Protecting Youth Athletes from Sexual Predators
Legislation protecting children from the horrors of abuse is on its way to the governor’s desk after its unanimous approval in the House this week. House Bill 112, which I have co-sponsored, would make it a crime for a sports official, including coaches, trainers and volunteers, to sexually assault a child and would grade the crime as a third-degree felony.
We trust sports officials to help our children grow into competent adults. But when they break that trust by taking advantage of their position to victimize kids, they need to be severely punished.
Cracking Down on “Revenge Porn”
With the rise of digital photography through the use of social media, protecting one’s privacy continues to be an important issue, especially when someone posts intimate images of others. The practice is commonly known as “revenge porn.”
This week, the House unanimously passed House Bill 2107, which would make it a crime to share an intimate image of another person unless consent has been given. The charge would carry a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The bill will next be considered by the Senate.
Property Tax and Rent Rebate Deadline Extended
Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application deadline has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31. The program provides relief for eligible seniors and adults with permanent disabilities. The maximum standard rebate is $650. Learn more here.
Funding History
Congratulations to the following organizations, which were awarded grants from the PA Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC): Da Vinci Science Center, $33,716; Lehigh County Historical Society, $9,129; Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society $7,242; and Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center, $6,257
The goal of the program is to strengthen the Commonwealth’s museum community by supporting museums and historical societies that otherwise receive no state funding. PHMC awarded nearly $2 million to 130 historical organizations statewide.