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The latest news from the State Capitol |
In this Edition:
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Juvenile Justice Reforms Become Law |
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Don’t Forget to ‘Fall Back’ Saturday Night |
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‘Tis the Season to Watch for Deer |
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Oh, Say, Can You Sing? |
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Schoolchildren Visit the Capitol |
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Juvenile Justice Reforms Become Law
Two new laws adopted by the General Assembly aim to help ensure the juvenile justice system is working as it should to protect public safety and hold offenders accountable, while also aiming to steer young offenders away from committing future crimes.
Act 107 of 2024 requires more frequent review hearings of juvenile offenders who are in detention centers to determine whether their progress is consistent with the placement plan. The hearings will now occur every three months, rather than every nine months.
Act 108 of 2024 addresses how juveniles can seek expungement of their criminal record. Previously, a juvenile was only eligible for expungement for most misdemeanor crimes after waiting five years. Now, the wait time will be two years. It is still a five-year wait for those convicted of felonies, misdemeanor firearms crimes and indecent assault.
Both laws are based on recommendations made by Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Justice Task Force.
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Don’t Forget to ‘Fall Back’ Saturday Night
Daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3. Be sure to turn your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.
It’s also a good time to check or change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. In addition to regular battery changes, experts say the alarm devices should be replaced every 10 years to better ensure your safety.
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‘Tis the Season to Watch for Deer
With deer becoming increasingly active, and daylight-saving time soon to put more vehicles on the road between dawn and dusk, when deer move most, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is reminding motorists to slow down and stay alert.
Data from around the country indicates Pennsylvania drivers face some of the highest risks of a vehicle collision with a deer or other large animal. A recent report shows Pennsylvania led the country in animal-collision insurance claims in fiscal year 2023-24. The same report indicates Pennsylvania drivers have a 1-in-61 chance of a vehicular accident involving a big game animal, one of the highest rates nationwide.
Drivers can reduce their chances of collisions with deer by staying alert and better understanding deer behavior. Be especially alert in “Deer Crossing” areas, and remember deer tend to travel in family groups, so if you see one deer, more are likely coming. For more information about what to do if you hit a deer, click here.
To report a dead deer for removal from state roads, motorists can call the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 1-800-FIX-ROAD. If the deer is on a locally owned road, contact the appropriate municipality.
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Oh, Say, Can You Sing?
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is a little more than two months away, and the Department of Agriculture is inviting Pennsylvania singers to enter “Oh, Say, Can You Sing?” a star-spangled sing-off to win a chance to sing live at the event.
Each morning, from Jan. 4-11, the Farm Show will start by featuring an individual or group singing the national anthem live. Top vote-getters may also be selected to sing at special events, such as the opening ceremony on Jan. 6.
The contest is open to Pennsylvania residents of all ages, both individuals and groups, and the deadline for submissions is Nov. 17. For details, including how to enter, click here.
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Schoolchildren Visit the Capitol
Londonderry Elementary School students toured the Pennsylvania Capitol this week. If you have a class or group that wants to see the historic building, call my Capitol office at 717-787-2684 for information about scheduling.
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