher, Jon Gentile. In 2022, he was kayaking on the Delaware River near an unmarked dam when he was pulled in by the strong current and trapped beneath the dam, resulting in death. Just a few months after this tragedy, Kathy Gentile, Jon’s widow, traveled to Harrisburg on their wedding anniversary to meet with lawmakers and discuss a way to prevent what happened to her husband from happening to others. I was fortunate to meet Kathy that day. Her husband’s story, while painful, is resulting in real change here in Harrisburg thanks to Kathy’s tireless advocacy. I was proud to vote in favor of this important bill! View my remarks on this legislation here. Easier, More Accessible Colorectal Cancer Screenings Approved
When more people get screened, more cancers are caught early. Improved screening can help reduce late-stage diagnoses, improve colorectal cancer outcomes, save money by preventing the need for costly treatments of cancer that wasn’t caught early, and most importantly, save lives across Pennsylvania. I’m proud to have worked with American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and Rep. Pat Gallagher to allow for blood test coverage to strengthen this bill and help more Pennsylvanians take an important step toward protecting their health. Learn more about the legislation here. Community Leaders’ Breakfast
Thank you to everyone who came to the Community Leaders Breakfast I hosted with Representative Jeremy Shaffer (R-28)! It was a great opportunity to network and learn how we can support each other in making our communities better places to live and work. Moon Area School District’s New Athletics Facility
Moon Area School District’s athletic facilities are growing! Thank you to superintendent, Jason D’Alesio, for a tour of the new athletic fields in progress on campus. See more photos from the tour here. Congratulations to Troop 301 New Eagle Scouts
Congratulations to Danison Lee and Owen Ireland from Scout Troop 301 on earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout! Your dedication and service to our community is commendable, and you should be proud of this accomplishment. See more photos from the Court of Honor here. Senate Votes to Provide Lifetime No-Contact Orders for Victims
A measure to provide lifetime no-contact orders for victims of certain serious or violent offenses was approved by the Senate. Under current law, victims must go to court to renew no-contact protections each time they expire. Without renewal, an offender may once again attempt to contact the victim, even though the conviction, and the harm that made the protection necessary, has not changed. Unwanted contact can retraumatize victims, especially survivors of rape and other sexually violent offenses, including offenses involving the abuse or exploitation of children. Senate Bill 1484 allows a judge, upon the request of the victim or prosecutor, to issue a permanent order prohibiting the defendant from contacting the victim. The order could be terminated or modified at the victim’s request or if the underlying conviction is overturned, dismissed or otherwise legally invalidated. Read more about this bill, known as “Kayleigh’s Law.” National Book Month
This National Book Month, I want to celebrate the profound win for PA students that we were able to pass into law last year to ensure all PA children are reading proficiently by the end of third grade. I was proud to work in a bipartisan manner with Sen. Vincent Hughes, Rep. Jason Ortitay, Rep. Justin Fleming (D-105), and many other advocates to get this important bill signed into law. Learn more about the legislation here. New Law Protects Animals from Painful Experimentation
Legislation to protect dogs and cats from painful, taxpayer-funded experiments has been approved by the General Assembly and signed into law. Senate Bill 381, also known as the Beagle Bill, bans cosmetic animal testing of all animals after 2027 and makes Pennsylvania the 18th state to grant dogs and cats an opportunity to be adopted into a loving home after the experiments are over. The bill also prevents Commonwealth funding from being used for research if labs do not comply with federal oversight requirements. Read more about protecting animals and increasing transparency through the Beagle Bill. Stronger Reporting Requirements for AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material
The Senate voted to better protect young people against the serious threats posed by child sexual abuse materials generated using artificial intelligence (AI). The bill was approved by the House of Representatives and is headed for enactment into law. House Bill 2474 would require mandated reporters to report all instances of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) they become aware of, including those produced by a minor. This applies to teachers, childcare workers, healthcare providers and other individuals responsible for caring for children. The legislation, which was introduced in April, mirrors the language in Senate Bill 1050, a bill the Senate passed in November 2025. The legislation also adds hazing to Pennsylvania’s mandatory reporting guidelines. Hazing is not currently considered child abuse under Pennsylvania law when one child commits that crime against another. Read more about this legislation. National Crime Prevention Month
During National Crime Prevention Month, I’m partnering with Reps. Jeremy Shaffer, Natalie Mihalek, and Valerie Gaydos (R-44) to better protect victims, communities, and law enforcement by calling for reforms to Pennsylvania’s bail process to ensure the most dangerous criminals are not released back into our communities. Pennsylvanians deserve a criminal justice system that takes the threat of violent crime seriously and puts public safety at the forefront of bail decisions. Learn more about our proposals here. How PA Makes Breast Cancer Detection and Care Accessible
Pennsylvania has two significant laws to make early breast cancer detection and follow-up care more accessible. Act 1 of 2023 is a comprehensive breast cancer supplemental screening and genetic testing law now fully in effect for individuals with increased risk factors who are insured under Pennsylvania law. It provides coverage for the following at no cost:
Act 52 of 2025 is a diagnostic breast imaging law that includes no-cost diagnostic mammograms, breast MRIs and ultrasounds for individuals of average risk or higher with state-regulated insurance. The law will be fully implemented by January 2028. When in full effect, it will provide coverage for the following at no cost:
Learn more about no-cost breast imaging in PA. Upcoming Events in the 37th District
Looking for things in the area to do this week? Check out these local events across the 37th District! Township of Findlay Trunk-or-Treat Spooktacular Allegheny County Trunk or Treat Soldiers to Veterans Showcase Bethel Park Halloween Bash Sen. Robinson & Rep. Mihalek’s Veterans Breakfast |
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