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The latest news from the State Capitol |
In this Edition:
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Get Ready for REAL ID |
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Classifying Xylazine |
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Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Memorial Day |
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Fish for Free This Sunday |
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Boating Safety Week |
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Save with PA 529 in May for a Chance to Win $5,529! |
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Marking Milestones in the 106th District |
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Get Ready for REAL ID
The deadline for enforcement of the federal REAL ID Act is set to begin less than a year from now – on May 7, 2025.
As of that date, you will have to present a federally accepted form of identification to board a commercial domestic flight or visit a secure federal building that requires ID at the door. Federally accepted forms of identification include a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, or a military ID.
While all Pennsylvanians must comply with the new law, obtaining a state-issued REAL ID is not mandatory. PennDOT will continue to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs.
Full enforcement of the law has been delayed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was hindering efforts to process REAL ID applications across the country.
To learn more about REAL ID and how to obtain one, visit www.penndot.gov/REALID.
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Classifying Xylazine
Working to ensure law enforcement has the tools it needs to keep another dangerous drug off the streets, the General Assembly passed a new law that permanently classifies xylazine, a powerful animal tranquilizer commonly known as tranq, as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
Xylazine mixed with narcotic compounds and used in illicit drug trafficking has been identified as an emerging public health threat. However, it is also a common animal sedative used by veterinarians to facilitate safe handling and treatment of many species, especially large animals.
While the new law criminalizes illicit possession of xylazine, it allows for continued use by licensed veterinarians and requires them to safely store xylazine to protect from theft or improper access.
Act 17 of 2024 takes effect immediately.
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Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Memorial Day
Monday, May 27, is Memorial Day – a day set aside to honor the more than 1.1 million Americans who have died in wars which the United States entered.
PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed Saturday, May 25, through Monday, May 27, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. Services include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.
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Fish for Free This Sunday!
On Sunday, May 26, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host a Fish for Free day to allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations still apply.
This is the first of two dates set by the PFBC to enhance fishing opportunities. The next day is Independence Day, Thursday, July 4. This is a great way to expose the next generation of anglers to the outdoors. More information about fishing in Pennsylvania is available here.
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Boating Safety Week
With summer on the horizon, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the National Safe Boating Council marked National Boating Safety Week this week.
Boaters are encouraged to follow a checklist of basic safety guidelines before and during each boating adventure, including:
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Always wear a life jacket. |
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Never boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs. |
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Have a float plan to let someone know when and where you will be boating. |
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Check the weather forecast for storms and high-water conditions. |
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Take a boating safety course. |
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Have proper registrations or launch permits for your boat. |
For more information on safe boating; to take a safe boating course; or to purchase launch permits, boat registration renewals and fishing licenses, visit www.Fishandboat.com.
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Save with PA 529 in May for a Chance to Win $5,529!
The Pennsylvania Treasury Department is celebrating 529 Day (May 29) throughout the month of May! Families that save with the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) have the opportunity to win some of more than $30,000 in total awards.
Families that open a new PA 529 GSP account and make at least $10 in contributions between May 1 and May 31, 2024, will be eligible to win one of two statewide awards of $5,529 – enough to pay for a year’s tuition at a Pennsylvania community college – or one of six regional awards of $2,529.
Families already saving with a PA 529 GSP account are also eligible to win a top award of $5,529 if their account had a balance of $10 or more as of April 30, 2024, and they make an additional contribution of at least $10 during the month of May.
With the tax-advantaged PA 529 GSP, families can save at today’s tuition rates to meet tomorrow’s tuition costs, meaning paying for a credit at today’s prices will result in enough to pay for a credit in the future, no matter how much tuition increases. PA 529 GSP accounts can be used to help pay for education costs at a wide variety of technical schools, colleges and universities, and apprenticeship programs.
Save with the PA 529 GSP in the month of May for a chance to win! For official rules and more about how to start saving, visit www.pa529.com/529day.
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Marking Milestones in the 106th District
Happy 100th Birthday to the Hummelstown Borough Police Department! If you see one of the department’s dedicated public servants in the coming weeks, please take a moment to congratulate him or her on the department’s longevity.
On Saturday, I met Pete the Cat at a Ready, Set, Explore STEM & Innovation event hosted by WITF. We’re pictured here with WITF President and CEO Ron Hetrick. Teachers were invited to the event on Lindle Road to learn about projects they can incorporate into their lesson plans.
The Grantville Volunteer Fire Department held its 75th banquet Saturday. Leadership told me they need new members and offer free training and gear. They are searching for firefighters, live-in members, fire police, administration, EMS providers and supporting members. Visit GrantvilleFire.com for more information.
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