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In this Update:

• Work Continues on the 2024-25 State Budget
• Robinson’s Doorless Driving Bill Passes House
• Robinson’s Bill Honoring Veterans Approved in Senate
• Independence Day Highlights
• Cancer Treatment Access Bill Signed into Law
• Senate Approves Bill to Stabilize Insurance Market
• South Park Wave Pool Opening
• Flood Mitigation Solutions in Oakdale
• American Legion Appointments
• Upper St. Clair Police Retirements
• Bill Limiting Smartphone Use in Schools Passes Senate
• Bill Expanding First Responder Service Dog Fee Exemptions Receives Senate Approval
• Senate Passes Bill Discounting Hunting and Fishing Licenses to Volunteer Firefighters

Work Continues on the 2024-25 State Budget

We in the legislature are committed to producing a pro-growth budget which will empower Pennsylvanians and is equally honest with taxpayers about our state’s fiscal health both now and in the future. We have been diligently working to come to consensus on a final product. Additional session days will be added as needed to complete the budget as quickly as possible.

Learn more about the process of enacting the 2024-25 state budget and watch the Senate in session here.

Robinson’s Doorless Driving Bill Passes House

Exciting news for Bronco and Jeep owners! My legislation to allow doorless driving reached another important step in the legislative process and was passed with overwhelming support in the House this week. Thanks to my colleagues in both chambers and both sides of the aisle who supported this legislation to finally align Pennsylvania with the rest of the nation. The bill now heads to the Senate for concurrence, then onto the Governor for his signature. I will provide another update soon when we have the exact date when your doors can legally be taken off. Read more in my press release here.

Robinson’s Bill Honoring Veterans Approved in Senate

This past week, my language to provide the opportunity for Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal recipients to apply for a specialty license plate was approved in the Senate. This Medal is awarded to service members who were deployed in direct service to the War on Terror following the September 11 attacks. Read more here. 

Independence Day Highlights

Thank you to all who lined the streets of Leetsdale for the July Fourth parade. It a pleasure seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

It was fun celebrating in the South Hills! The Brentwood Parade was wonderful.  It was great seeing everyone come out to celebrate Independence Day.

Cancer Treatment Access Bill Signed into Law

I was thrilled to see this signed into law! Act 39 of 2024 is the companion legislation to my Senate Bill 954 which will provide Pennsylvanians with better access to personalized treatment for cancer and other diseases.

This legislation is another great example of good, bipartisan and bicameral collaboration as I worked closely with Rep. Kyle Mullins to ensure this bill was in good shape. Read more in my press release here to see how you and your loved ones may benefit.

Senate Approves Bill to Stabilize Insurance Market

To address a discrepancy in the transparency and regulation of surplus lines insurance, my companion legislation was unanimously approved in the Senate this week. I’m pleased to say it now heads to the Governor for his signature.

Read more here.

South Park Wave Pool Opening

After many upgrades to the walls, floor, drains, supply lines and more, renovation is complete! Happy to announce that Allegheny County Parks has opened the South Park Wave Pool this week! (Photo courtesy of Allegheny County Parks) Check it out here.

Flood Mitigation Solutions in Oakdale

I’m happy to be working with US Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District, PennDOT, and the leaders in Oakdale on possible options for future flood mitigation measures. It was enlightening, and I’m grateful for the collaboration of expertise on working to fix the issue.

American Legion Appointments

Reminder that this upcoming Tuesday, July 9, my office hosts monthly office hours with a representative from the American Legion. Graham Wieland is a tremendous resource for veterans and their families. Please contact us to make an appointment!

Upper St. Clair Police Retirements

Congratulations to Officer Garofalo and Sergeant Murphy on their retirements! Thank you for your unwavering dedication to the safety of our community.

Bill Limiting Smartphone Use in Schools Passes Senate

The Senate this week approved legislation to improve students’ mental health and academic performance by limiting their use of smartphones in school.

Since the early 2010s, there has been a steep decline in mental health in children, and their academic performance is suffering. Children’s compromised mental health, social skills and academic performance directly correlates to the rise of smartphones and social media apps.

Senate Bill 1207 would establish the Cell Phone Lockable Bag Pilot Program until Dec. 1, 2026. The School Safety and Security Committee would award grants to purchase secure, lockable smartphone bags in which students would deposit their mobile devices until the end of the school day.

The bill would also require schools participating in the program to create and post online a policy prohibiting the use of smartphones during school time. It must include exemptions for students who have a documented medical condition – such as diabetes – that requires the use of a phone.

Bill Expanding First Responder Service Dog Fee Exemptions Receives Senate Approval

The Senate approved Senate Bill 82 to extend license fee exemptions to service dogs integral to fire departments, sheriff’s offices and rescue services. This exemption currently applies only to municipal and state police departments. The bill was sent to the governor to be signed into law.

Service dogs detect threats, aid in search and rescue missions, and provide critical support during medical emergencies. The exemption from licensing fees aims to minimize financial barriers for agencies relying on these highly trained animals.

Additionally, the measure addresses challenges created by a revision to the state’s dog law that prohibited out-of-state residents from boarding their dogs in Pennsylvania-based kennels.

Senate Passes Bill Discounting Hunting and Fishing Licenses to Volunteer Firefighters

The Senate approved a bill that would enable volunteer firefighters to obtain discounted hunting licenses and fishing licenses in Pennsylvania.

Resident adult hunting licenses cost $20.97 and fishing licenses cost $27.97. The legislation would reduce the cost of each to $1 for volunteer firefighters who served at least the previous 12 months in the commonwealth.

Pennsylvania in the 1970s had as many as 300,000 volunteer firefighters. There currently are approximately 38,000 volunteer firefighters in the commonwealth.

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