Latest News from State Capitol and 55th?District??

April 30, 2026

Legislation to Protect Those with Communication Barriers

When drivers are pulled over by a police officer, it’s crucial to follow the officer’s instructions. While that shouldn’t present a problem for most people, there are folks that struggle with disabilities that could hinder their ability to follow those instructions. Some of those disabilities aren’t obvious at first glance.

That’s why the House will soon take up legislation, House Bill 1700, that would create a voluntary designation on driver’s licenses or state ID cards for Pennsylvanians with invisible disabilities, such as deafness and autism, to help ensure clearer, safer interactions with law enforcement. The Senate approve a similar measure earlier this year. 

Under the legislation, individuals with invisible disabilities could apply for the designation free of charge, with a doctor’s sign-off, through a process similar to obtaining a handicap parking placard. The designation would appear as a symbol on the license or ID card and be noted in PennDOT’s records, alerting officers during traffic stops or other interactions.

The idea for this legislation originated more than five years ago when a constituent who is hard of hearing experienced a needlessly escalated confrontation with a police officer and asked Sen. Pat Stefano for a solution to prevent similar instances in the future.

I believe this idea will not only help make both drivers and police officers safer, but it could also empower individuals with these disabilities and give them more autonomy.

At least 32 other states have implemented similar voluntary designations. I will be proud to support it and hopefully send it to the governor’s desk.

Additionally, the House recently passed a bill to give drivers the option to carry their vehicle registration card digitally. The rise in smartphone use has allowed many people to take advantage of digital proof of insurance. As PennDOT no longer provides a paper copy of vehicle registration cards when drivers renew online, I feel it’s only fair to allow digital registration cards, too.

House Bill 2210 overwhelmingly passed the House this week. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Mobile Shredding Event Scheduled - Don’t leave personal, sensitive documents sitting around. Instead, dispose of them safely at my free Mobile Shredding event that I am co-hosting with Rep. Abby Major, Friday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to noon at Lower Burrell VFW Post 92, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road, New Kensington. The event is available specifically for personal documents and not commercial use. Please keep in mind there is a limit of two bags or boxes per person. Books, magazines or metal binding materials (other than staples) cannot be shredded.

Hey Ladies, Join Me for Tea! - Please join me for a Women’s Legislative Tea event to discuss current events in Harrisburg and here at home. The free event, scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, from 2-4 p.m. at The Lamplighter, 6566 Route 22, Delmont, features guest speaker Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli. Register by May 8 by contacting Robin Savage at 724-387-9113 or by emailing rsavage@pahousegop.com.

Boosting Autism Awareness, Acceptance – April is Autism Acceptance Month, formerly recognized as Autism Awareness Month. The designation aims to help empower autistic individuals and their families, and to ensure improved support and opportunities in education, employment, housing, health care and long-term support services. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Programs works to provide an array of support services for individuals of all ages, as well as their families. The Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training Collaborative (ASERT) is a statewide initiative to provide streamlined access to information for Pennsylvanians living with autism. 

To learn more, visit paautism.org.