(6/2024) Get Ready For REAL ID
The deadline for enforcement of the federal REAL ID Act is set to begin less than a year from now, on May 7, 2025. As of that date, you will have to present a federally accepted form of identification to board a commercial domestic flight or visit a secure federal building that requires ID at the door. Federally accepted forms of identification include a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, or a military ID. While all Pennsylvanians must comply with the new law, obtaining a state-issued REAL ID is not mandatory.
PennDOT will continue to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs. Full enforcement of the law has been delayed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was hindering efforts to process REAL ID applications across the country. To learn more about REAL ID and how to obtain one, visit penndot.gov/REALID.
Fighting The Ongoing Drug Epidemic
Working to ensure law enforcement has the tools it needs to keep another dangerous drug off the streets, the General Assembly passed a new law that permanently classifies xylazine, a powerful animal tranquilizer commonly known as tranq, as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Xylazine mixed with narcotic compounds and used in illicit drug trafficking has been identified as an emerging public health threat. However, it is also a common animal sedative used by veterinarians to facilitate safe handling and treatment of many species, especially large animals. While the new law criminalizes illicit possession of xylazine, it allows for continued use by licensed veterinarians and requires them to safely store xylazine to protect from theft or improper access. Act 17 of 2024 takes effect immediately.
Bill To Address Rural Population Decline Advances
The House approved legislation I co-sponsored to establish a Rural Population Revitalization Commission to address declining population in rural regions of the Commonwealth, as outlined in a recent study by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. As Republican chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and a member of the board of directors of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, I am concerned about the impact declining population will have on many aspects of rural life, including technology, jobs, health care, housing and education. The Commission would monitor rural growth and work to address needs in these areas.
Grant Opportunity For Archival Records
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) and the Pennsylvania State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) are now accepting applications for the Historical and Archival Records Care (HARC) grant program. Application deadline is Aug. 1. Funding, provided by PHMC, is available for historical records repositories, such as historical societies, libraries, universities, local governments and school districts for collections care. Individual grants will be funded up to $5,000 with no match required. Collaborative grants will allow two organizations to apply jointly for up to $10,000 or three organizations to apply collaboratively for up to $15,000, with no match required. The HARC program is designed to improve the preservation of historically valuable original records. Applicants are required to use the web-based electronic grant application process (eGrant). For grant program guidelines and eGrant application instructions, visit the HARC grant web page
