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In this Update:
Senate Bill 129 Signed into Law – Now Act 20 of 2025!
Great news! Senate Bill 129, my legislation to strengthen accountability and transparency in Pennsylvania’s state veterans’ homes, was signed into law by Governor Shapiro on June 30th and is now officially Act 20 of 2025. This important new law expands and modernizes the advisory councils that oversee our six state-operated veterans’ homes. By ensuring veterans, their families, and community members have a stronger voice in oversight, Act 20 promotes better care, more transparency, and greater responsiveness to the needs of those who served our country. Senate Bill 129 passed both the Senate and House unanimously, reflecting a shared commitment to honoring our veterans with the dignity and accountability they deserve. — Senator Doug Mastriano For more information: To view the roll call vote: Senate Bill 89 Signed into Law – Now Act 18 of 2025!
I’m proud to announce that Senate Bill 89, my legislation to enhance overdose reporting and response coordination, was officially signed into law by Governor Shapiro on June 30th and is now Act 18 of 2025. This new law will ensure that EMS providers are fully integrated into Pennsylvania’s overdose surveillance systems, enabling faster, more accurate data sharing across agencies. By improving real-time coordination, Act 18 strengthens our ability to respond to overdoses and save lives. Senate Bill 89 passed both the Senate and House unanimously—proof that when we put people over politics, we can deliver real results. I’m grateful to my colleagues in both chambers for supporting this important step forward in the fight against Pennsylvania’s opioid epidemic. — Senator Doug Mastriano For more information: To view the roll call vote: Senate Bill 90 Passes Unanimously – Now on the Governor’s Desk
I’m proud to announce that Senate Bill 90, my legislation to modernize and streamline the firefighter certification process in Pennsylvania, has passed both the Senate and House unanimously and was officially presented to the Governor for signature on June 30, 2025. This bill gives trainees more flexibility in how they complete their Firefighter I certification—either through a final cumulative exam or modular testing. It also improves annual reporting to track training participation and ensure transparency in how our resources are used. This is a big win for our brave firefighters—especially the volunteers who are the backbone of emergency response across our Commonwealth. — Senator Doug Mastriano For more information: To view the House vote: To view the Senate vote: Major Whittlesey and the Lost Battalion
In October 1918, deep in the Argonne Forest of France, Major Charles Whittlesey led over 600 men—men-immigrants and working-class soldiers from the 77th Division—into history. They pushed through a gap in the German lines and advanced too far. Surrounded, cut off from reinforcements and supplies, they dug in along a ravine near the Charlevaux Mill Road—one kilometer behind enemy lines. No food. No water. And no way out. Under relentless attacks from German snipers, mortars, and flamethrowers, Whittlesey’s calm leadership held them together. When the enemy sent a surrender demand, Whittlesey’s answer was clear: “Come and get us.” Then came tragedy. American artillery, unaware of their position, began shelling their own. In desperation, Whittlesey released his last homing pigeon, Cher Ami, with a plea to stop the friendly fire. Wounded and nearly dead, the bird delivered the message… and saved the survivors. For five days, with over 70% casualties, the men of the so-called “Lost Battalion” refused to break. They were never truly lost… they were simply surrounded—and led by a man who would not quit. Major Whittlesey was awarded the Medal of Honor. His courage—and the courage of those he led—became a lasting symbol of American valor in World War I. That is the legacy of the Lost Battalion. Respectfully, Senator Doug Mastriano, PhD, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired) Progress on the 2025-26 State Budget
Standing up for families and taxpayers remains our focus as work on the 2025-26 budget continues in Harrisburg. Over the last two weeks we have taken steps to advance several key components of the state budget, to fund certain government functions, as work continues on reaching a full budget agreement. This year’s budget must invest in our communities and core government functions that people across Pennsylvania rely on as part of their daily lives. However, we must also address the fact that in the current fiscal year Pennsylvania is faced with a $3 billion structural deficit that could grow to $6 billion if spending is left to grow unchecked. We cannot rely on one-time use dollars from our state’s Rainy Day Fund to fill the gap, given this would cause a massive fiscal cliff and tax increases in the coming years. While divided government certainly brings challenges of different viewpoints, Senate Republicans are focused on completing a budget that respects taxpayers and addresses the needs of organizations and individuals who rely on state resources and services. Senate Acts to Prevent Student-Athlete Tragedies
To prevent student-athlete deaths from sudden cardiac arrest, the Senate passed legislation requiring schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) present at sporting events. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student-athletes nationally and can strike without warning, even in young people with no known heart conditions. Timely access to an AED can increase survival rates by up to 70%. In addition to ensuring an AED is present at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices, Senate Bill 375 would require schools to develop and rehearse emergency plans for cardiac incidents. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Legislation Cracking Down on New Car Theft Tactic Approved by Senate
The Senate approved legislation that would target thieves who use new technology to spoof key fobs and steal vehicles. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Current law does not specifically cover this tactic, which involves criminals using key programming tools and relay attack devices to gain access to vehicles by cloning or reprogramming key fobs. Senate Bill 739 would update the statute governing the manufacture, distribution and possession of master keys to include these new devices, making it a first-degree misdemeanor and ensuring the law keeps pace with technological developments. New Law Targeting Organized Retail Theft Results in Arrests
Senate Republicans led the way on cracking down against organized retail theft, and the law we pushed for is resulting in arrests, prosecutions and recoveries of stolen goods across the commonwealth, according to Attorney General Dave Sunday. The office’s Organized Retail Crime Unit launched in July 2024 following enactment of Act 42 of 2023 and a new criminal statute that made retail theft of goods over $50,000 a first-degree felony. In its first year, the unit opened more than 65 investigations, charged more than 40 alleged thieves and recovered nearly $2 million in stolen goods. The crimes feature multiple thieves who manipulate gift cards and store return policies or enter retail stores in packs and steal as many items as they can. It’s good to see this legislation is working. Fireworks Safety Tips
Fireworks started 31,302 fires in 2022 and were involved in 9,700 emergency room injuries nationwide in 2023, with children younger than 15 accounting for nearly one third of fireworks injuries. Here are some safety tips from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner:
Find more fireworks safety tips here to avoid being a statistic. Happy Independence Day
I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend with friends and family celebrating the birth of this great nation. America is one year away from its 250th birthday. I hope the next year sees us come together as citizens to appreciate the great blessings of our nation.
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