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In this Update:

• Remembering 9/11 25 Years Later
• Shapiro’s Overreach on New State Health Regulations
• Protecting Children and Families from AI Deception
• New Law Cracks Down on Robocalls, Scam Texts and Caller ID Spoofing
• Phishing Scam Targets “MyChart” Patient Portal Users
• Fire and EMS Companies Can Apply Now for State Assistance

Remembering 9/11 25 Years Later

“September 11, 2001, was a day that changed our nation. The calmness that blanketed America on the morning of September 11, 2001, quickly turned to chaos as we experienced the deadliest day in American history when al-Qaida attacked our country. While it’s been 25 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks on our nation, we must never forget that day. Not only did September 11 change our nation, it also affected our commonwealth, and the lives of countless families and communities.

“On that day, the world watched as two planes struck the World Trade Center in New York and another crashed into the Pentagon in Virginia. A fourth plane, intended for a target in Washington, D.C., was diverted when 40 brave passengers and crew members banded together putting America first by fighting back against the hijackers leading the charge with ‘Let’s Roll.’ These patriots lost their lives but helped save a nation that day by forcing United Flight 93 to crash into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, less than 45 miles from my home and the district I serve.

“There were many patriots that day including first responders, law enforcement officers and communities who stepped up to respond to this tragedy in ways that continue to inspire us today. Let us honor our local and national heroes who demonstrated true patriotism by taking a moment to not only remember the 3,000 lives lost but to also learn about them and share their stories.

“We are a resilient nation. Even in our toughest moments, we stand united, guided by the strength and spirit that defines the United States of America.”

Shapiro’s Overreach on New State Health Regulations

Gov. Josh Shapiro through the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) recently proposed broad new health regulations that would expand the power of the state by giving the DOH – among other things – greater authority to enter our homes, businesses, schools and doctor’s offices without a warrant. The new regulations would also give the DOH greater authority to access a private citizen’s health records and require schools to provide access to students and other persons in schools for private conversations regarding contact tracing or partner services.  These proposed regulations are being pursued unilaterally by Gov. Shapiro circumventing the legislative process – which means the voice of the people is limited unless you make your voice heard.

My office is carefully reviewing the 502 pages of regulations. This is clearly executive branch overreach like what we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The difference is these rules would be permanent. I think it is safe to say that no one wants to live through the draconian shutdowns and overly restrictive mandates that impeded the lives of every Pennsylvanian during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To ensure your voice is heard, we encourage you to act by participating in the public comment period which is open through Sept. 21.  You can read the proposed regulations here. To join me in voicing your concerns, submit your comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission.

It’s important to put the residents of the 39th District and interest of the people of Pennsylvania first. Our health and safety can be protected without sacrificing our privacy and freedom.

Protecting Children and Families from AI Deception

It’s critical for state laws to keep up with fast-evolving Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, especially as it relates to protecting our children online. I’m proud of our work to address the alarming rise in AI-generated sexual images of children, as well as non-consenting adults, through  Act 125 of 2024 which gives prosecutors the ability to go after criminals who create “deepfake” AI images of minors and child sexual abuse materials.

Previously, Pennsylvania law made it illegal to share intimate images without consent, and Act 125 took it a step further to combat the use of AI technology for this purpose and prohibits AI from being utilized to generate child sexual abuse material. As technology continues to advance, we must be vigilant in making sure proper safeguards are put in place.

New Law Cracks Down on Robocalls, Scam Texts and Caller ID Spoofing

Legislation we unanimously passed enacting stronger protections from deceptive telemarketing practices will take effect next month.

Under Act 47 of 2026, Pennsylvania’s telemarketing law will now cover modern forms of solicitation, including text messages, voicemails, ringless voicemails and robocalls. It also establishes stronger rules for when and how telemarketers can contact Pennsylvanians, including:

• Prohibiting telemarketing calls before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. and on Sundays.
• Requiring prior express written consent for most robocalls and telemarketing text messages.
• Prohibiting telemarketers from falsely identifying themselves or using deceptive caller ID information, including spoofed numbers.
• Requiring telemarketers to stop a solicitation when a consumer asks them to do so.

The legislation also prohibits the use of AI-generated messages to deceive consumers. The new law takes effect Oct. 19.

Phishing Scam Targets “MyChart” Patient Portal Users

If you use MyChart — a popular online patient portal used by many hospitals and healthcare providers — please be aware of a phishing scam targeting patients.

State Attorney General Dave Sunday reports scammers are impersonating MyChart by sending emails or text messages that offer patients a chance to claim a reward in the form of a “MyChart Medicare Kit.” No such program or reward exists.

These emails and text messages are attempts to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links, and obtain passwords and personal information from patients, which allows hackers to gain access to the patients’ MyChart portals. Read about how to avoid this and other phishing scams here.

Fire and EMS Companies Can Apply Now for State Assistance

Attention local fire companies, emergency medical services and volunteer rescue squads: Applications are being accepted for the latest round of the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant program.

The funds can be used to help pay for facility construction/renovation, equipment, training, debt reduction and more. The application period closes Oct. 22.

Providing communities with fire, medical and rescue services comes with a considerable price tag, especially for volunteer organizations. The General Assembly funds these grants to ensure these life-saving services are available. Find more information and applications here.