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In this Update:
Community Highlights
My third annual senior expo was a great success! Thank you to everyone to who made this event possible, especially the Library Volunteer Fire Company for letting us use their wonderful facility. We had a host of exhibitors on hand from government and healthcare agencies and senior service centers. Already looking forward to next year!
Congratulations to the Bradford Woods Conservancy on celebrating their 30th anniversary! Bradford Woods was originally settled as a summer retreat in the early 1900’s and still retains that charm as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. I was honored to help the conservancy celebrate its 30th anniversary at Station No. 5. They have given away over 1,100 trees – including one for my yard. Keep up the great work!
I was able to stop out at the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Training Center last weekend for their annual Apprentice Open House. It was great to see their hard work in action! Robinson Honors Operation Enduring Freedom
I was honored to speak about my experience serving in Operation Enduring Freedom at this week’s remembrance ceremony in Harrisburg. Thank you to all who participated and honored our fallen heroes who served during this time. Robinson Companion Bill Unanimously Passes Committee
I was thrilled to see HB843 unanimously pass the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. This is the companion bill to my legislation for an urban search and rescue task force in Western PA. So glad we can better support first responders in our region! Robinson Bill to Help Deaf Community Passes General Assembly
I was thrilled to see my bipartisan legislation to modernize the Sign Language Interpreter and Transliterator State Registration Act unanimously passed by both the Senate and House this week. Early this year, it was brought to my attention that the number of registered interpreters in the state has not kept up with the needs of the deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing communities. The bill, Senate Bill 1274, expands the types of educational pathways individuals can take to become registered, ultimately increasing accessibility for those who rely on these vital services. The bill now heads to the governor for his signature. You can hear my floor remarks on final passage or read my full press release for more information. Allegheny County Airport Authority Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Congratulations to the Allegheny County Airport Authority on celebrating its 25th anniversary! I was pleased to present them with a proclamation and have them as my guests on the Senate floor. Legislation to Combat AI-Generated Deepfake Images of Minors in PA Set for Enactment
Legislation to combat “deepfake” images of minors and child sexual abuse materials generated by artificial intelligence (AI) received final legislative approval and is set for enactment into law. Senate Bill 1213 addresses the alarming rise in AI-generated deepfake sexual images of children and non-consenting adults. Currently, Pennsylvania law makes it illegal to share intimate images without consent but does not clearly address the use of AI deepfake technology for this purpose. This gap in our law leaves many vulnerable to a new form of digital abuse. The bill also prohibits AI from being utilized to generate child sexual abuse material, previously referred to as “child pornography,” which is not currently prohibited under law. In August, police in Lancaster County launched an investigation into a case of artificially generated nude photos that use the faces of more than 20 female teenage students. The district attorney said that in some cases charges can’t be filed because the images don’t involve actual children. Senate Bill 1213 seeks to close that loophole. Senate Committee Votes to be Prepared for Natural Disasters
As hurricanes Helene and Milton remind us of the importance of being prepared to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies, the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee advanced three bills to support Pennsylvania’s emergency responders. All three bills now advance to the full Senate for consideration. House Bill 843 would establish a second urban search and rescue team in western Pennsylvania. Funding for the team was included in this year’s state budget. The bridge collapse and East Palestine train derailment demonstrated the need for emergency response in minutes, not hours. House Bill 1304 would update the language in the 911 Law to increase penalties for misuse of the 911 system and ensure communications service providers report service outages as specified by the Federal Communications Commission or Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. House Bill 2407 would update the state Fire and EMS Grant Program by enabling fire and EMS companies to use grants for preventative health measures, mental health awareness and treatment. The legislation also would allow testing after each of the four training modules that total 188 hours for the Firefighter 1 certification, as opposed to requiring firefighters to pass a cumulative test covering all modules as is currently the case. Finally, the bill would increase the thresholds that fire and EMS companies can borrow from the low-interest Fire and EMS Loan Program. Stay in the Know: Max Manufacturing
Recently, my legislation to establish the Max Manufacturing Initiative Act was signed into law as Act 24 of 2024. The act enables state-related universities to collaborate with engineering firms to enhance research, foster business partnerships, produce high-value products and create well-paying jobs. You can sign up here to receive updates on this new law here. Act 1 of 2023: Landmark Legislation Supporting Women’s Health
Act 1 of 2023, a landmark law I proudly cosponsored, eliminates all costs associated with screening breast MRIs, ultrasounds, genetic testing and counseling for individuals at high risk of breast cancer who are insured under state-regulated plans. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, I encourage women to be their best healthcare advocate and know their risk for breast cancer and other diseases. High-risk factors for breast cancer include a personal or family history of breast cancer, abnormal breast screenings or dense breast tissue. Individuals with gene mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, or those with a first-degree relative carrying these mutations, are also covered for additional screenings and genetic counseling. The law will be fully in effect for all state-regulated insurance plans by the end of 2025, though many plans will begin coverage between 2024 and 2025. To find out if your plan qualifies, check with your insurer or employer’s human resources. For uninsured or underinsured women who need immediate screenings, Pennsylvania offers no-cost options through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Office Closed for Columbus Day
My offices will be closed on Monday, October 14 in observance of Columbus Day. Normal office hours will resume Tuesday, October 15 at 9 a.m. Have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend!
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