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Pa. State Sens. Yaw, Ward Bill to Allow Truck Haulers to Carry Electronic Permits Approved in Committee
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 1 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release:
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Yaw, Ward Bill to Allow Truck Haulers to Carry Electronic Permits Approved in Committee
September 30, 2026
HARRISBURG -- Legislation introduced by Sens. Gene Yaw (R-23) and Judy Ward (R-30) allowing Pennsylvania truck haulers to carry electronic permits for oversized shipments was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee today.
"We're living in an increasingly digital world, yet haulers are still required to print out and carry paper copies of permits every time they drive
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 1 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release:
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Yaw, Ward Bill to Allow Truck Haulers to Carry Electronic Permits Approved in Committee
September 30, 2026
HARRISBURG -- Legislation introduced by Sens. Gene Yaw (R-23) and Judy Ward (R-30) allowing Pennsylvania truck haulers to carry electronic permits for oversized shipments was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee today.
"We're living in an increasingly digital world, yet haulers are still required to print out and carry paper copies of permits every time they drivewith an oversized load," Yaw said. "We should be making it as easy as possible for those who perform these important and dangerous jobs, without compromising safety."
"Our legislation is a prime example of listening to concerns from the trucking industry and developing an effective legislative solution," said Ward, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. "Removing this outdated regulation will save businesses time and money without burdening our state and local agencies."
Senate Bill 1476 removes an unnecessary, burdensome requirement for Pennsylvania truck haulers and allows them to carry either electronic or paper copies of special permits. Yaw and Ward introduced the bill after haulers who reside in their districts approached them and shared their frustration with the current paper copy-only requirement. Haulers can be required to obtain a special permit to drive an overweight or oversized truck, cross certain bridges and more.
The bill now advances to the full Senate for further consideration.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Yaw's website (http://www.senatorgeneyaw.com/) or Ward's website (https://senatorjudyward.com/).
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Original text here: https://www.pasenategop.com/news/yaw-ward-bill-to-allow-truck-haulers-to-carry-electronic-permits-approved-in-committee/
Pa. State Sen. Laughlin's Aimee's Law Advances From Senate Judiciary Committee
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 1 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release:
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Laughlin's Aimee's Law Advances from Senate Judiciary Committee
September 30, 2026
HARRISBURG -- Legislation sponsored by Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49) to establish a statewide animal abuser registry advanced from the Senate Judiciary Committee today. Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee's Law, now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
The bill is named for a six-month-old husky found abandoned in a crate beneath a bridge in Erie during bitterly cold weather. She was severely underweight,
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 1 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release:
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Laughlin's Aimee's Law Advances from Senate Judiciary Committee
September 30, 2026
HARRISBURG -- Legislation sponsored by Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49) to establish a statewide animal abuser registry advanced from the Senate Judiciary Committee today. Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee's Law, now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
The bill is named for a six-month-old husky found abandoned in a crate beneath a bridge in Erie during bitterly cold weather. She was severely underweight,covered in filth and suffering from frostbite on all four paws. At first, responders thought she might already be dead. The ANNA Shelter, which facilitated her rescue, named her Aimee after the police dispatcher who handled the original call. Despite their efforts to save her, Aimee did not survive.
"Aimee's story shook our community, and people have not forgotten her," Laughlin said. "Constituents have repeatedly contacted my office to ask about this bill and when Pennsylvania will take action. The response to Aimee's Law has been overwhelming because people want to know that a case this disturbing will lead to meaningful change."
Under Senate Bill 1311, the Pennsylvania State Police would maintain a publicly accessible registry of individuals convicted of specified animal abuse offenses. The registry would include a photograph and identifying information so individuals can be accurately identified. An individual would generally remain listed for two years after a first conviction and five years after a subsequent conviction.
Laughlin said the measure is intended to give the public information about serious animal abuse convictions and strengthen accountability for those who harm animals.
"Animals depend on people to protect them, and the cruelty Aimee suffered is difficult to comprehend," Laughlin said. "Her case made clear why we need to take this issue seriously. I'm grateful to the constituents, animal advocates and rescuers who have continued to speak up and ask us to move this bill forward."
Laughlin thanked members of the Judiciary Committee for their support and said he will continue working to bring the measure to a vote before the full Senate.
"Aimee cannot be saved, but we can honor her by doing everything we can to prevent another animal from suffering the way she did," Laughlin said.
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Original text here: https://www.pasenategop.com/news/laughlins-aimees-law-advances-from-senate-judiciary-committee/
Pa. State Sen. Gebhard Bill to Protect Senior Citizens From Scams Passes Senate
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 1 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release:
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Gebhard Bill to Protect Senior Citizens from Scams Passes Senate
September 30, 2026
HARRISBURG -- Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) announced the passage of legislation he introduced to update Pennsylvania's Older Adult Protective Services Act to better protect seniors from financial abuse and scams.
"Older Pennsylvanians are among our most vulnerable citizens, and we have seen an alarming rise in financial exploitation targeting them," said Gebhard. "This bill aims to improve and streamline
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 1 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release:
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Gebhard Bill to Protect Senior Citizens from Scams Passes Senate
September 30, 2026
HARRISBURG -- Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) announced the passage of legislation he introduced to update Pennsylvania's Older Adult Protective Services Act to better protect seniors from financial abuse and scams.
"Older Pennsylvanians are among our most vulnerable citizens, and we have seen an alarming rise in financial exploitation targeting them," said Gebhard. "This bill aims to improve and streamlinereporting and empower financial institutions to help prevent scams committed against seniors before they happen."
"Protecting older Pennsylvanians means giving those who interact with seniors every day the tools to act before a scammer takes seniors' hard-earned money. Senate Bill 738 strengthens our ability to prevent financial exploitation and protect seniors from becoming victims," Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said. "I commend Sen. Gebhard and the members who supported this legislation and look forward to seeing it pass the House and reach the governor's desk."
The FBI ranked Pennsylvania ninth in total losses to fraud experienced by older adults in 2025. More than 7,000 seniors were defrauded of more than $200 million, representing a 43% jump from 2024.
Senate Bill 738 would require financial institutions to report suspected cases of elder financial abuse and empower the institutions to hold suspicious financial transactions. An employee, such as a teller, would be required to report to a designated representative of the institution about suspected fraud within two business days. The institution then would have five business days to report this transaction to the appropriate area agency on aging. Similar legislation has been passed in more than 20 states and has been used as an effective tool to prevent fraud.
The state Department of Aging will also begin issuing findings on the total number of reports, values of the fraudulent transactions and results of the investigations. This tracking will help ensure this program is working as it was intended.
"Our nightly newscasts and newspapers are filled with reports of individuals who have lost substantial portions of their life savings to deceptive scammers and dishonest fraudsters," Gebhard said. "It is my hope the House urgently takes up Senate Bill 738 so we can ensure our seniors can age with the dignity and financial security they deserve."
Watch Gebhard's full comments on the bill here (https://vimeo.com/pasenategop/93026gebhardsb738).
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Original text here: https://www.pasenategop.com/news/gebhard-bill-to-protect-senior-citizens-from-scams-passes-senate/
Pa. State Sen. Farry Bill to Expand EMS Transport Options Advances From Senate Committee
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 1 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release:
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Farry Bill to Expand EMS Transport Options Advances from Senate Committee
September 30, 2026
HARRISBURG -- A bill sponsored by Sen. Frank Farry (R-6) to give emergency medical services (EMS) providers greater flexibility in transporting patients to appropriate receiving facilities advanced unanimously from the Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee today.
"EMS providers are often the first ones on the scene when someone is experiencing a medical emergency,
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 1 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release:
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Farry Bill to Expand EMS Transport Options Advances from Senate Committee
September 30, 2026
HARRISBURG -- A bill sponsored by Sen. Frank Farry (R-6) to give emergency medical services (EMS) providers greater flexibility in transporting patients to appropriate receiving facilities advanced unanimously from the Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee today.
"EMS providers are often the first ones on the scene when someone is experiencing a medical emergency,and they need to have the ability to get that patient to the appropriate facility for care," said Farry, chair of the Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee. "This legislation removes unnecessary barriers and gives our EMS professionals more options to continue providing patients the care they need, including taking a patient having a mental health issue to a crisis center."
Senate Bill 1403 would expand the types of facilities to which EMS agencies can transport patients who require medical assessment and treatment following an emergency. The legislation also would ensure EMS agencies are appropriately reimbursed when they provide emergency treatment and, when necessary, transport a patient to an authorized receiving facility. Receiving facilities could include hospitals, nonhospital drug and alcohol detoxification or rehabilitation facilities, and other facilities authorized under Pennsylvania's EMS law.
The bill also establishes that insurers, Medical Assistance managed care plans and Children's Health Insurance Program managed care plans must pay the applicable emergency services payment amount when an EMS agency provides treatment and, when necessary, transports a patient to an authorized receiving facility.
"Our EMS system is constantly being asked to do more, and we need to make sure our laws and regulations keep pace with the realities our providers face every day," Farry said. "This is about giving EMS more flexibility while making sure providers are fairly compensated for the emergency services they deliver."
Senate Bill 1403 now advances to the full Senate for consideration.
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Original text here: https://www.pasenategop.com/news/farry-bill-to-expand-ems-transport-options-advances-from-senate-committee/
Pa. State Sen. Bartolotta Bill to Protect Pennsylvania Farmers Advances From Senate Committee
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 1 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release:
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Bartolotta Bill to Protect Pennsylvania Farmers Advances from Senate Committee
September 30, 2026
HARRISBURG - Legislation sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) to prohibit the manufacture and sale of lab-grown meat and poultry in Pennsylvania was approved today by the Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee.
Senate Bill 1422 is intended to protect Pennsylvania's farmers and the state's agricultural industry from the growing push to replace traditionally raised meat with
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 1 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release:
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Bartolotta Bill to Protect Pennsylvania Farmers Advances from Senate Committee
September 30, 2026
HARRISBURG - Legislation sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) to prohibit the manufacture and sale of lab-grown meat and poultry in Pennsylvania was approved today by the Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee.
Senate Bill 1422 is intended to protect Pennsylvania's farmers and the state's agricultural industry from the growing push to replace traditionally raised meat withproducts produced in laboratory settings.
"Pennsylvania's farmers have spent generations raising livestock and producing high-quality protein," said Bartolotta. "We should be protecting and supporting the hardworking men and women who put food on our tables, not creating a marketplace where lab-grown products can displace their agricultural heritage and livelihoods."
If enacted, Pennsylvania would join seven other states that have enacted laws varying in scope to prohibit the manufacture, sale and distribution of cultivated meat products.
Senate Bill 1422 now advances to the full Senate for consideration.
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Original text here: https://www.pasenategop.com/news/bartolotta-bill-to-protect-pennsylvania-farmers-advances-from-senate-committee/
MIA Earns New Global Accreditation for Reducing Carbon Emissions
MIAMI, Florida, Oct. 1 -- Miami International Airport issued the following news:
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Miami, FL, September 30, 2026
MIA earns new global accreditation for reducing carbon emissions
Airport is one of only 15 in the U.S. with level 2 accreditation from ACI
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Miami International Airport has earned Level 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI), recognizing MIA for achieving independently verified reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while advancing major investments in cleaner, more resilient airport infrastructure. MIA is one of only 15 U.S. airports
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MIAMI, Florida, Oct. 1 -- Miami International Airport issued the following news:
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Miami, FL, September 30, 2026
MIA earns new global accreditation for reducing carbon emissions
Airport is one of only 15 in the U.S. with level 2 accreditation from ACI
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Miami International Airport has earned Level 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI), recognizing MIA for achieving independently verified reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while advancing major investments in cleaner, more resilient airport infrastructure. MIA is one of only 15 U.S. airportsto achieve Level 2 accreditation through ACI's global Airport Carbon Accreditation program. The airport received its certificate during ACI-North America's Annual Conference and Exhibition in Philadelphia on September 16.
MIA reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 4.4% from 2023 to 2025, from 102,789 to 98, 275 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, according to an independent third-party verification conducted as part of the accreditation process. Level 2 accreditation recognizes airports that measure their carbon footprint and demonstrate reductions in emissions within their operational control. MIA aims to cut its carbon emissions by 20% by 2035 and 50% by 2055, supporting Miami-Dade County's commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Race to Zero campaign and the County's Climate Action Strategy.
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"This elevated level of accreditation demonstrates MIA's leadership in environmental stewardship and its alignment with Miami-Dade County's clean energy strategy. It highlights how resilience and innovation improve daily operations through better tracking, better decisions, and greater accountability. Congratulations to the MIA team on its world-class work. This achievement is yet another example of our commitment to building a more climate-resilient future for our region."
Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava
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As part of its $14 billion Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan, the Miami-Dade Aviation Department entered into a 20-year, $547-million tariff-based agreement with FPL Services in December 2023 to upgrade MIA's electrical infrastructure. The work includes solar power systems and electric vehicle charging stations. Through partnerships with DHL Express, World Fuel Services, and Signature Aviation in 2024, MIA began receiving the first regular deliveries of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the State of Florida. In early 2027, MIA expects to begin adding 410,000 square feet of terminal roofing that will include a solar photovoltaic system designed to generate nearly 900,000 kilowatts of electricity - enough to power up to 7,000 homes.
ACI's Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program is the only airport-specific carbon standard global management certification program for airports. It independently assesses and recognizes airports' efforts to manage and reduce their carbon emissions across seven levels of certification: Mapping, Reduction, Optimization, Neutrality, Transformation, Transition, and Maintenance.
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Miami International Airport, America's busiest airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, is receiving an unprecedented investment of $14 billion in capital improvements and maintenance upgrades. MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport and is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating $212 billion in business revenue and approximately 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida annually.
To request materials in accessible format, Sign Language Interpreters, CART services and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) public meetings and events please email the ADA Office at ADAcoordinator@miami-airport.com or call the office in 305-869-1859 five days in advance to initiate your request. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).
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Original text here: https://news.miami-airport.com/mia-earns-new-global-accreditation-for-reducing-carbon-emissions/
Ala. A.G. Marshall Announces Court of Criminal Appeals Upholds Capital Murder Conviction in Lee County
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Oct. 1 -- Alabama Attorney General Steve T. Marshall issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Marshall Announces Court of Criminal Appeals Upholds Capital Murder Conviction in Lee County
September 30, 2026
(Montgomery, Ala) - Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the capital murder conviction of Marcus O'Keef Wigley, 40, of Lee County. Wigley was convicted in the Lee County Circuit Court on February 12, 2026.
The evidence at trial showed that the victim, Thomas Green, was abducted from a party that
... Show Full Article
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Oct. 1 -- Alabama Attorney General Steve T. Marshall issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Marshall Announces Court of Criminal Appeals Upholds Capital Murder Conviction in Lee County
September 30, 2026
(Montgomery, Ala) - Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the capital murder conviction of Marcus O'Keef Wigley, 40, of Lee County. Wigley was convicted in the Lee County Circuit Court on February 12, 2026.
The evidence at trial showed that the victim, Thomas Green, was abducted from a party thathe had been attending by several individuals who apparently believed that Green had stolen something that belonged to them. Green's body was discovered several days after his abduction and he had been shot numerous times and his body left alongside Lee Road 188 near Waverly, Alabama. In addition to eyewitness testimony, investigators were able to trace the whereabouts of the killers through analyzing their cell phones and viewing footage from numerous surveillance cameras from the night of the killing.
Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere successfully prosecuted this case and obtained a guilty verdict. Wigley was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Wigley sought to have his conviction reversed on appeal.
The Attorney General's Criminal Appeals Division handled the case during the appeals process, arguing for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals to affirm Wigley's conviction. The Court did so in a decision issued Friday, September 18, 2026.
Attorney General Marshall commended Assistant Attorney General Riggs Walker for his successful work on this case and thanks District Attorney Jessica Ventiere and her staff for their valuable assistance in obtaining the conviction.
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Original text here: https://www.alabamaag.gov/attorney-general-marshall-announces-court-of-criminal-appeals-upholds-capital-murder-conviction-in-lee-county/
