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| The Barb Wire |
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The latest news from the State Capitol |
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You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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Last-Minute Changes Stall Second-Degree Murder Sentencing Bill
House Democrats’ last-minute changes to House Bill 1042 prevented the General Assembly from meeting the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s July 24 deadline to update the state’s sentencing law for second-degree murder.
Earlier this year, the court ruled Pennsylvania’s automatic life-without-parole sentence for second-degree murder is unconstitutional and ordered lawmakers to revise the law within 120 days. Without a new sentencing framework in place, nearly 1,100 inmates serving life sentences for second-degree murder may now seek resentencing.
Rather than advancing the bill before the deadline, House Democrats amended it with provisions expanding medical parole and eliminating mandatory sentencing requirements, sending the bill back to the Senate and preventing final passage before the court’s deadline.
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Supporting Our Veterans
I recently joined in the unanimous support of a new state law that aims to improve services for veterans affected by military sexual trauma.
Act 38 of 2026 will require county directors of veterans affairs to undergo additional training and certification in trauma-informed care, including military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The goal is to help staff recognize symptoms, reduce potential triggers, and better connect veterans with appropriate services and resources.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly one in three women and one in 50 men in the armed forces report experiencing sexual assault or sexual harassment during military service. The actual number is believed to be higher because many incidents go unreported.
The law takes effect in 180 days.
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New Law to Boost Human Trafficking Awareness
Statistics show hotels, motels and short-term lodging rentals are some of the most common venues where human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking, take place. A new state law aims to stop that.
I recently voted in support of Act 31 of 2026, which requires training to ensure employees of these establishments are prepared to identify and respond to suspected human trafficking as it occurs. The law takes effect in one year.
The measure is the latest effort by the General Assembly to stop this fast-growing crime. Another new law, Act 41 of 2026, aims to help the Pennsylvania attorney general and law enforcement more effectively target and prosecute human trafficking by moving most of the state’s prostitution offenses to the human trafficking section of the state Crimes Code and enhancing penalties. This law will take effect in 60 days.
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
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Looking for a Career in Law Enforcement?
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is accepting applications from people interested in a rewarding career in public service as a state trooper.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. They must be at least 20 years old at the time of application, and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the PSP academy.
Applications for the current cadet hiring cycle should be submitted via the Commonwealth’s employment website by July 31. A new cadet hiring cycle will open on Aug. 1.
For more information on becoming a state trooper, including applicant requirements and job benefits, visit PATrooper.com.
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Army University Change of Responsibility Ceremony
It was an honor to attend the recent Army University Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Carlisle Barracks, where Command Sgt. Major Charles Gregory transferred responsibility to Command Sgt. Major Jon Noyes.
I look forward to continuing to support the important work of those at Army University and our military community.
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PennDOT to Pave a 1.56-Mile Section of Route 641 (Green Spring Road) in North Newton Township
Route 641/Green Spring Road near Newville will be paved this coming Tuesday through Friday, July 28-31, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
There will be single lane restrictions under flagging and possible traffic delays during work hours.
Please be alert for these operations, obey work zone signs and use caution when driving through work zones for their safety, as well as for the safety of the road crews.
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Overnight Paving Operations and Ramp Closures Continue for I-81 Pavement Project Near Carlisle
I-81 ramp closures and detours will be implemented to complete paving near Carlisle with work being conducted from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Sunday, July 26 through Thursday, July 30.
• Sunday, July 26: Northbound I-81 ramp to Route 74 (York Road) at Exit 48 (Ramp O) will be closed for paving. An overnight detour will be implemented using northbound I-81 to Route 11 South to southbound I-81 to Route 641 West to southbound Route 74.
• Monday, July 27: Route 641 to northbound I-81 at Exit 49 (Ramp T) will be closed for paving. An overnight detour will be implemented using westbound Route 641 to southbound Route 74 (York Road) to southbound I-81 to southbound Route 34 (Hanover Street) to northbound I-81.
• Tuesday, July 28: Northbound I-81 to northbound Route 11 at Exit 52 (Ramp B) will be closed for paving. An overnight detour will be implemented using northbound I-81 to Route 114 West to southbound I-81 to northbound Route 11.
• Wednesday, July 29: Northbound 11 to northbound I-81 at Exit 52 (Ramp C) will be closed for paving. An overnight detour will be implemented using northbound Route 11 to southbound I-81 to Route 641 East to northbound I-81.
• Wednesday, July 29: Northbound I-81 to southbound Route 11 at Exit 52 (Ramp F) will be closed for paving. An overnight detour will be implemented using northbound I-81 to Route 114 West to southbound I-81 to southbound Route 11.
• Thursday, July 30: Southbound Route 11 to northbound I-81 at Exit 52 (Ramp G) will be closed for paving. An overnight detour will be implemented using southbound Route 11 to southbound I-81 to Route 641 East to northbound I-81.
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Help Preserve Cumberland County Farms
Farmers are invited to attend a free community meeting to learn about opportunities to preserve their farms through the Cumberland County Agricultural Land Preservation Program. Two identical sessions will be offered on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Attendees will learn about program requirements, the application process and deadlines, and hear firsthand from a local farmer who has successfully preserved their farm.
Whether you’re exploring preservation for the first time or ready to begin the application process, this meeting is an excellent opportunity to get your questions answered and learn how farmland preservation can help protect Cumberland County’s agricultural future.
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Volunteering at Upper Frankford Fireman’s Fair
It was a pleasure to spend time volunteering at last weekend’s Upper Frankford Fireman’s Fair. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered and worked so hard to make this year’s fair a success.
I always appreciate the opportunity to connect with residents from across the community and hope to see you again next year!
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Jakes Day Held at Big Spring Fish & Game
I recently attended a National Wild Turkey Federation Jakes (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) Day event at the Big Spring Fish and Game. This event introduced young outdoor enthusiasts to the fundamentals of turkey hunting through hands-on instruction and various demonstrations.
Participants learned the basics of turkey hunting, including how to pursue wild turkeys, identify signs of turkey activity and practice proper techniques.
Thank you to the federation, Pennsylvania Game Commission and organizers for providing a fun, educational opportunity to help preserve the Commonwealth’s hunting traditions and inspire the future generation of Pennsylvania hunters.
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Antlerless License Round 2 Begins July 27
Hunters looking to purchase a second antlerless license for the 2026-27 hunting season will soon have the opportunity to do so when the second round of licensing begins on Monday, July 27.
As of that date, unsold licenses will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to both residents and nonresidents.
One antlerless deer license per hunter can be purchased per round in the first three rounds. More information is available here.
Licenses are available for purchase online at huntfish.pa.gov or in-person at license issuing agents. Click here for a map of agents across the Commonwealth.
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Upcoming Events
Ice Cream and Issues at North Middleton Park
You are invited to attend an Ice Cream and Issues discussion I’m hosting on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at North Middleton Park, 1701 Waggoners Gap Road, Carlisle.
The event will provide brief updates from the state Capitol and an opportunity to discuss topics of concern to you. I hope you will join me for conversation and complimentary ice cream.
Click here to register.
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Calling All Farmers
We’re looking forward to recognizing the men and women who work the fields at our annual Farmers Breakfast, which will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 9-11 a.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.) at the West Pennsboro Fire Company, 20 Park Road, Plainfield.
Please click here to register.
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