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In this Update:
PA Supreme Court Rules Counties Must Comply with State Election Law
The state Supreme Court has reiterated its previous stance and ruled that undated or misdated mail ballots should not be counted in the 2024 election. It upholds prior rulings clarifying mail and absentee ballots that fail to comply with the Pennsylvania Election Code “shall not be counted” for the purposes of the Nov. 5 election. This is a win for voters and the rule of law. Senate Republicans will continue to work to boost election integrity and ensure free, fair and secure elections. Senate Republicans Spearheading PA Permitting Reform
Pennsylvania Senate Republicans have long recognized the need to implement meaningful permitting reforms to expand job opportunities and grow our economy. Executive orders come and go, which is why we insisted our permitting reform efforts be enshrined in law, as happened back in July. Pennsylvanians sent a clear message on Nov. 5 that improving the state of our economy must be of critical focus. We know that creating a robust economy is key to combatting inflation and helping to increase access to family sustaining jobs. While it is unclear how Gov. Josh Shapiro’s most recent executive order is different from previous legislation spearheaded by Senate Republicans, we welcome the governor and his Democratic colleagues to the table to work together on further initiatives. New Law Creates Rape Kit Tracking System
To empower survivors and hold offenders accountable, a bill establishing a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system was signed into law as Act 122 of 2024. Act 122 allows survivors to track the status of their rape kits throughout the testing process, from collection to destruction. The law clarifies existing rights and enshrines new statutory rights for survivors of sexual assault. It also brings Pennsylvania into compliance with the Fairness for Rape Kit Backlog Survivors provision of the recent Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization. To comply with VAWA, the law provides a waiver for survivors who file untimely claims for compensation due to delays in rape kit testing. Survivors will not need to undergo an appeal process for consideration of this waiver. Putting Pennsylvania on a Strong Financial Path
Throughout the last two years, Pennsylvania Senate Republicans have worked to empower Pennsylvanians and place our commonwealth on a strong financial path. Increasing energy independence, expanding access to well-paying jobs, and making communities healthy and safer have been top priorities in our work to move Pennsylvania forward. As inflation is impacting communities throughout Pennsylvania, we will continue to address the pressing challenges impacting families as they manage their household budgets. Bill Allowing Year-round Motorcycle Inspections Now Law
Legislation giving people who are trying to take safety precautions more convenience is now law after receiving unanimous Senate and House support. It allows year-round motorcycle safety inspections in Pennsylvania. Even though motorcycles can be purchased and driven on Pennsylvania roadways throughout the year, the state Vehicle Code previously only allowed safety inspections to be performed from March to October. The legislation eliminated the old restriction to give motorcycle operators more opportunities to complete required inspections. Motorcycle registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will continue to be tied to the month the vehicle is to be inspected. Senate Passes Bill to Honor Gold Star Families
It’s important to recognize fallen service members and the families they left behind. I supported a new law that will authorize construction of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. The monument will be sponsored by the Woody Williams Foundation, which was established to honor and support Gold Star Families. It will be built to reflect five main philosophical pillars of the foundation: homeland, family, patriot, sacrifice and legacy. The monument will give Gold Star Families a permanent place to gather, remember and honor their fallen loved ones. It will also remind the public of the ultimate sacrifice made by the country’s bravest patriots. The monument will be constructed south of the Auditorium Forum Building, east of the Irvis Office Building and north of Walnut Street. New Maple Map Paves the Way for a Tasty Treat
Pennsylvania maple is a true taste of fall, and it’s simpler than ever to enjoy maple syrup and related candies, popcorn and sauces produced right here in the commonwealth. The new Maple Map highlights local producers and businesses all across the state. Using the interactive mapping application makes it easy to find delicious snacks to help you enjoy the season. It also provides maple syrup recipes and a list of restaurants and coffee shops with maple menu offerings. November is Child Safety and Protection Month
Our children are our most precious resource. During Child Safety and Protection Month, we focus on the dangers kids face every day and resolve to do our part to minimize these risks and provide support. Senate Republicans have placed a high priority on keeping kids safe, through advancing several bills during the current legislative session to improve child safety, including:
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