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In this Update:

• Senate Acts to Prevent Student-Athlete Tragedies
• Legislation Cracking Down on New Car Theft Tactic Approved by Senate
• New Law Targeting Organized Retail Theft Results in Arrests
• Independence Day Events in the 6^th Senatorial District
• Fireworks Law

Senate Acts to Prevent Student-Athlete Tragedies

To prevent student-athlete deaths from sudden cardiac arrest, the Senate passed legislation requiring schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) present at sporting events.

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student-athletes nationally and can strike without warning, even in young people with no known heart conditions. Timely access to an AED can increase survival rates by up to 70%.

In addition to ensuring an AED is present at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices, Senate Bill 375 would require schools to develop and rehearse emergency plans for cardiac incidents. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Legislation Cracking Down on New Car Theft Tactic Approved by Senate

The Senate approved legislation that would target thieves who use new technology to spoof key fobs and steal vehicles. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives.

Current law does not specifically cover this tactic, which involves criminals using key programming tools and relay attack devices to gain access to vehicles by cloning or reprogramming key fobs.

Senate Bill 739 would update the statute governing the manufacture, distribution and possession of master keys to include these new devices, making it a first-degree misdemeanor and ensuring the law keeps pace with technological developments.

New Law Targeting Organized Retail Theft Results in Arrests

We led the way on cracking down against organized retail theft, and the law we pushed for is resulting in arrests, prosecutions and recoveries of stolen goods across the commonwealth, according to Attorney General Dave Sunday.

The office’s Organized Retail Crime Unit launched in July 2024 following enactment of Act 42 of 2023 and a new criminal statute that made retail theft of goods over $50,000 a first-degree felony.

In its first year, the unit opened more than 65 investigations, charged more than 40 alleged thieves and recovered nearly $2 million in stolen goods. The crimes feature multiple thieves who manipulate gift cards and store return policies or enter retail stores in packs and steal as many items as they can. It’s good to see this legislation is working.

Independence Day Events in the 6^th Senatorial District

I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend with friends and family celebrating the birth of this great nation. If you are looking for a way to celebrate, here are the events happening in the 6^th Senatorial District, including parades, fireworks, and more.

Southampton Days Country Fair and Parade 

The Sam Costantini annual 4^th of July parade will kick off on Friday July 4^th with the baby parade at 9 a.m., followed by the main parade at 9:30 a.m. The parade forms at Jaymor Rd. and precedes North on Second St. Pike to Klinger Middle School. The fairgrounds will briefly close from noon to 6 p.m., before re-opening and featuring performances, rides, food, and a rendition of the National Anthem and God Bless America before fireworks at 9:30 p.m.  

In addition to the parade and fireworks, throughout the week, the fair which runs from Monday June 30th through Saturday July 5th will feature concerts, amusement rides, food & refreshments, talent show, dog show, pie eating contest, designer bag bingo and so much more! 
 
Check out their website at www.southamptondays.com for more info and the full schedule of events.

Lower Southampton Township Parade 
Lower Southampton Township is hosting its Annual 4^th of July Parade on Friday, July 4th beginning at 1:00pm. The parade will begin at Second Street & Bustleton Pike and move north on Bustleton/Bridgetown Pikes to School Lane & Bridgetown Pike. The event is hosted by the 4^th of July committee and has a rain date of July 5th.

Styer Orchard 4^th of July Celebration  
Styer Orchard in partnership with Aristaeus Brewing in Langhorne is hosting a 4^th of July celebration on Friday, July 4 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The celebration will feature food, music, games, hayrides, fireworks, and much more. Rain date is Friday July 5th. For more info and to purchase tickets visit Styer Orchard’s Facebook page. 

Fireworks at Sesame Place 
Sesame Place will display fireworks on Friday, July 4^th starting at 9pm. From Sesame Place: ”Celebrate July 4th with us! Join us at Dine with Elmo & Friends for July 4th Sweet Treats & Fireworks Viewing Area! Enjoy a spread of sweet desserts and beverages, a meet and greet with one of your favorite furry friends, and then head out to your reserved fireworks viewing area to watch our “C is for Celebrate” July 4th Fireworks!” Visit their website for more info.  

Fireworks Law

Fireworks started 31,302 fires in 2022 and were involved in 9,700 emergency room injuries nationwide in 2023, with children younger than 15 accounting for nearly one third of fireworks injuries.

When you are celebrating with fireworks, please keep in mind the Pennsylvania fireworks law.

What are the restrictions on their use?

• Cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without express permission of the property owner
• Cannot be directed at another person
• Cannot be discharged from or directed at a building or vehicle
• Cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle regardless if the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the consumer fireworks
• Cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug
• Municipalities may restrict use of consumer fireworks between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. except:
  • July 2, 3, 4 and Dec. 31 when they may be used until 1 a.m.
  • If July 4 falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday they may be used until 1 a.m. on the immediately preceding and following Friday and Saturday

More inform from the PA State Police: Fireworks FAQ | State Police | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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