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In this Update:
* Work Continues on the 2024-25 State Budget
* Bill Limiting Smartphone Use in Schools Passes Senate
* Senate Advances Bill to Allow Year-round Motorcycle Inspections
* Bill Expanding First Responder Service Dog Fee Exemptions Receives Senate Approval
* Senate Passes Bill Discounting Hunting and Fishing Licenses to Volunteer Firefighters
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** Work Continues on the 2024-25 State Budget
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Our Senate Republican Caucus remains committed to producing a pro-growth budget which will empower Pennsylvanians and is equally honest with taxpayers about our state’s fiscal health both now and in the future. We have been diligently working to come to consensus on a final product. Additional session days will be added as needed to complete the budget as quickly as possible.
Learn more about the process of enacting the 2024-25 state budget and watch the Senate in session here ([link removed]) .
Senator Mastriano’s support of the following bills reflects his commitment to improve the lives of the citizens of Pennsylvania and their families:
** Bill Limiting Smartphone Use in Schools Passes Senate
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The Senate this week approved legislation to improve students’ mental health and academic performance by limiting their use of smartphones in school ([link removed]) .
Since the early 2010s, there has been a steep decline in mental health ([link removed]) in children, and their academic performance is suffering ([link removed]) . Children’s compromised mental health, social skills and academic performance directly correlates to the rise of smartphones and social media apps.
Senate Bill 1207 ([link removed]) would establish the Cell Phone Lockable Bag Pilot Program until Dec. 1, 2026. The School Safety and Security Committee would award grants to purchase secure, lockable smartphone bags in which students would deposit their mobile devices until the end of the school day.
The bill would also require schools participating in the program to create and post online a policy prohibiting the use of smartphones during school time. It must include exemptions for students who have a documented medical condition – such as diabetes – that requires the use of a phone.
** Senate Advances Bill to Allow Year-round Motorcycle Inspections
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The Senate passed legislation to allow safety inspections ([link removed]) to be performed year-round on motorcycles registered in Pennsylvania.
Even though motorcycles can be purchased and driven on Pennsylvania roadways throughout the year, the state Vehicle Code currently only allows safety inspections to be performed from March to October.
Senate Bill 1147 ([link removed]) would eliminate that restriction so motorcycle operators have more opportunities to complete required inspections. Motorcycle registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation would continue to be tied to the month the vehicle is to be inspected.
** Bill Expanding First Responder Service Dog Fee Exemptions Receives Senate Approval
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The Senate approved Senate Bill 82 ([link removed]) to extend license fee exemptions to service dogs ([link removed]) integral to fire departments, sheriff’s offices and rescue services. This exemption currently applies only to municipal and state police departments. The bill was sent to the governor to be signed into law.
Service dogs detect threats, aid in search and rescue missions, and provide critical support during medical emergencies. The exemption from licensing fees aims to minimize financial barriers for agencies relying on these highly trained animals.
Additionally, the measure addresses challenges created by a revision to the state’s dog law that prohibited out-of-state residents from boarding their dogs in Pennsylvania-based kennels.
** Senate Passes Bill Discounting Hunting and Fishing Licenses to Volunteer Firefighters
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The Senate approved a bill ([link removed]) that would enable volunteer firefighters to obtain discounted hunting licenses and fishing licenses ([link removed]) in Pennsylvania.
Resident adult hunting licenses cost $20.97 and fishing licenses cost $27.97. The legislation would reduce the cost of each to $1 for volunteer firefighters who served at least the previous 12 months in the commonwealth.
Pennsylvania in the 1970s had as many as 300,000 volunteer firefighters. There currently are approximately 38,000 volunteer firefighters in the commonwealth.
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