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In this Update:
PA Supreme Court Rules Counties Must Comply with State Election LawThe 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. Wreaths Across America, at the Indiantown Gap National CemeterySenator Mastriano will be participating in a ceremony honoring Pennsylvania WWII veterans sponsored by Wreaths Across America, at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, on Saturday, December 14, 2024, beginning at noon. This year marks the 80th anniversary of D Day and Battle of the Bulge. Senator Mastriano will be presenting medals to Pennsylvania’s surviving WWII veterans commemorating and thanking them for their service. These brave Men & Women rushed into battle so that America could remain the worlds bastion of Freedom and, in this small way, we are recognizing that bravery and sacrifice. Senator Mastriano joins with Wreaths Across America in their mission to REMEMBER our Fallen Heroes, HONOR those who have served or are serving our Country and TEACH our Children the Value of Freedom. The theme for this year’s event is Live With A Purpose. Wreaths Across America will also be honoring these veterans with a citation, coin and blanket which will be presented at the event. Gold Star families from across the Commonwealth will be in attendance as well. If you would like to attend this year’s ceremony, please email apadam@apadam.com by December 1, 2024. If you have other questions or need additional information, please direct your inquiries to the email address provided in the above paragraph. Thank you for your support & we look forward to seeing you at the ceremony! New Law Creates Rape Kit Tracking SystemTo 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. Bill Allowing Year-round Motorcycle Inspections Now LawLegislation 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 FamiliesIt’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 TreatPennsylvania 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 MonthOur 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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