<<

LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS

P E N N S Y L V A N I A HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS 2019-2020 Legislative Session

September 2020

1 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

Pennsylvania’s House Republican Caucus is committed to our state’s residents and taxpayers. Constantly striving to strengthen economic opportunities for all, enact commonsense public policy, and provide a government that is both efficient and effective, the House Republican Caucus is out front, fighting to make Pennsylvania the best place to live, work and raise a family – equally, for every Pennsylvanian.

By working together, we have accomplished much and have shown we stand by our commitments to our constituents.

2 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

ACHIEVEMENTS

Pennsylvania House of Representatives 2019-2020 Legislative Session

Budget Highlights 2020-2021 Budget 7 2019-2020 Budget 9 COVID-19 Pandemic COVID Response 12 Economic Enhancers #GOODJOBS4PA 21 Promoting Confidence Among Consumers and Businesses 24 Preserving PA’s Agricultural Heritage 26 Protecting Pennsylvanians Protecting Victims 30 Addiction and Substance Use Disorder 34 Emergency Responders 35 Justice Reform 37 Strengthening Communities & Supporting Families 40 Senior Citizens 42 Health Care that Makes Sense 43 Conservation Efforts to Achieve Results 47 Standing up for Taxpayer Government Done Right 49 Fiscal Responsibility 58 Relaxing the State’s Hold on Alcohol 60 Advancing Local Government 62 Insurance Related Concerns 66 Education Accomplishments

3 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

Education: Equipping Students for Success 68 Safeguarding Citizens’ Rights to Safely Hunt and Fish 71 Supporting and Honoring Our Veterans 73 Transportation 75 Miscellaneous 77

4 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

5 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

Budget Highlights

6 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

2020-2021 Budget

Faced with the economic uncertainty created Signed in Law: by the COVID-19 epidemic, the delaying of • Act 1A of 2020 (formerly HB 2387, filing taxes and a potential $5 billion Rep. , R-York): Provides shortfall, House Republicans responsibly for the General Appropriations Act advanced an initial 5-month budget until the for the 2020-21 fiscal year. (103-99). necessary data on revenue sources is made • Act 2A of 2020 (formerly SB 1108, available. Sen. Patrick Browne, R-Lehigh): A Supplement to the act of June 28, This stabilizing budget at approximately 2019 (P.L.839, No. 1A), known at $25.8 billion includes fully funding the General Appropriation Act of education and health care programs while 2019, adding Federal appropriations providing the legislature time to rely upon to the Executive Department of the real data to make the best decisions on the Commonwealth for the fiscal year remainder of the 2020-2021 fiscal year. July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020. The bill provides federal supplemental With the exception to education funding, the appropriations incurred during the budget freezes funding for all state COVID-19 pandemic. (202-0). programs. Before the pandemic hit, the • Act 3A of 2020 (formerly HB 2441, economy was growing steadily and tax Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): Makes revenues were coming in higher than nonpreferred appropriations to the estimates and unemployment was at historic Pennsylvania State University for the lows. 2020-21 fiscal year. (198-4). • Act 4A of 2020 (formerly HB 2442, Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): Makes nonpreferred appropriations to the University of for the 2020-21 fiscal year. (198-4). • Act 5A of 2020 (formerly HB 2443, Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): Makes nonpreferred appropriations to Temple University for the 2020-21 fiscal year. (198-4). • Act 6A of 2020 (formerly HB 2444, Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): Makes nonpreferred appropriations Lincoln University for the 2020-21 fiscal year. (200-2). • Act 7A of 2020 (formerly HB 2445, Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): Makes nonpreferred appropriations to the

7 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

University of Pennsylvania for the • Act 23 of 2020 (formerly HB 1083, 2020-21 fiscal year. (198-4). Rep. , R- • Act 8A of 2020 (formerly HB 2467, Clearfield/Cambria): An amendment Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): to the Fiscal Code to provide budget Appropriates funds for the implementation language. Includes Professional Licensure repeals Section 707 of Act 176 of Augmentation account. (197-5). 1929 relating to the Capital Stock & • Act 9A of 2020 (formerly HB 2468, Foreign Franchise (CSFT) tax Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): reports. (196-6). Appropriates funds for the • Act 24 of 2020 (formerly HB 2510, Workmen’s Compensation Rep. , R-Allegheny): An Administration Fund. (201-1). Act providing for regional response • Act 10A of 2020 (formerly HB 2469, health collaborations to promote Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): health in facilities by supporting Appropriates funds for the Office of COVID-19 readiness and response Small Business Advocate. (200-2). and improving the quality of • Act 11A of 2020 (formerly HB 2470, infection prevention; and making Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): emergency appropriations for human Appropriates funds for the Office of services. Also, provides for various the Consumer Advocate. (200-2). fiscal code allocations as part of the • Act 12A of 2020 (formerly HB 2471, 2020-21 fiscal budget (202-0). Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): • Act 25 of 2020 (formerly SB 166, Appropriates funds to the Public Sen. Vince Hughes, D- School Employees' Retirement Montgomery/): An Act Board. (199-3). providing for the capital budget for • Act 13A of 2020 (formerly HB 2472, the fiscal year 2019-2020 and for Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): limitation on redevelopment Appropriates funds to the State assistance capital projects; and Employees’ Retirement Board. (200- making a related repeal. (202-0). 2). • Act 36 of 2020 (formerly SB 905, • Act 14A of 2020 (formerly HB 2473, Sen. , R-Lehigh): Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): Provides for the itemization of Appropriates funds for the capital projects in several categories, Philadelphia Parking Authority. authorizing the projects to be (200-2). constructed, acquired, assisted or • Act 15A of 2020 (formerly HB 2474, equipped. (194-1). Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): Appropriates funds for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. (201-1). Bills Awaiting Senate/Further Action: • Act 16A of 2020 (formerly HB 2475, Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): Appropriates funds for the restricted revenue accounts in the State Gaming Fund, Fantasy Contest Fund and Video Gaming Fund. (201-1).

8 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

2019-2020 Budget

Up until COVID-19, thanks to Republican- ways. School funding is led budgets, our revenues were up, and were increased, but so is traveling down a path to better protect funding to support taxpayers now and in the future. opportunities for students to thrive in private, • This budget put away $317 charter and online million into the Rainy Day Fund. schools. • We passed legislation to ensure o Employers are searching taxpayer dollars are accounted for employees with the for and the administration can be right skills for the modern held accountable for workforce. We supplemental spending. complement this search • Our record of holding the line on by promoting career and tax increases and spending is technical education proven correct by the increased expansion ideas so revenues. This budget continues Pennsylvanians can get to build on those ideals: the training, skills and o We are strategically tools they need to succeed investing while also in careers that pay far backing up our legislative more than minimum priorities with the funding wage. to make an impact to attract and grow more job creators and family- sustaining jobs. o We are committed to our agricultural and farming community, ensuring the Commonwealth’s No.1 industry has what it needs to thrive. o We are strengthening Signed into Law: victim rights, protecting • Act 1A of 2019 (formerly HB 790, communities and helping Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): Provides for the General Appropriations Act those battling addiction. for the 2019-20 fiscal year, which o We remain committed to runs from July 1, 2019, to June 30, educating for success. We 2020. (140-62). recognize that students find success in different

9 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

• Act 2A of 2019 (formerly HB 1350, Professional and Occupational Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): Makes Affairs (201-0); Workmen’s non-preferred appropriations to the Compensation Administration Fund Pennsylvania State University for the (201-0); Office of Small Business 2019-20 fiscal year. (199-2). Advocate (201-0); Office of • Act 3A of 2019 (formerly HB 1351, Consumer Advocate (201-0); Public Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): Makes School Employees' Retirement Fund non-preferred appropriations to the (201-0); State Employees’ University of Pittsburgh for the Retirement Fund (201-0); 2019-20 fiscal year. (169-32). Philadelphia Parking Authority (161- • Act 4A of 2019 (formerly HB 1352, 40); Public Utility Commission Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): Makes (201-0); and State Gaming Fund non-preferred appropriations to (201-0). Temple University for the 2019-20 • Act 15 of 2019 (formerly HB 1461, fiscal year. (198-3). Rep. , R-Lancaster): • Act 5A of 2019 (formerly HB 1353, Allows the Office of Inspector Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): Makes General (OIG) to investigate and non-preferred appropriations to combat all avenues of public benefits Lincoln University for the 2019-20 fraud. Also serves as the fiscal year. (201-1). Administrative Code bill for the • Act 6A of 2019 (formerly HB 1354, 2019-20 state budget (181-6). Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): Makes • Act 20 of 2019 (formerly SB 712, non-preferred appropriations to the Sen. David Argall, R- University of Pennsylvania for the Berks/Schuylkill): Updates the Fiscal 2019-20 fiscal year. (196-5). Code to provide budget • Acts 7A -15A of 2019 (formerly SBs implementation language. (125-74). 235-243, Sen. Pat Browne, R- Lehigh): Makes appropriations for the following: Bureau of

10 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

COVID-19 Pandemic

11 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

COVID Response

House Republican members are and have VETOED by the governor (Veto No. been working to pivot Pennsylvania from 5, 5/19/20) keeping Pennsylvanians safe and not • HB 2412 (Rep. F. Todd overwhelming our health care system into Polinchock, R-Bucks): Would keeping Pennsylvanians safe while reaching require the Secretary of DCED to for economic recovery. immediately issue a wavier to the Governor’s Business Closure Order for legal services, residential and While working to help mitigate the COVID- commercial real estate related 19 health crisis, the fact is, the activities. (134-68). VETOED by the administration’s draconian, cookie-cutter governor (Veto No. 6, 5/19/20) approach has created a COVID Economic • SB 327 (Sen. David Argall, R- Crisis throughout the state; leaving people Berks/Schuylkill): Would amend worried about not having a job, going the Administrative Code to require broke and losing their savings. the Department of General Services (DGS) to conduct an annual survey We recognize we are in pandemic and that of state facility usage; and creates everyone is making sacrifices – but we don’t four new articles relating to: have to trade one pandemic for another – we COVID-19 Emergency Statutory and are acting to find solutions to the long-term Regulatory Suspensions and impacts – so we can recover, rebuild and Waivers; COVID-19 Debt Cost Reduction Review; COVID-19 Cost grow Pennsylvania. and Recovery Task Force; COVID- 19 Emergency Regulatory Tolling; • HB 2388 (Rep. , R- and COVID-19 County Emergency Allegheny/Washington): Would Mitigation Plan for Businesses. (108- require the Secretary of DCED to 94). VETOED by the governor (Veto immediately issue a wavier to the No. 7, 5/19/20) Governor’s Business Closure Order • SB 613 (Str. , R- for the following businesses who can Berks/Bucks/Montgomery): Would adhere to certain mitigation require the governor to develop and measures: vehicle dealers, lawn and implement a mitigation plan to allow garden centers; cosmetology salons businesses to operate during the and barber shops; messenger service disaster emergency, provided and agent service activities; animal business comply with grooming services; and recommendations by the CDC and manufacturing operations. (123-79).

12 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

CISA. (107-95). VETOED by the governor (Veto No. 3, 4/20/20) • SB 857 (Sen. , R- Beaver/Butler/Lawrence): Would authorize health care providers to use telemedicine; and to require insurers to provide coverage and reimbursement for its appropriate use by participating network providers. (111-77). VETOED by the governor (Veto No. 4, 4/29/20) • SB 1027 (Sen. , R- Columbia/Luzerne/Montour/North umberland/Snyder): Would amend the Administrative Code of 1929 • HR 867 (Rep. , R- (Code) as it relates to the State Lancaster): Would appoint a special Geospatial Coordinating Board; committee to monitor the response of extends expiration date for certain the Commonwealth to the COVID- temporary regulations; amends 19 emergency. (112-90).Adopted process for the issuance of death May 18, 2020. certificates by a local registrar; • HR 836 (Rep. , R- requires a report on implementation Lebanon): A concurrent resolution of 2020 General Primary Election; that would terminate in part the adds a new article relating to disaster emergency declaration of COVID-19 emergency statutory and March 6, 2020 to the extent the order regulatory suspensions and waivers; regulates the conduct of business adds a new article relating to operations deemed non-life COVID-19 debt cost reduction sustaining differently than those review; extends expiration date for deemed life-sustaining under the certain surcharge and fees; adds a March 19, 2020 business closure new article pertaining to protected order. (117-85). The Pennsylvania licensed operations during Supreme Court ruling in Wolf v. Scarnati et emergency. (109-93). VETOED by al., strikes down the bipartisan vote to end the governor (Veto No. 8, 5/29/20) the ongoing emergency declaration. The ruling held that Article III, Section 9 (Pennsylvania Constitution) requires all concurrent resolutions be submitted to the governor for his approval or disapproval (July 1, 2020). The resolution was signed and delivered to the Governor (July 7). VETOED by the governor (Veto No. 10, 7/14/20). Veto override vote 9/2/20 (118-94). • SB 1166 (Sen. , R- Westmoreland): Would amend the state Constitution to prohibit denying or abridging equality of rights

13 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

because of race or ethnicity; not Pennsylvania’s frontline health care require concurrent orders and facilities by allowing the secretary of resolutions on questions relating to the Budget to transfer up to $50 the termination or extensions of million to purchase medical emergency declaration to be equipment and supplies for hospitals, presented to the governor before it nursing facilities, and emergency takes effect; and limit a disaster medical services to meet patient and emergency declaration to be in effect staff needs to respond to COVID-19. for no more than 21 days, unless (198-0). extended by concurrent resolution by • Act 13 of 2020 (formerly SB 751, the Legislature, and prohibit the Str. , R-Lancaster): The governor from issuing a new emergency Education Code bill, emergency declaration based upon ensures school districts develop a the same circumstances without the local plan to continue teaching approving passage of a concurrent students during the closure of resolution by the legislature. (115- schools, and make their plans 86). Pamphlets Laws Resolution No. available for parents to review. The 4 filed July 16, 2020. bill also requires notice be sent to the parents of all special education students for a plan to ensure the students are receiving “free and appropriate public education.” The Signed in Law: bill further eliminates the 180-day • Act 2A of 2020 (formerly SB 1108, instruction requirement on all public Sen. Patrick Browne, R-Lehigh): A and non-public schools, and allows Supplement to the act of June 28, the state to increase the number of 2019 (P.L.839, No. 1A), known at allowable flexible instruction days the General Appropriation Act of and waives the timeline regarding 2019, adding Federal appropriations those days. The legislation will to the Executive Department of the ensure teachers are paid, as there will Commonwealth for the fiscal year be no loss of state funding due to the July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020. The health care crisis. Finally, the bill provides federal supplemental legislation ensures that once the appropriations incurred during the current crisis has ended, school buses COVID-19 pandemic. (202-0). will be ready to provide bus service. • Act 9 of 2020 (formerly HB 68, Rep. (198-0). Francis Ryan, R-Lebanon): Updates • Act 12 of 2020 ((formerly SB 422, the state Unemployment Str. Elder Vogel, R- compensation law to extend relief to Beaver/Butler/Lawrence): Delays the affected employees, and support state’s April 28 primary election health care facilities and workers that until June 2. (198-0). are treating patients affected by the • Act 15 of 2020 (formerly, SB 841, virus. (198-0). Str. Scott Martin, R-Lancaster): • Act 10 of 2020 (formerly HB 1232, Provides taxpayer relief by Rep. George Dunbar, R- authorizing the governing body of a Westmoreland): Helps county or municipality to extend the

14 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

discount period to Aug. 31, 2020, applications without in-person and/or waive any penalty or late fee appearances during the pandemic if until Dec. 31, 2020, to provide relief the register of wills is closed, for taxpayers; Protect educational extends deadlines relating to opportunities for low-income background check recertifications students; allowing various contracts and certifications required under the to be renegotiated for the period of Child Protection Services Law and the school closure; allow for remote extends the time period for certain notarization during the COVID-19 professions to obtain an FBI background check . (195-0). emergency; authorize any agency,

department, authority, commission, • Act 20 of 2020 (formerly HB 1076, Rep. , R- board, council, governing body, or Chester/Montgomery): Amends the other entity of a political subdivision Taxpayer Relief Act to allow the to conduct hearings, meetings, Commonwealth and its political proceedings and other business subdivisions to respond to the through authorized impacts of the novel coronavirus: to telecommunication devices for the permit DOR to reimburse a claim for duration of the COVID-19 a property tax/rent rebate for 2019 Emergency Declaration. (202-0). immediately and provides • Act 17 of 2020 (formerly HB 1869, authorization for all public school Rep. , R- district to implement a senior tax Tioga/Bradford/Potter): Provides reduction incentive volunteer Basic Life Support (BLS) staffing exchange program. (202-0). waivers for all counties and creates new Chapters for COVID-19 Enforcement Officer Disability Benefits and COVID-19 Benefits for Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard. (195-0).

• Act 21 of 2020 (formerly HB 327, Rep. , R- Bucks): Amends the Liquor Code to provide for prepared beverages and mixed drinks for off-premise consumption. (193-9). • Act 18 of 2020 (formerly, HB 360, • Act 24 of 2020 (formerly HB 2510, Rep. , R- Rep. Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny): An Bedford/Franklin/Fulton): Sets age Act providing for regional response 18 as the minimum age for obtaining health collaborations to promote a marriage license, allows to health in facilities by supporting

15 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

COVID-19 readiness and response conducted by the Treasury and improving the quality of Department. (201-0). infection prevention; and making • Act 70 of 2020 (formerly HB 2455, emergency appropriations for human Rep. John Lawrence, R- services. Also, provides for various Chester/Lancaster): Amends the fiscal code allocations as part of the Administrative Code to provide for 2020-21 fiscal budget (202-0). local health department COVID-19 • Act 26 of 2020 (formerly SB 1122, antibody testing and to add Article Sen. , R- XXI-C, COVID-19 Emergency Armstrong/Butler/Indiana/Westmorel Testing Plan and Reporting and and): Amends Title 35 (Health and water and sewer authorities in cities Safety) to establish the COVID-19 of the second class. (197-4). Crisis Fire Company and Emergency • Act 75 of 2020 (formerly SB 1125, Medical Services Grant Program. Sen. Scott Martin, R-Lancaster): (202-0). Authorizes school districts to extend • Act 30 of 2020 (formerly HB 1210, the discount period and waive the Rep. , R-York): Public addition of penalties for payment of School Code/repeals outdated school district real estate taxes due provisions. The omnibus school code for the academic year beginning July funding bill also allows the School 1, 2020. (201-0). Safety and Security Fund to accept • Act 77 of 2020 (formerly HB 2463, federal CARES Act funds, provides Rep. , R-York): Amends COVID-19 disaster emergency the Administrative Code of 1929 school health and safety grants for (Code) to add a new Article relating 2020-21 school year, and COVID-19 to Access to Public Records During disaster emergency targeted health Disaster Declaration. (202-0). and safety grants for 2020-21 school year. (199-3). • Act 35 of 2020 (formerly HB 2502, Bills Awaiting Senate/Further Action: Rep. Natalie Mihalek, R- • HB 777 (Rep. , R- Allegheny/Washington): Requires the York): Would amend the Local Department of State to issue a report Option Small Games of Chance Act on the administration of the 2020 to provide for the distribution of general primary by the Department proceeds for operating expenses for of State, county boards of elections one year after the emergency and voter registration commissions. declaration for COVID-19 expires or (201-1). the declaration is terminated. (202- • Act 37 of 2020 (formerly HB 2418, 0). Rep. Timothy O’Neal, R- • HB 1189 (Rep. , R- Washington): Amends the Schuylkill/Berks/Carbon): Would Administrative Code to require the require Department of Health (DOH) identification of and review of all demographics report, extends outstanding debt obligations of the benefits for an employee subject to Commonwealth and its authorities, Act 193 of 1935, commonly referred commissions, agencies, boards or to as the Enforcement Officer other State-authorized entities to be Disability Benefits Law or the Heart

16 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

& Lung Act, who contracts or is businesses during the COVID-19 diagnosed with, or is in quarantine Emergency Declaration. (112-90). due to exposure to, the novel • HB 2392 (Rep Barbara Gleim, R- coronavirus identified in the Cumberland): Would require the Proclamation of Disaster Emergency, IFO to include critical risk factors in extends the expiration for PennDOT the assessment of the current and Renewals; and establishes a future fiscal conditions of the Volunteer emergency responders Commonwealth, and track monies employer tax credit. (202-0). distributed under the Coronavirus • HB 1747 (Rep. Matt Dowling, R- Aid, Relief and Economic Security Fayette/Somerset): Would remove Act. (202-0). restrictions on firearms during an • HB 2400 (Rep. Mike Turzai, R- emergency declaration. (127-74). Allegheny): Would amend the • HB 1822 (Rep. , R- Administrative Code to add a new Perry/Cumberland): Would Article entitled Emergency COVID- provide for changes to the Local 19 provisions to extend the waiver of Government Capital Project Loan the Governor’s Business Closure Program, provides employment Order to all public and private protections for employees during the construction activities. (111-91). pandemic, and provides for restrictions on Special Funds. (105- 97). • HB 2369 (Rep. Valerie S. Gaydos, R-Allegheny): Would establish the COVID-19 Grant and Loan Program to assist COVID-19 impacted businesses. (202-0). • HB 2370 (Rep. Mark Keller, R- Perry/Cumberland): Would amend Title 57 (Notaries Public) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial procedure) to permit notaries in the Commonwealth to notarize documents electronically via audio-visual communication. (202- 0). • HB 2376 (Rep. , R- Crawford/Erie): Would amend • HB 2408 (Rep. Brandon Title 35 to include sections relating Markosek, D-Allegheny): Would to retail store closure during the amend the Fiscal Code to exempt declaration of disaster emergency recovery rebates and Paycheck that allow re-opening of retail stores Protection Program loan forgiveness able to meet certain requirements; under the federal Coronavirus Aid, and for contactless and curbside Relief and Economic Security business operations for certain (CARES) Act from state and local taxation and increase endowment

17 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

spending limitations for nonprofit • HB 2435 (Rep. Bridget corporations and charitable trusts. Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna): (202-0). Would provide for a Food • HB 2413 (, R- Establishment Pandemic Disease Jefferson/Indiana): Would amend Remediation Cost Reimbursement the Fiscal Code (Act 176 of 1929) to Grant Program. (202-0). provide assistance for volunteer • HB 2437 (Rep. Todd Stephens, R- service organizations to respond to Montgomery): Should create the the novel coronavirus identified in Emergency Declaration Data the Proclamation of Disaster Transparency Act, requiring DOH to Emergency issued by the Governor publish long term care facility- on March 6, 2020. (202-0). specific COVID-19 data, report data • HB 2415 (Rep. Andrew Lewis, R- to appropriate licensing departments, Dauphin): Would amend the and requires DOH to summarize the Administrative Code of 1929 (Code) infection control measures taken. to add a new Article relating to (202-0). COVID-19 Emergency Statutory and Regulatory Suspensions and Waivers which places notification requirements on the Governor. (128- 74). • HB 2419 (Rep. Seth Grove, R- York): Would amend the Administrative Code of 1929 (Code) to add a new Article relating to the establishment of the COVID-19 Cost

and Recovery Task Force. (109-93). • HB 2440 (Rep. William Kortz, R- Allegheny): Would establish the • HB 2429 (Rep. Russ Diamond, R- Hunting, Firearm and Ammunition Lebanon): Would amend the Life-Sustaining Business Act. (124- Administrative Code of 1929 (Code) 78). to add a new Article relating to

Emergency COVID-19 provisions • HB 2459 (Rep. , R- regarding extension of waiver Allegheny): Would require the provisions to lawn and garden Secretary of DCED to immediately equipment and supplies stores. (133- issue a wavier to the Governor’s 69). Business Closure Order to cosmetology salons and barber shops • HB 2433 (Rep. Jim Marshall, R- to provide hair services that can Beaver/Butler): Would amend the adhere to certain mitigation Administrative Code to add a new requirements. (120-82). Article relating to Emergency

COVID-19 provisions regarding • HB 2477 (Rep. David Rowe, R- issuance of a waiver to the Union/Snyder): Would provide for Governor’s Business Closure Order limited liability for donating food for messenger service and agent past the labeled date code service activities. (112-90). recommended by the manufacturer. (202-0).

18 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

• HB 2487 (Rep. , R- • HB 2540 (Rep. John Lawrence, R- Lebanon): Would amend the Public Chester/Lancaster): Would Official Compensation Law to apply establish a five-person State a freeze to cost-of-living adjustments Epidemiology Advisory Council through 2021. (202-0). specific to the COVID-19 pandemic. • HB 2497 (Rep. George Dunbar, R- (198-3). Westmoreland): Would exempt a • HB 2541 (Rep. , R- forgiveness of indebtedness granted Bucks): Would allow the governing under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, body of a county, in consultation and Economic Security (CARES) with specified county offices and Act. (201-1). officials, to develop and implement a • HB 2505 (Rep. , R- countywide reopening plan for Adams/Cumberland): Would businesses. (114-87). require records retention for all • HB 2549 (Rep. , R- records in possession of executive Lycoming/Union): Would allow a agencies, contractors, or their county to pass a resolution to move members, employees or officers to the “green plus” phase of related to the COVID-19 disaster reopening after being in the “green” declaration. (202-0). phase of reopening for at least 14 • HB 2506 (Rep. Garth Everett, R- days. (116-85). (116-85). Lycoming/Union): Would allow any restaurant, bar or private club which serves food or beverages to reopen for outdoor public patronage in any county designated as “yellow” or “green,” as long as state and federal guidelines are followed. (133-69). • HB 2509 (Rep. , R- Lehigh/Berks): Would establish the Long-Term Care Facility Personal Protective Equipment • HB 2626 (Rep. , R- Reimbursement Grant Program. Adams): Amends the Election Code (202-0). to make various revisions relating to • HB 2513 (Rep. Garth Everett, R- the election system efficiency, in Lycoming/Union): Would allow any particular with respect to absentee restaurant, bar or private club which and mail-in ballots. (112-90). serves food or beverages to reopen • HB 2787 (Rep. Mike Reese, R- for indoor public patronage in any county designated as “yellow” or Westmoreland/Somerset): “green,” as long as state and federal Authorizes a school entity to guidelines are followed. (117-85). determine whether to hold sports and • HB 2517 (Rep. , R- other extracurricular activities and Bucks): Would expand DCED spectators in-person. (155-47). waiver exemptions to residential • HB 2788 (Rep. Jesse Topper, R- cleaning services. (119-83). Bedford/Franklin/Fulton): Would allow a parent to elect to have a child

19 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

repeat a grade level due to a loss of instruction resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The parental election includes participation in all academic or extracurricular activities. (197-5).

Economic Enhancers

20 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

#GOODJOBS4PA

House Republicans are looking at new pathways to careers with a greater focus on providing students with job skills before they leave high school. Students would benefit from knowing what kind of job or career they are headed for before taking on huge amounts of debt for a college degree they may never use. While equipping students with workplace database that allows students and skills addresses the needs of one segment of potential students to plan where the job-seeking population, our members are courses, programs, certificates, also offering solutions for unemployed diplomas transfer among public adults, soon-to-be-released inmates and schools and institutions of higher returning military veterans. education, and contains recommendations from the Select Ultimately building an effective workforce Subcommittee on Technical system is essential to economic Education and Career Readiness’s development. Simply, you need people to be Final Report. (197-0). successful as they work in the jobs that are • Act 66 of 2020 (formerly HB 732, created. Our caucus is working on all sides Rep. , R-Luzerne): of the issue, creating a world-class Provides an exclusion from the workforce and growing world-leading Realty Transfer Tax for volunteer industries, which will lead to the next service providers and establish the generation of great companies and Local Resource Manufacturing Tax employees calling Pennsylvania home. Credit. (163-38). • Act 68 of 2020 (formerly HB 1437, Rep. Mark Keller, R- • HB 1100 (Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R- Perry/Cumberland): Updates the Luzerne): Would create the Energy Rural Jobs and Investment Tax and Fertilizer Manufacturing Tax Credit Program. (159-41) (Included Credit. (139-46). VETOED by the in the Fiscal Code). governor (Veto No. 2, 3/27/20)

Bills Awaiting Senate Action: Workforce Ready PA • HB 138 (Rep. Christopher Quinn, Signed in Law: R-Delaware): Would provide • Act 76 of 2019 (formerly HB 265, further qualifications for license and Rep. Craig Staats, R- examinations for physical therapists Bucks): Expands an established

21 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

and physical therapist assistants. development programs at both the (193-0). secondary and postsecondary levels. • HB 280 (Rep. R. , R- (195-0). Venango/Butler): Would increase • HB 395 (Rep. James Roebuck Jr., the periods of time allotted for D-Philadelphia): Would allow CTE parties to appeal the determination of programs or a cluster of programs to an Unemployment Compensation establish occupational advisory (UC) Service Center and the decision committees at the Intermediate Unit of a UC referee. (193-0). (IU) level to serve multiple school • HB 297 (Rep. Zachary Mako, R- districts or Career and Technical Northampton/Lehigh): Would require the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to develop materials outlining workforce needs including training opportunities and future earning potential. Also allows for community colleges and other technical and/or trade schools to attend career/college fairs. (193-1). • HB 334 (Rep. Seth Grove, R- York): Would require Pennsylvania Department of Education to establish a standard application for schools to seek approval to establish or renew a Centers (CTCs). (194-0). classification of instructional • HB 396 (Rep. James Roebuck Jr., program. (195-0). D-Philadelphia): Would require • HB 393 (Rep. Patrick Harkins, D- each local Workforce Development Erie): Would require PDE and the Board (WDB) to include in its departments of Labor and Industry membership at least one and Agriculture to develop and administrator of a Career and maintain a comprehensive online Technical Center whose attendance career resource center for students, area is covered by the service area of parents, educators and school the WDB. (194-0). officials to provide information on • HB 425 (Rep. , R- the value and impact of career and Lehigh/Berks): Would technical education (CTE), career create CareerBound, a program to pathways, data and statistics on strengthen the connection between employment opportunities and Pennsylvania’s students and the next compensation, postsecondary generation of high-priority careers. options, and statewide and regional (192-1). articulation agreements. (194-0). • HB 522 (Rep. , R- • HB 394 (Rep. , D- Schuylkill/Dauphin): Would Luzerne): Would require PDE and establish the Career and Technical the Department of Labor and Education Investment Incentive Industry to conduct a complete Program, which would provide tax inventory of existing workforce credits to businesses that contribute

22 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

to career and technical partnership organizations. (162-34).

• HB 796 (Rep. Jared Soloman, D- Philadelphia): Would create a grant program for apprenticeship programs. (201-0). • HB 64 (Rep. , D- Allegheny): Would amend the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs Act, allowing professionals to carry over accrued continuing education credits for biennial terms. (193-0). • HB 1566 (Rep. William Kortz, D- Allegheny): Would amend Act 48 of

1993 pertaining to the power and duties of boards and commissions within the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. (115-87).

#ENERGIZE PA Bills Awaiting Senate Action: • HB 1104 HB 1104 (Rep. , R-Luzerne): Would require the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to establish a registry for abandoned manufacturing sites across the Commonwealth. (197-2). • HB 1105 (Rep. Eric Nelson, R- Westmoreland): Would incentivize businesses to remediate Commonwealth lands that pose a current or future risk to the health and safety of our residents. (105- 96).

23 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Promoting Confidence Among Consumers and Businesses

Signed in Law: which substantially impairs the use, • Act 73 of 2019 (formerly HB 318, value or safety of the vehicle, if the Rep. Lori Mizgorski, R-Allegheny): problem occurs in the first year of Allows consumers to permanently ownership or 12,000 miles. This sign up for the state’s “do-not-call’ legislation would extend those same list. Currently, those on the list must protections to consumers purchasing re-register every five years. This bill new motorcycles. (168-6) . removes the time period completely • HB 1032 (Rep. Lee James, R- from the current law allowing Venango/Butler): Would amend the consumers to register one time for as Real Estate Appraisers Certification long as they hold the registered Act to add certified PA evaluators to phone number. the State Board of Certified Real (174-0). Estate Appraisers. (200-0). • Act 11 of 2020 (formerly HB 1578, • HB 1033 (Rep. Dan Moul, R- Rep. , R- Adams): Would amend the Dauphin/Lebanon): Amends Assessors Certification Act to portions of Real and Personal provide for the qualifications, Property law within the Uniform training and certification of Condominium Act, the Real Estate revaluation company personnel. Cooperative Act and the Uniform (197-3). Planned Community Act. (199-0). • HB 1061 (Rep. , R-Bucks): Would amend the Telemarketer Registration Act to require the attorney general to establish ongoing communication with the Department of Aging. (199- 0). • HB 1511 (Rep. Chris Quinn, R- Delaware): Would codify the Public Utility Commission’s 60-day approval for unprotested Bills Awaiting Senate Action: telecommunication applications. • HB 21 (Rep. Sue Helm, R- (199-0). Dauphin): Would establish licensure • HB 1534 (Rep. , D- of home inspectors. (176-22). Beaver/Allegheny): Would update • HB 26 (Rep. , D- and clarify the existing anti-pyramid Greene/Washington): Would add scheme law. (199-0). motorcycles to the state’s automobile • HB 1563 (Rep. Dan Moul, R- lemon law. The law requires a Adams): Would amend the manufacturer to fix any default Municipal Authorities Act to allow

24 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

owners of multiple properties or • HB 2348 (Rep. Marty Causer, R- buildings with multiple units that are McKean/Cameron/Potter): Would served by a single meter to request a create the Underserved High-speed rate study using a years’ worth of Broadband Funding Grant Program usage data to determine if an and re-appropriates an existing tax adjustment is needed in the amount credit of $5 million. (202-0). that the property owner pays. (197- 4). • HB 1647 (Rep. , R- Northampton): Would provide a waiver of real estate tax penalty within the first year of ownership if the real estate tax notice was not received. (202-0).

25 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Preserving PA’s Agricultural Heritage

• HB 915 (Rep. , R- Program, to provide grants for McKean/Cameron/Potter): Would improving childhood nutrition while clarify that milk haulers can travel on increasing exposure to agriculture for highways during a declaration of children in Pre-K through fifth grade. disaster emergency. (136-61). (198-0). VETOED by the governor (Veto No. • Act 35 of 2019 (formerly HB 1516, 2, 7/2/19) Rep. Martin Causer, R- McKean/Cameron/Potter): Creates the Pennsylvania Rapid Response Disaster Readiness Account and allocate funding to the Department of Agriculture to facilitate a quick response to agricultural disasters. (198-0). • Act 36 of 2019 (formerly HB 1520, Rep. Pam Snyder, D- Greene/Fayette/Washington): Creates a grant program to reimburse federal meat inspection costs for small or new processors. (199-0). Signed in Law: • Act 37 of 2019 (formerly HB 1526, • Act 28 of 2019 (formerly SB 338, Rep. Rich Irvin, R- Str. , R- Huntingdon/Centre/Mifflin): Re- Bedford/Cambria/Clearfield): establishes a low-interest loan Increases the maximum width for program administered by the State implements of husbandry to travel on Conservation Commission in roadways to 18 feet. (200-0). conjunction with lending institutions • Act 33 of 2019 (formerly HB 370, Rep. Kate Klunk, R-York): Amends for the implementation of the Agricultural Area Security Law agricultural and conservation best to provide for restrictions, limitations management practices. (198-0). and subdivision on preserved • Act 38 of 2019 (formerly HB 1590, farmland. (194-0). Rep. Clint Owlett, R- • Act 34 of 2019 (formerly HB 1514, Tioga/Bradford/Potter): Creates the Rep. John Hershey, R- Dairy Investment Program within the Juniata/Franklin/Mifflin): Revises Commonwealth Financing and re-establishes the existing Authority. (199-0). Healthy Farms Healthy Schools • Act 39 of 2019 (formerly SB 634, program into the PA Farm-to-School Sen. Gene Yaw, R-

26 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Bradford/Lycoming/Sullivan/Susque hanna/Union): Creates the Conservation Excellence Program, granting the State Conservation Commission the authority to prioritize projects and provide technical assistance and funding through a mix of grants, low-interest loans and tax credits to help farmers and landowners implement conservation best management practices. (201-0). • Act 40 of 2019 (formerly SB 661, Sen. , R- Bills Awaiting Senate Action: Blair/Fulton/Cumberland/Franklin/ • HB 241 (Rep. , R- Huntingdon): Provides state-level Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna): Specialty Crop Block Grants; Would amend the Tax Reform Code establish the Pennsylvania of 1971 to allow a Resource Agricultural Business Development Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Center to serve as a resource to help tax credit be applied to the spouse of every farmer create a business plan, an eligible applicant. (200-0). transition plan or succession plan; (Included within Act 13 of 2019). reestablish a grant program to fund • HB 404 (Rep. John Lawrence, R- youth organizations that promote Chester/Lancaster): Would add the development in agriculture, “Tree of Heaven” plant, a favorite community leadership, vocational food source of the invasive spotted training and peer fellowship; and lanternfly, to the list of noxious establish an Urban Agricultural weeds in Pennsylvania. (194-0). Infrastructure Grant Program. (201- (implemented by the Controlled Plan 0). and Noxious Weed Committee). • Act 65 of 2019 (formerly SB 478, • HB 881 (Rep. Mindy Fee, R- Sen. Elder Vogel, R- Lancaster): Would allow the Beaver/Butler/Lawrence): department to provide for succession Establishes the Beginning Farmer planning grants on preserved farms. Management Tax Credit for existing (202-0). (included within Act 20 of farmers and landowners who lease or 2019). sell their land, buildings and • HB 1223 (Rep. John Lawrence, R- equipment to beginning farmers. Chester/Lancaster): Would allow (201-0). for the creation of Keystone • Act 66 of 2019 (formerly SB 585, Opportunity Dairy Zones to Sen. , R- encourage new or additional Centre/Juniata/Huntingdon/Mifflin): processing capacity for Pennsylvania Establishes the Dairy Future milk. (194-2). Commission in the Agriculture • HB 1224 (Rep. John Lawrence, R- Code. (200-0). Chester/Lancaster): Would allow

27 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

the Milk Marketing Board the (200-0). (Included within Act 40 of ability, but not the requirement, to 2019). collect and distribute milk premiums. • HB 1521 (Rep. Eddie Day (196-0). Pashinski, D-Luzerne): Would • HB 1517 (Rep. David Zimmerman, amend the existing PA Preferred R-Lancaster): Would provide the agricultural commodities marketing State Conservation Commission with program to bolster enrollment in the the authority to prioritize projects veteran farmer Homegrown by and provide technical assistance and Heroes Program. (200-0). (Included funding through a mix of grants, within Act 36 of 2019). low-interest loans and tax credits. • HB 1523 (Rep. Russ Diamond, R- (198-0). (included in Act 39 of 2019). Lebanon): Would establish the • HB 1518 (Rep. Pam DeLissio, D- Pennsylvania Agricultural Business Philadelphia/Montgomery): Would Development Center within the re-establish the former (expired) Department of Agriculture to serve Agriculture and Rural Youth as a resource to help every farmer Development Program into a new create a business plan, transition plan grant program to fund youth or succession plan. (198-0). organizations that promote (Included within Act 40 of 2019). development in agriculture, • HB 1983 (Rep. Martin Causer, R- community leadership, vocational McKean\Cameron\Potter): Would training and peer fellowship. (200-0). extend the sunset date of the current (Included within Act 40 of 2019). funding provision for the • HB 1519 (Rep. , D- Pennsylvania Race Horse Testing Philadelphia): Would establish a Program by two years. (202-0). state-level Specialty Crop Block • HB 2149 (Rep. Martin Causer, R- Grant Program to invest in and Cameron/McKean/Potter): Would encourage farming of high-priority make updates to the composition of crops like hemp, hops and the Hardwoods Development Department of hardwoods that are Council. (201-0). not eligible for the federal grants.

28 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Protecting Pennsylvanians

29 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

Protecting Victims

In support of crime victims, House Republicans are out front, taking action to strengthen the protections for victims of crime. Just as those accused of a crime have certain rights, we need to ensure crime victims are treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire criminal justice process.

We support efforts to allow victims of crime to participate in the criminal justice system. Victims and survivors deserve the protection Signed into Law: of our criminal justice system and the tools • Act 21 of 2019 (formerly HB 315, to help them confront and testify against Rep. Thomas Murt, R- their abusers. Montgomery/Philadelphia): Establishes the offense of Female Human trafficking harms adults and Genital Mutilation (FGM). (196-1). children of all ages and demographics. • Act 23 of 2019 (formerly HB 502, House Republicans have taken action to Rep. John Hershey, R- build upon our groundbreaking laws Juniata/Franklin/Mifflin): Grants to pertaining to human trafficking to promote crime victims the right to attend any measures guaranteeing the safety of victims, proceeding relating to their cases, protecting their privacy and making it safer unless the court expressly determines for them to testify against their abusers. that attendance would materially alter the victims’ testimony. (197-1). Goes Before the Voters via Referendum: • Act 24 of 2019 (formerly HB 504, • HB 276 (Rep. Sheryl Delozier, R- Rep. Natalie Mihalek, R- Cumberland): Known as Marsy’s Allegheny/Washington): Shields rape Law, the bill would add a victim’s victims from irrelevant cross bill of rights to the Pennsylvania examination by ensuring that prior Constitution. (190-8). sexual assaults or other prior acts of victimization against a rape victim cannot be used at trial for the purpose of attacking the victim’s character. (197-0). • Act 29 of 2019 (formerly SB 399, Sen. Wayne Langerholc Jr., R- Bedford/Cambria/Clearfield): Expands the current list of rights for survivors of sexual assault and address anonymous submissions of

30 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

sexual assault evidence and governmental immunity related to submissions for which jurisdiction is childhood sexual abuse. (187-5). unknown. (200-0). • Act 88 of 2019 (formerly HB 1051, • Act 30 of 2019 (formerly SB 469, Rep. Todd Stephens, R- Sen. Daniel Laughlin, R-Erie): Montgomery): Amends the Child Allows out-of-court statements from Protective Services Law to increase crime victims with intellectual the penalties for mandated reporters disabilities or autism under certain who continue to fail to report circumstances. (178-22). suspected child abuse and broadens the “continuing course of action” provision. (168-22). • Act 89 of 2019 (formerly HB 1171, Rep. Tarah Toohil, R-Luzerne): Specifies that civil confidentiality agreements do not cover communications with law enforcement. (191-0). • Act 1 of 2020 (formerly SB 60, Sen. • Act 31 of 2019 (formerly SB 479, Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York): Sen. Lisa Baker, R- Increases penalties relating to human Luzerne/Pike/Susquehanna): trafficking and enhance funding for Expands the list of offenses in which programs/services for trafficking the courts may admit into evidence victims. (183-4). an out-of-court statement by a child • Act 32 of 2020 (formerly SB 275, victim or witness. (199-1). Sen. Judy Ward, R- • Act 93 of 2019 (formerly HB 97, Rep. , R- Blair/Cumberland/Franklin/Fulton/ Warren/Crawford/Forest): Amends Huntingdon): Increases the possible the Crimes Code by adding criminal penalties for strangulation “electronic nicotine delivery convictions and permit judges to systems” (ENDS), or “vaping” consider strangulation convictions in devices, to the sections that currently child custody proceedings. (202-0). make it illegal to sell tobacco products to minors and, for students, to use tobacco products on school grounds. (196-0). Bills Awaiting Senate Action: • Act 87 of 2019 (formerly HB 962, • HB 161 (Rep. , R- Rep. , D-Berks): Extends Berks): Would reclassify the offense the statute of limitations for civil of trafficking of infants as a first- suits for childhood sexual abuse until degree felony from a first-degree the victim reaches the age of 55, misdemeanor. (187-0). eliminates the statute of limitations • HB 288 (Rep. Justin Simmons, R- for filing criminal charges, and Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton waives the Commonwealth's ): Known as Caylee’s Law, the bill sovereign immunity and would increase the penalty for

31 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

concealing the death of a child from be filed in court notwithstanding any a first-degree misdemeanor to a otherwise applicable statute of third-degree felony, punishable by limitations defense. (177-15). up to seven years imprisonment • HB 991 (Rep. , R- and/or a fine of up to $15,000. (197- Bucks): Would amend the Public 0). Employee Pension Forfeiture Act to • HB 400 (Rep. Kate Klunk, R- establish that the provision relating York): Would amend Crimes Code to committing sex offenses applies to to expand the criteria for abuse of a all public employees and public care-dependent person. (202-0). officials. (198-0). • HB 503 (Rep. Garth Everett, R- • HB 1290 (Rep. , Lycoming/Union): Would allow R-Bucks): Would update child victims and witnesses with protective services law to require intellectual disabilities or autism to county agencies to include in the submit out-of-court statements rather required written report of suspected than face their perpetrators in court. child abuse information pertaining to (186-11). whether the subject of the report is a • HB 505 (Rep. Rob Kauffman, R- service member. (195-0). Franklin): Would expand the types • HB 1363 (Rep. Thomas Murt, R- of crimes in which out-of-court Montgomery/Philadelphia): Would statements by child victims or child establish a Bill of rights for witnesses could be admitted by the individuals with intellectual court, avoiding further trauma for the disabilities or autism. (202-0). affected children. (193-4). • HB 1867 (Rep. , R- • HB 849 (Rep. Kate Klunk, R- Luzerne/Lackawanna/Wyoming): York): Would establish the Would amend the Crimes Code to Disclosing Sexual Harassment in the add offense of unregulated transfer Workplace Act, prohibiting of custody of an adopted child. (201- employers from requiring employees 0). and prospective employees to sign a • HB 1879 (Rep. Keith Gillespie, R- nondisclosure agreement related to York): Would amend the aggravated sexual harassment as a condition of assault statute in order to add “a employment. (199-0). health care practitioner or • HB 854 (Rep. Torren Ecker, R- technician.” (173-23). Adams/Cumberland): Would ensure that the offense of strangulation is as fully incorporated into our body of laws as other similarly violent and threatening offenses. (188-10). • HB 963 (Rep. , R- Blair): Would amend Article I, Section 11 of the Pennsylvania Constitution to provide for a two- • HB 1984 (Rep. , year window in which civil lawsuits R- Centre/Mifflin): Would amend alleging childhood sexual abuse may the Adoption Act so that victims of

32 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

rape can terminate parental rights of program of counseling and therapy the rapist without having to re-marry. designed for incarcerated sex (202-0). offenders. (187-0). • HB 2056 (Rep. Jim Struzzi, R- • HB 2178 (Rep. David Rowe, R- Indiana): Would provide that a Union/Snyder): Would amend person is guilty of aggravated assault Pennsylvania’s child custody statute if he causes bodily injury to an to require that a court consider individual with a physical or whether a party or member of that intellectual disability. (167-35). party’s household has been convicted • HB 2174 (Rep. Natalie Mihalek, R- of human trafficking prior to Allegheny/Washington): Would awarding child custody to that party. prohibit defendants from introducing (187-0). evidence of a human trafficking • HB 2342 (Rep. Clint Owlett, R- victim’s past sexual victimization Tioga/Bradford/Potter): Would and allegations of past sexual increase the age for admissible out- victimization in any prosecution of-court statements made by a child related to human trafficking. (187-0). victim or witness from 12 to 16 years • HB 2175 (Rep. Meghan Schroeder, of age for certain offenses. (162-39). R-Bucks): Would expand the list of • HB 2503 (Rep. Brett Miller, R- sexual offenses whereby an expert Lancaster): Would allow certain may testify in sexual assault cases. employers to hire employees on a (187-0). provisional basis, pending the • HB 2176 (Rep. , R- completion of all submitted Butler): Would add certain background checks. (201-0). prohibited activities that, if committed, constitute the crime of unlawful contact with a minor. (187- 0). • HB 2177 (Rep. , R- Allegheny): Would expand the list of sexual offenses that require offenders to attend and participate in a Department of Corrections

33 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Addiction and Substance Use Disorder

Signed into Law: Drug and Alcohol Programs. (200- • Act 112 of 2019 (formerly SB 572, 0). Sen. Ryan Aument, R-Lancaster): • HB 616 (Rep. Clint Owlett, R- Requires providers to follow a set Tioga/Bradford/Potter): Would protocol when prescribing opioids, place the drug carfentanil, a fentanyl including drug tests, agreements for analogue, in Schedule II of the treatment, and providing specific Controlled Substances, Drug, Device information about risks of opioids and Cosmetic Act. (195-0). and alternative methods to treat pain. • HB 1005 (Rep. Jim Cox, R- (117-79). Berks/Lancaster): Would amend • Act 8 of 2020 (formerly SB 432, Sen. the Achieving Better Care by Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York): Monitoring All Prescriptions Amends the Achieving Better Care Program (ABC-MAP) Act to include by Monitoring All Prescriptions the administration of naloxone in a program to allow Medicaid Managed patient’s record on the ABC-MAP Care Organizations to query the database. (110-89). system. (119-77). • HB 1052 (Rep. Eric Nelson, R- Westmoreland): Would amend the administrative code to provide for duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs with respect to persons who leave addiction treatment against medical advice. (188-0). • HB 1325 (Rep. , R- Allegheny/Washington): Would update sentencing provisions when Bills Awaiting Senate Action: an individual is convicted of trespass • HB 137 (Rep. Chris Quinn, R- resulting from a violation of state Delaware): Would provide casino or video gaming terminal self- immunity to any individual who exclusion list. (196-0). experiences an overdose event only • HB 1662 (Rep. Gene DiGirolamo, if the individual obtains a screening R-Bucks): Would amend and and referral for treatment. (122-72). rename the Methadone Death and • HB 596 (Rep. , R- Incident Review Act to include Carbon): Would establish a deaths and incidents attributable to Detoxification and Addiction the use and misuse of buprenorphine. Treatment Bed Registry to be (199-0). administered by the Department of

34 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Emergency Responders

Signed into Law: engage in firefighting activities. • Act 17 of 2019 (formerly SB 127, (200-1). Sen. , R- • Act 26 of 2020 (formerly SB 1122, Cumberland/York): Reauthorizes the Sen. Joe Pittman, R- 911 statute. (197-2). Armstrong/Butler/Indiana/Westmorel • Act 49 of 2019 (formerly HB 448, and): Amends Title 35 (Health and Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R-Luzerne): Safety) to establish the COVID-19 Adds additional members to the Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Pennsylvania Commission for the Medical Services Grant Program. United States Semiquincentennial. (202-0). (201-0). • Act 66 of 2020 (formerly HB 732, • Act 83 of 2019 (formerly HB 859, Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R-Luzerne): Rep. Stephen Barrar, R- Provides an exclusion from the Delaware/Chester): Extends the 911 Realty Transfer Tax for volunteer statute ($1.65 surcharge) for another service providers and establish the four years, to June 30, 2023. (198-0). Local Resource Manufacturing Tax • Act 106 of 2019 (formerly SB 146, Credit. (163-38). Sen. , R- • Act 69 of 2020 (formerly HB 1459, Crawford/Erie/Mercer/Warren): Rep. , D- Establishes online training programs Lehigh): Creates a mental wellness where applicable for firefighters. and stress management program for (196-0). first responders, including 911 • Act 17 of 2020 (formerly HB 1869, dispatchers and coroners. (198-0). Rep. Clint Owlett, R- Tioga/Bradford/Potter): Provides Basic Life Support (BLS) staffing waivers for all counties. (195-0). • Act 22 of 2020 (formerly HB 1522,

Rep. Torren Ecker, R- Adams/Cumberland): Amends the Child Labor Act to eliminate the requirement that Junior Firefighters complete Department of Conservation and Natural Resources wildfire training before they can

HELPERS AND HEROES • HB 269 (Rep. Michael Driscoll, D- Bills Awaiting Senate Action: Philadelphia): Would amend the

35 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

Tax Reform Code to provide an • HB 1780 (Rep. Lee James, R- exemption from the Realty Transfer Venango/Butler): Would exempt Tax for the surviving spouse/children volunteer fire, rescue and ambulance of a first responder. (199-0). companies from portions of the Right-to-Know Law. (166-34). • HB 1786 (Rep. , D- Lawrence): Would establish the First Responder Loan Forgiveness Program under the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. (196-0). • HB 1816 (Rep. Lynda Schlegal Culver, R- Northumberland/Snyder): Would • HB 1448 (Rep. , D- increase the loan amounts under the Volunteer Loan Assistance Program Lancaster): Would add a ballot (VLAP) and add provisions to referendum to expand the Volunteer enhance the program. (196-0). Loan Assistance Program (VLAP) to include paid (career) fire • HB 1834 (Rep. Chris Sainato, D- departments. (195-0). Lawrence): Would reauthorize the • HB 1673 (Rep. Frank Farry, R- Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program. Bucks): Would expand the types of (195-0). programs that volunteer fire relief monies can fund, such as Length of • HB 1838 (Rep. Martin Causer, R- Service Awards, which are programs McKean/Cameron/Potter): Would that provide tax-deferred income increase the funding for and enhance benefits to active volunteers of a fire the use of the Emergency Medical service. (196-0). Services Operating Fund (EMSOF). • HB 1705 (Rep. , (195-0). Clearfield/Elk): Would authorize • HB 1839 (Rep. Bob Brooks, R- school districts to offer a property Westmoreland/Allegheny): Would tax credit for volunteer first authorize counties to offer a property responders. (200-0). tax credit for volunteer first • HB 1758 (Rep. Jason Ortitay, R- responders. (196-0). Allegheny/Washington): Would • HB 2233 (Rep. , R- exempt volunteer fire and ambulance Lancaster): Would allow political companies from the vehicle accident subdivisions and volunteer services report fee. (195-0). to share a common bulk storage tank • HB 1773 (Rep. Jim Struzzi, R- for the storage of tax-exempt motor Indiana): Would establish the fuel. (202-0). Tuition Assistance for Active Volunteers Program. (196-0).

36 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Justice Reform

Signed into Law: • HB 44 (Rep. Pam Snyder, D- • Act 58 of 2019 (formerly HB 1614, Washington/Fayette): Would Rep. Rob Kauffman, R-Franklin): require that a corrections officer Provides law enforcement and the employed by the Department of attorney general the authority to Corrections provide a written participate in local, state or federal statement, or testify, regarding task forces. This law also provides a whether an inmate should be paroled. two-year pilot program giving the (194-0). attorney general concurrent • HB 257 (Rep. Carl Metzgar, R- jurisdiction to investigate and Somerset/Bedford): Would require prosecute gun-related crimes in any inmate who commits an assault Philadelphia. (194-3). against a detention facility or • Act 51 of 2020 (formerly SB 351, correctional facility employee that Sen. Judy Ward, R- results in serious bodily injury be Blair/Cumberland/Franklin/Fulton/ sentenced to a mandatory minimum Huntingdon): Increases the potential sentence of five years’ incarceration. criminal penalties for assaults on (144-53). health care practitioners and • HB 726 (Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D- technicians. (180-21). Allegheny): Would amend the Judicial Code to require consecutive mandatory sentences for crimes committed with firearms. (102-91). • HB 916 (Rep. Todd Stephens, R- Montgomery): Would require a person arrested for a second or subsequent DUI with a high rate (.10-.159 BAC) or highest rate (.16 or higher BAC) of alcohol within a 10-year period to be fitted with a continuous alcohol monitoring • Act 63 of 2020 (formerly HB 256, device. (142-51). Rep. Carl Metzgar, R- • HB 1538 (Rep. , R- Somerset/Bedford): Increases Philadelphia): Would amend the penalties for inmates who assault Prisons and Parole Code to require correctional facility employees. that sex offenders must wait three (173-28). years from the date of the current application to reapply for parole. Bills Awaiting Senate Action: (194-7).

37 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

• HB 1781 (Rep. Stephanie receive a short sentence and would Borowicz, R-Clinton/Centre): revise sentencing laws and the Would allow the governing authority direction that the General Assembly of a county to permit its county gives to the Pennsylvania corrections officers to carry and store Commission on Sentencing. (167- a handgun and ammunition in a 29). vehicle at a county correctional • Act 53 of 2020 (formerly SB 637, institution. (156-40). Sen. John DiSanto, R- • HB 1827 (Rep. , R- Dauphin/Perry): Provides York/Cumberland): Would add Commonwealth licensing boards sentencing enhancement for a opportunities to issue licenses to conviction of causing or aiding individuals with criminal suicide when the individual who convictions. (201-0). commits suicide is under 18 years old or has an intellectual disability. (188-14). • HB 2016 (Rep. Lou Schmitt, R- Bills Awaiting Senate Action: Blair): Would create the offense of • HB 440 (Rep. , R- harassment of law enforcement Butler/Mercer): Would mandate the officer. (170-32). expungement of an individual’s record if he or she has been pardoned or acquitted of all charges, based on the same conduct or arising from the same alleged criminal episode. (197- 0). • HB 1477 (Rep. Sheryl Delozier, R- Cumberland): Would create a fair, modern set of rules for the consideration of criminal records in occupational and professional licensure, which will enable employers to have a new set of skilled, qualified workers. (193-4). • HB 1855 (Rep. , #Smart Justice R-Lawrence/Beaver/Butler): Signed into Law: Known as Markie’s Law, would • Act 114 of 2019 (formerly SB 500, preclude the parole board from Sen. Lisa Baker, R- prematurely releasing an inmate at Luzerne/Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyomi the expiration of his minimum ng): Creates a County Adult sentence if the inmate was convicted Probation and Parole Advisory of a violent offense or an obstruction Committee. (196-0). of justice offense while incarcerated. • Act 115 of 2019 (formerly SB 501, (149-47). Sen. Tom Killion, R- Chester/Delaware): Updates the process for paroling people who

38 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

#Protect and Serve Initiative with individuals of diverse Signed into Law: backgrounds; require that municipal • Act 57 of 2020 (formerly HB 1841, police officers receive mental health Rep. Harry Readshaw, D- evaluations in certain situations; and Allegheny): Requires the Municipal amend the Judicial Code to provide Police Officers’ Education and additional training in child abuse to Training Commission to maintain a magisterial district judges. (201-0). database containing the circumstances surrounding a law enforcement officer’s separation from service and to compel law Bills Awaiting Senate Action: enforcement agencies to disclose such records. (201-0). • Act 58 of 2020 (formerly HB 1910, Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester): Requires municipal police officers receive training in recognizing and reporting child abuse and interacting

39 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

StrengtheningAddiction Communities and Substance & Supporting Use Disorder Families

Supporting Families appearances during the pandemic if Signed into Law: the register of wills is closed, • Act 7 of 2019 (formerly SB 115, Sen. extends deadlines relating to Tom Killion, R-Chester/Delaware): background check recertifications Enhances CPR training instruction and certifications required under the available to students in grades nine Child Protection Services Law and through 12. extends the time period for certain • Act 98 of 2019 (formerly HB 1016, professions to obtain an FBI Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D- background check . (195-0). Allegheny): Provides regulatory • Act 62 of 2020 (formerly SB 934, oversight of fraternal benefit Sen. Daniel Laughlin, R-Erie): societies’ solvency. (196-0). Requires the Department of Human Services to include the inspection of • Act 100 of 2019 (formerly HB 1402, all smoke detectors in its annual inspection of childcare facilities. (201-0). • Act 65 of 2020 (formerly HB 672, Rep. Jason Ortitay, R- Allegheny/Washington): Provides for parental authority over a minor's mental health treatment. (195-0).

Rep. Tedd Nesbit, R-Mercer/Butler): Bills Awaiting Senate Action: Establishes the offense of sexual • HB 296 (Rep. Tarah Toohil, R- extortion. (195-0). Luzerne): Would establish an • Act 14 of 2020 (formerly HB 775, Adoption and Foster Care Tax Credit Rep. Russ Diamond, R-Lebanon): for eligible foster parents. (200-0). Requires the Department of Aging to • HB 437 (Rep. Joshua Kail, R- cross reference its list of Beaver/Washington): Would amend beneficiaries with death records Title 23 as it relates to contempt maintained by the Department of powers of the court in custody cases. Health on a monthly basis. (196-0). (202-0). • Act 18 of 2020 (formerly, HB 360, • HB 783 (Rep. Jim Marshall, R- Rep. Jesse Topper, R- Beaver/Butler): Would establish the Bedford/Franklin/Fulton): Sets age infant CPR and Choking Education 18 as the minimum age for obtaining and Prevention Program. (197-0). a marriage license, allows to • HB 858 (Rep. Rosemary Brown, applications without in-person R-Monroe/Pike): Would create the

40 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

Incentive Based Savings Program • HB 1634 (Rep. Karen Boback, R- Act to authorize and permit financial Luzerne/Lackawanna/Wyoming): institutions to conduct savings Would increase the fee assessed to promotion programs. (195-0). recipients of child support from $25 • HB 924 (Rep. Tarah Toohil, R- annually to $35 annually in order to Luzerne): Would prohibit remain in federal compliance. (199- discrimination by a life, accident or 0). health insurer based on an insured’s status as a living organ or tissue donor. (195-0). • HB 1001 (Rep. , R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest): Would establish standards for the licensure and regulation of human milk banks in PA. (191-1).

41 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Senior Citizens

Signed into Law: Commonwealth and its political • Act 95 of 2019 (formerly HB 754, subdivisions to respond to the Rep. Wendi Thomas, R-Bucks): impacts of the novel coronavirus: to Ensures any individual enrolled in permit DOR to reimburse a claim for PACE and PACENET as of Dec. 31, a property tax/rent rebate for 2019 2018, remains eligible if their immediately and provides maximum income limit is exceeded authorization for all public school due solely to a Social Security cost- district to implement a senior tax of-living adjustment. Eligibility reduction incentive volunteer would expire at the end of 2021. exchange program. (202-0). (193-0). • Act 97 of 2019 (formerly HB 956, Rep. Thomas Murt, R- Montgomery/Philadelphia): Amends the State Lottery Law to reduce the Bills Awaiting Senate Action: statutorily mandated rate of return. • HB 684 (Rep. , R- (188-4). Erie): Would exclude the cashing of • Act 14 of 2020 (formerly HB 775, savings bonds for seniors age 65 and Rep. Russ Diamond, R-Lebanon): older from being counted towards Requires the Department of Aging to income when applying for lottery- cross reference its list of funded programs. (193-0). beneficiaries with death records • HB 974 (Rep , R- Pike/Wayne): Would establish the maintained by the Department of freestanding Senior Citizen Tax Health on a monthly basis. (196-0). Reduction Incentive Act. (201-1). • Act 20 of 2020 (formerly HB 1076, Rep. Tim Hennessey, R- Chester/Montgomery): Amends the Taxpayer Relief Act to allow the

42 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Health Care that Makes Sense

of having to make multiple visits to • HB 321 (Rep. Kate Klunk, R- the pharmacy. (195-0). York): Would amend the Abortion • Act 54 of 2019 (formerly HB 786, Control Act to prohibit the abortion Rep. Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster): of any child solely due to a diagnosis Addresses declining outcomes and of possible Down syndrome. (117- inequitable funding formulas for 76). VETOED by the governor (Veto trauma centers. (199-0). No. 4, 11/21/19) • Act 68 of 2019 (formerly SB 698, • SB 906 (Sen. , I- Sen. John Gordner, R- Carbon/Luzerne): Would institute a Columbia/Luzerne/Montour/Northu moratorium on the closure of the mberland/Snyder): Allows a Polk and White Haven state centers. physician to appoint a designee to (139-55). VETOED by the governor assist with the input of information (Veto No. 1, 2/12/20) relating to written agreements into the Department of State’s new online PALS licensing system as it relates to the medical practice act. (201-0). • Act 69 of 2019 (formerly SB 699, Sen. John Gordner, R- Columbia/Luzerne/Montour/Northu mberland/Snyder): Allows a physician to appoint a designee to assist with the input of information relating to written agreements into the Department of State’s new online PALS licensing system as it relates Signed into Law: to the Osteopathic Medical Act. • Act 19 of 2019 (formerly SB 695, (201-0). Sen. Michele Brooks, R- • Act 111 of 2019 (formerly SB 473, Erie/Crawford/Mercer/Warren): Sen. , R- Reauthorizes current human Monroe/Northampton): Increases services-related assessments and add Pennsylvania’s minimum legal sales studies on two programs with age for tobacco products from 18 potential fiscal impacts. (198-1). years of age to 21 years of age. (111- • Act 46 of 2019 (formerly HB 195, 77). Rep. Eric Nelson, R-Westmoreland): • Act 6 of 2020 (formerly HB 427, Title 40/medication synchronization. Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R- Medication synchronization allows Centre/Mifflin): Prohibits health patients to synchronize their plans covering treatments for Stage medications in order to receive them IV, metastatic cancers from on the same day each month, instead excluding or limiting drugs for

43 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

patients if the drugs are FDA Pediatric Acute-onset approved and consistent with best Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). practices for Stage IV, metastatic (142-58). cancer treatment. (192-0). • HB 419 (Rep. Maria Donatucci, D- • Act 7 of 2020 (formerly HB 1001, Philadelphia/Delaware): Would Rep. Donna Oberlander, R- amend the PA Breast and Cervical Clarion/Armstrong/Forest): Cancer Early Screening Act to Establishes standards for the change the age range of the women licensure and regulation of human who are able to access the screening program. (199-0). milk banks in PA. (192-0). • HB 770 (Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D- • Act 19 of 2020 (formerly SB 67, Str. Allegheny): Would require Judy Ward, R- pharmacy technicians to be Blair/Cumberland/Franklin/Fulton/ registered with the State Board of Huntingdon): Authorizes PA to enter Pharmacy. (163-25). into Psychological Interjurisdictional • HB 1058 (Rep. Kathy Rapp, R- Licensure Compact, to regulate the Warren/Crawford/Forest): Would practice of telepsychology. (202-0). require information to be given to a • Act 54 of 2020 (formerly SB 842, woman on the option of perinatal Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York): hospice care after she is diagnosed Removes the requirement for last with a life-threatening fetal anomaly. names to be displayed on health care (116-76). employees' identification badges. • HB 1890 (Rep. Frank Ryan, R- (201-0). Lebanon): Would create a free- standing act known as the Final Disposition of Fetal Remains Act. Bills Awaiting Senate Action: (123-76). • HB 81 (Rep. Rob Kauffman, R- Franklin): Would outline certification of central service technicians and surgical technologists. Currently, neither of these professions require certification in Pennsylvania. This bill would require central service technicians and surgical technologists to pass a nationally accredited exam and maintain • HB 1895 (Rep. David Rowe, R- continuing education requirements. Union/Snyder): Would amend the (189-0). Mental Health Procedures Act to • HB 295 (Rep. Barry Jozwiak, R- establish persons in treatment have Berks): Would establish an the right to be free from abuse, Advisory Council on the Pediatric neglect and exploitation. (202-0). Neuropsychiatric Disorder • HB 1947 (Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R- Associated with Streptococcal Luzerne): Would modernize the Infections (PANDAS) and the process by which graduates of

44 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

international medical schools about the comparative costs of become licensed in Pennsylvania. medications. (201-0). (202-0). • HB 2179 (Rep. , R- Fayette/Westmoreland): Would Bills Awaiting Senate Action: amend the Human Services Code to • HB 410 (Rep. Donna Oberlander, add a subsection 405.3 pertaining to R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest): authorized representatives agreeing Would allow U.S. Food and Drug to the terms, conditions, and Administration-approved anti- responsibilities of the EBT card. obesity drugs to be considered a (173-29). compensable service under our state Medicaid program. (188-0). • HB 533 (Rep. Clint Owlett, R- Tioga/Bradford/Potter): Would provide for the use of certain credentialing applications and credentialing requirements for health insurers. (187-0). • HB 941 (Rep. Doyle Heffley, R- #HealthierPA Carbon): Would require the Signed into Law: Department of Human Services to • Act 42 of 2019 (formerly HB 3, Rep. approve the contracts between Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster): Creates managed care organizations in the a PA state-based health insurance Medicaid program and pharmacy exchange and a reinsurance program. benefit managers and provide for (197-0). ongoing oversight by allowing the • Act 112 of 2019 (formerly SB 572, department to collect information Sen. Ryan Aument, R-Lancaster): about the terms of the contracts. Requires providers to follow a set (197-0). protocol when prescribing opioids, including drug tests, agreements for treatment, and providing specific information about risks of opioids and alternative methods to treat pain. (117-79). • Act 108 of 2019 (formerly SB 314, Sen. Lisa Baker, R- Luzerne/Pike/Susquehanna): Establishes the Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Authority and the Pennsylvania Rural Health • HB 942 (Rep. Seth Grove, R- Redesign Center Fund. York): Would update the current • Act 67 of 2020 (formerly HB 943, membership of the Pharmacy and Rep. Valerie Gaydos, R-Allegheny): Therapeutics Committee within the Allows pharmacists to disclose Department of Human Services. information to an insured individual (197-0).

45 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

• HB 944 (Rep. , R- information regarding Wayne/Susquehanna): Would Cytomegalovirus (CMV) available allow the Department of the Auditor on the department’s publicly General to conduct full-scale audits accessible website. (197-0). and reviews of pharmacy benefit • HB 1880 (Rep. Keith Gillespie, R- managers that subcontract with York): Would remove the Medical Assistance Managed Care requirement for last names to be Organizations. (197-0). displayed on health care employees' • HB 1024 (Rep. Jr., R- identification badges. (188-0). Monroe): Would specify that a • HB 2351 (Rep. Wendi Thomas, R- person does not need to test positive Bucks): Would increase the for drugs in order to begin addiction penalties for making a false claim treatment. (188-0). against the Commonwealth’s • HB 1220 (Rep. , D- Medicaid Program. (201-0). Philadelphia): Would direct the Department of Health to make

46 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Conservation Efforts to Achieve Results

Signed into Law: • HB 447 (Rep. Brett Miller, R- • Act 74 of 2019 (formerly HB 1557, Lancaster): Would direct the Rep. Matt Gabler, R-Clearfield/Elk): Department of Transportation to Amends the Coal Refuse Disposal plant vegetation which has been Control Act (Act 318 of 1968) to identified by the Department of address temporary cessation. (192- Conservation and Natural Resources 0). as being native to Pennsylvania. • Act 85 of 2019 (formerly SB 694, (191-0). Sen. Gene Yaw, R- • HB 1755 (Rep. David Zimmerman, Bradford/Lycoming/Sullivan/Susque R-Lancaster): Would require the hanna/Union): Allows for horizontal State Conservation Commission to drilling on leased units with submit annual reports to the General unconventional gas wells. (197-1). Assembly. (195-0). • Act 101 of 2019 (formerly HB 1410, • HB 1808 (Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, Rep. Todd Stephens, R- R-Berks/Lehigh): Would classify Montgomery): Amends the Transit post-use plastics as raw materials for Revitalization Investment District manufacturing following the use of Act to create a Military Installation advanced recycling technologies. Remediation Program. (144-54). (155-46). • HB 2025 (Rep. Jim Struzzi, R- Indiana): Would establish the Pennsylvania Carbon Dioxide Cap and Trade Authorization Act. (130-

71).

• HB 2219 (Rep. Lee James, R- Venango/Butler): Would add a member to the Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board. (201- 0). Bills Awaiting Senate Action: • SB 790 (Sen. Joseph Scarnati, R- • HB 342 (Rep. Angel Cruz, D- Cameron/Clearfield/Clinton/Elk/J Philadelphia): Would increase fines efferson/McKean/Potter/Tioga): relating to the disposal of waste tires Would establish the Conventional in cities. (186-0). Oil and Gas Wells Act creating a • HB 441 (Rep. Curt Sonney, R- statutory framework for regulating Erie): Would allow wind power the conventional oil and gas industry. generation systems on preserved (109-93). farmland. (185-9).

47 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

Standing up for Taxpayers

48 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Government Done Right

It’s past time to install an update to end the VETOED by the governor (Veto No. Pennsylvania Government Dysfunction. 3, 7/5/19) The status quo is clearly not working. Having “government done right” means upgrading to a more effective and efficient Signed into Law: government while providing core services. • Act 1 of 2019 (formerly SB 113, Sen. From repealing out-of-date laws, to John DiSanto, R-Perry/Dauphin): Requires the forfeiture of pension reexamining the effectiveness of some state benefits for public employees who boards and commissions, the House will are convicted or plead guilty or no give Pennsylvania a much-needed contest to any job-related felony government update. offense. Previously, some job-related Each member of the House Republicans crimes did not require forfeiture of public pension; this bill closes the Caucus is committed to upgrading loophole. Passed House Tuesday Pennsylvania’s quality of life through safety, with a 194-1 vote and was concurred prosperity and wellness of its citizens. by the Senate on Wednesday. • Act 12 of 2019 (formerly HB 33, Rep. George Dunbar, R- • SB 48 (Sen. John Gordner, R- Westmoreland): Re-enacts the Snyder/Northumberland/Montour elimination of the general assistance /Columbia/Luzerne): Would makes cash benefit program. The state-only several changes to the state’s funded program was eliminated as Election Code to: prohibit the part of a 2012 law, which was Commonwealth from decertifying recently overturned by the courts on voting systems in 50% or more of procedural grounds. The bill was the state’s counties establish a amended to also extend the statewide Voting System Decertification hospital assessment, Philadelphia Commission to review and make hospital assessment and the Medical recommendations regarding the plan Assistance Day One Incentive to replace voting systems; authorizes payments for non-public nursing the Pennsylvania Economic homes. (106-95). Development Financing Authority to issue bonds to fund county costs associated with replacement of voting systems; extends timelines for making application for, marking and submitting an absentee ballot; eliminates the straight party voting option; and reduces the number of back-up ballots that counties must print for each election. (111-88).

49 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

• Act 14 of 2019 (formerly HB 856, definition of “enforcement officer.” Rep. Karen Boback, R- (201-0). Luzerne/Lackawanna/Wyoming): • Act 75 of 2019 (formerly HB 1170, Reenacts and reinstates the extension Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R- of permanent legal custodian and Lehigh/Berks): Prohibits the adoption assistance subsidies to employment of unauthorized employees in the construction children from 18 to 21 years of age. industry. (170-28). (196-0). • Act 77 of 2019 (formerly, SB 421, • Act 15 of 2019 (formerly HB 1461, Sen. , D- Rep. Mindy Fee, R-Lancaster): Lehigh/Northampton): Amends the Allows the Office of Inspector Election Code to eliminate the General (OIG) to investigate and straight party voting option along combat all avenues of public benefits with establishing mail-in voting and fraud. Also serves as the other election modernization Administrative Code bill for the measures. (138-61). 2019-20 state budget (181-6). • Act 84 of 2019 (formerly HB 1085, • Act 41 of 2019 (formerly HB 1172, Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R- Rep. , R- Lawrence/Beaver/Butler): Repeals a Lancaster/Dauphin): Requires the 1935 law related to personal property tax. (189-1). licensing boards and commissions under the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) to provide licensure by endorsement for applicants who hold similar licenses in other states. (201-0). • Act 43 of 2019 (formerly HB 24, Rep. John Lawrence, R- Chester/Lancaster): Requires the principal for new issuances of state debt to be repaid in equal amounts over the (generally) 20-year term of • Act 90 of 2019 (formerly HB 17, the bond. Currently, the state uses a Rep. Frank Ryan, R-Lebanon): repayment scheme with lower Requires that the collection of principal payments in the first few assessed Personal Income Tax (PIT) years, with much higher principal be made within 10 years from the payments as the loan matures. (197- date the return was first due. (155- 0). 31). • Act 72 of 2019 (formerly SB 724 • Act 92 of 2019 (formerly HB 57, (Sen. Jake Corman, R- Rep. Jonathan Fritz, R- Centre/Juniata/Mifflin/Huntington): Susquehanna/Wayne): Eliminates the Makes technical corrections to following boards and commissions PSERS and SERS Codes/Act 5 of on basis of being outdated: (114-77). 2017, PSERS emerging investment • Interstate Rail Passenger manager program and SERS Advisory Council • Pennsylvania Public

50 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Television Network • Act 118 of 2019 (formerly SB 750, Commission Sen. Joseph Scarnati, R- • Industrial Resource Center Cameron/Clearfield/Clinton/Elk/Jeff Strategic Advisory Board erson/McKean/Potter/Tioga): • Small Business Advocacy Requires Department of General Council Services to transfer the authority of • Advisory Committee on the Lieutenant Governor’s Mansion Probation to the Dept. of Military and Veterans • Joint Committee to Review Affairs. Cost of Living • Act 10 of 2020 (formerly HB 1232, • Legislative Representative Rep. George Dunbar, R- for Collective Bargaining Westmoreland): Helps • Pennsylvania Quality Pennsylvania’s frontline health care Leadership Awards Council facilities by allowing the secretary of • Tobacco Use Prevention the Budget to transfer up to $50 and Cessation Advisory million to purchase medical Committee equipment and supplies for hospitals, • The Weather Modification nursing facilities, and emergency Board medical services to meet patient and • Act 96 of 2019 (formerly HB 917, staff needs to respond to COVID-19. Rep. Lou Schmitt Jr., R-Blair): (198-0). Repeals a 1929 law authorizing • Act 23 of 2020 (formerly HB 1083, municipalities other than townships Rep. Tommy Sankey, R- to acquire, maintain and operate a Clearfield/Cambria): An amendment hospital. (199-0). to the Fiscal Code to provide budget implementation language. Includes repeals Section 707 of Act 176 of 1929 relating to the Capital Stock & Foreign Franchise (CSFT) tax reports. (196-6). • Act 25 of 2020 (formerly SB 166, Sen. Vince Hughes, D- Montgomery/Philadelphia): An Act providing for the capital budget for the fiscal year 2019-2020 and for limitation on redevelopment assistance capital projects; and • Act 105 of 2019 (formerly HB 1982, making a related repeal. (202-0). Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R- • Act 42 of 2020 (formerly HB 1379, Centre/Mifflin): Authorizes the State Rep. Jim Rigby, R- Employees’ Retirement System Cambria/Somerset): Repeals a 1935 (SERS) to enter into agreements with law, which places restrictions to employers in SERS to make a lump when polo can be played on sum payment of all or a portion of Sundays. (200-0). the applicable employer’s portion of • Act 43 of 2020 (formerly HB 1405, its future accrued liability contributions. (198-0). Rep. John Hershey, R-

51 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Juniata/Franklin/Mifflin): Repeals a ): Would amend the Right-to-Know 1935 law, which places restrictions Law to permit a state or local agency to when tennis can be played on to charge additional fees for the Sundays. (200-0). search, review and duplication of • Act 64 of 2020 (formerly HB 632, records that have been requested and Rep. , R- will be used for a commercial Cumberland): Permits the use of purpose. (177-15). electronic power of attorney • HB 284 (Rep. , R- documents for transferring a Butler): Would modernize the vehicle’s title to an insurance state’s History Code, allowing the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum company. (201-0). Commission (PHMC) additional

powers in obtaining and recovering

relevant state records and property. Bills Awaiting Senate Action: (193-0). • HB 60 (Rep. Jim Cox, R-Berks): • HB 305 (Rep. Pam Snyder, D- Would prohibit future Susquehanna Greene/Fayette/Washington): River Basic Commission employees Would create an inventory of all from being members of the State state department, agency, Employee Retirement System. (108- commission or institution-owned 81). communication towers, poles, • HB 68 (Rep. Frank Ryan, R- buildings and facilities to leverage Lebanon): Would amend the existing state-owned assets to Unemployment Compensation Law increase the availability of fixed or to extend the time period for an mobile broadband services. employer to request relief from • HB 332 (Rep. Seth Grove, R- charges from 15 days to 30 days. York): Would authorize “Commerce (193-2). Court” programs within the Superior • HB 110 (Rep. Frank Ryan, R- Court and county-level Courts of Lebanon): Would amend the Administrative Code (Act 175 of 1929) to require the Independent Fiscal Office to prepare, upon request, a revenue estimate for a proposed bill or amendment expected to carry a fiscal impact that exceeds $10 million. (202-0). • HB 196 (Rep. Russ Diamond, R- Lebanon): Joint resolution that would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution by creating regional Common Pleas to decide business- districts from which Supreme Court related cases. (125-67). justices and Superior Court and • HB 351 (Rep. Joe Emrick, R- Commonwealth Court judges would Northampton): Would update the be elected. (102-95). Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge • HB 283 (Rep. Justin Simmons, R- Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton Compact to provide the governor

52 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

with veto power over actions of the • HB 806 (Rep. Dawn Keefer, R- commission members of York/Cumberland): Would require Pennsylvania. New Jersey officials the General Assembly to approve by already enacted similar legislation in concurrent resolution an their state. (175-16). economically significant regulation • HB 430 (Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, before that regulation can go into R-Centre/Mifflin): Would amend effect. (103-91). the Regulatory Review Act to further • HB 847 (Rep. , R- provide for procedures for Westmoreland): Would prohibit the subsequent review of final-form or use of electronic benefit transfer final-omitted regulations. (105-90). (EBT) cards to purchase tobacco and • HB 476 (Rep. , R- tobacco products. (154-32). Northampton/Lehigh): Would • HB 855 (Rep. Jim Struzzi, R- amend the Solid Waste Management Indiana): Would require the Act (Act 97 of 1980) to address secretary of the Budget to project notices of noncompliance. (196-0). revenue shortfalls for the fiscal year starting in December and to put amounts in budgetary reserve equal to any shortfall to balance the budget. (108-90). • HB 860 (Rep. Brett Miller, R- Lancaster): Would amend the Right-to-Know Law to exempt agency financial institution account numbers and information regarding • HB 509 (Rep. Greg Rothman, R- dependents of agency dependents Cumberland): Would establish the from public access; and to expand Permit Administration Act, which the exemption for personal financial would provide tracking, timeline information. (191-0). requirements and third-party review • HB 880 (Rep. Andrew Lewis, R- powers for permits issued by state Dauphin): Would lower the debt agencies. (109-86). ceiling for the Redevelopment • HB 633 (Rep. Mark Keller, R- Assistance Capital Program (RACP) Perry/Cumberland): Would require by $100 million per year, starting in all candidates and political 2022, until the ceiling reaches $2.65 committees that file campaign billion in 2026. (104-92). finance reports with the secretary of • HB 885 (Rep. Valerie Gaydos, R- the Commonwealth to file the reports Allegheny): Would amend the electronically. (195-0). Public Works Contractors’ Bond • HB 762 (Rep. Tim O’Neal, R- Law to tighten the requirements for Washington): Would require each acceptable financial securities state agency to appoint a regulatory required for projects, and raise the compliance officer. (102-94). project threshold amount. (198-3).

53 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

• HB 918 (Rep. Lou Schmitt, R- • HB 985 (Rep. Frank Ryan, R- Blair): Would repeal an 1857 law Lebanon): Would clarify which making an appropriation from the types of audits the Department of the State Treasury to the Farmer’s High Auditor General shall conduct, and School, now known as The what professional qualifications each Pennsylvania State University. (196- department employee shall possess in order to work on these various 0). types of audits. (192-0). • HB 920 (Rep. Stan Saylor, R- • HB 1021 (Rep. Torren Ecker, R- York): Would update budget Adams/Cumberland): Would allow procedures related to unspent appropriations and how these either or both chambers of the amounts are dealt with at the close of General Assembly to intervene as a a fiscal year. (108-90). party in a judicial proceeding where • HB 921 (Rep. Eric Nelson, R- a statute is alleged to be Westmoreland): Would require the unconstitutional. (112-85). administration to issue quarterly • HB 1031 (Rep. Clint Owlett, R- reports on the amounts committed Tioga/Bradford/Potter): Would and awarded from special funds that repeal Act 118 of 1893, which provide grants and subsidies. (108- authorizes the purchase of land and 90). construction of buildings for the • HB 922 (Rep. Sheryl Delozier, R- Scotland School for Veterans’ Cumberland): Would require the Children. (191-0). administration to supply additional • HB 1045 (Rep. Mike Turzai, R- information as part of the governor’s Allegheny): Would require the proposed budget. (109-89). Commonwealth Financing Authority • HB 923 (Rep. Rosemary Brown, board to meet the second Tuesday of R-Monroe/Pike): Would require the every other month. (194-3). governor to explain the reasons for a • HB 1055 (Rep. Kate Klunk, R- state supplemental appropriation York): Would establish the request and to make Independent Office of the Repealer recommendations for cost-savings or to review statutes and regulations for other reforms which address the possible revision/repeal. (103-98). cause of the need of a supplemental appropriation. (109-89). • HB 1062 (Rep. Michael Peifer, R- Pike/Wayne): Would repeal a 1941 law related to 1940s construction regulations in the Pocono Mountains region. (197-0). • HB 1069 (Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-Lawrence/Beaver/Butler): Would require the posting of agendas by state agencies prior to public meetings wherein official business is conducted. (196-0). • HB 1079 (Rep. Jack Rader, R- Monroe): Would repeal a 1901 law

54 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

related to exemption from capital • HB 1196 (Rep. Patrick Harkins, D- stock tax. (189-1). Erie): Would amend the Public • HB 1080 (Rep. Zach Mako, R- School Code by updating outdated Northampton/Lehigh) Would terminology to conform with modern repeal a 1927 law related to the usage. (190-0). capital stock tax. (189-1). • HB 1222 (Rep. Andrew Lewis, R- • HB 1081 (Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R- Dauphin): Would consolidate the Luzerne): Would repeal a 1931 law Solicitation of Funds for Charitable related to capital stock in Purposes Act and the Institutions of corporations. (189-1). Purely Public Charity Act. (200-0). • HB 1084 (Rep. Keith Greiner, R- Lancaster): Would repeal a 1913 law related to personal property tax. (189-1). • HB 1086 (Rep. Seth Grove, R- York): Would repeal a 1937 law related to store and theater tax. (188- 1). • HB 1092 (Rep. Keith Gillespie, R- • HB 1277 (Rep. Jason Ortitay, R- York): Would repeal Act 577 of Allegheny/Washington): Would 1951, which authorized the exempt fines, fees and costs under construction of toll bridges on the the Dog Law from being transferred Susquehanna River in Dauphin, to the Judicial Computer System Perry, Lancaster and York counties. Augmentation Account. (196-0). (197-0). • HB 1305 (Rep. Jeff Pyle, R- • HB 1174 (Rep. Matthew Dowling, Armstrong/Butler/Indiana): Would R-Fayette/Somerset): Would repeal repeal Act 14 of 1963, which Act 49 of 1933, which “Prohibits authorized construction of a highway individuals and associations from and bridge. (197-0). playing or engaging in baseball or • HB 1335 (Rep. Matt Gabler, R- football games before 2 p.m. and Clearfield/Elk): Would repeal after 6 p.m. on Sundays.” (190-0). obsolete portions of the Private Road • HB 1179 (Rep. Jonathan Fritz, R- Law (Act 169 of 1836). (195-0). Susquehanna/Wayne): Would • HB 1403 (Rep. Barbara Gleim, R- repeal laws from 1933 which Cumberland): Would repeal Act regulate when music can be played 306 of 1901, formally known as “An on Sundays. (190-0). Act to encourage the planting of • HB 1180 (Rep. Jonathan Fritz, R- trees along the roadsides in the is Susquehanna/Wayne): Would Commonwealth.” (200-2).

repeal laws from 1935 which • HB 1408 (Rep. Andrew Lewis, R- Dauphin): Would repeal the Sunday regulate when movies can be played Sports Law which prohibits the on Sundays. (190-0). playing of football and baseball

55 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

during certain hours of the day on action taken by an employee of a Sunday. (196-0). Commonwealth agency to be • HB 1444 (Rep. Justin Walsh, R- included on PennWATCH. (200-0). Westmoreland): Would amend the • HB 1830 (Rep. Mindy Fee, R- Pennsylvania Constitution to allow Lancaster): Would repeal a 1978 the governing body of a local law establishing the MILRITE government unit to petition the Court council.(196-0). of Common Pleas requesting the • HB 1981 (Rep. , R- removal of a member of the Mercer/Crawford/Erie/Lawrence): governing body who attends fewer Would consolidate statutory than 50% of all scheduled public language relating to the PA meetings in a calendar year. (195-6). Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) into the History Code. (192-0). • HB2044 (Rep. , R- Northumberland/Columbia/Monto ur): Would repeal Act 120 of 1919, an act that a public dance or public ball cannot be held in a city of the first, second, or third class without a permit from the mayor and paying a fee of $1 for each event. (202-0). • HB 2106 (Rep. Michael Puskaric, R-Allegheny/Washington): Would repeal the PA Civil Disorder • HB 1502 (Rep. Seth Grove, R- Authority and property insurance York): Would codify the state assessment to pay for authority treasurer’s transparency portal, bonds. (194-0). requiring state agencies to post • HB 2206 (Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, budget documents online. It would R-Lehigh/Berks): Would make also create Commonwealth Financial repeals in the Administrative Code Watch, which would show the public related to the Department of Banking the top 20 largest cost drivers and 10 and Securities. (202-0). agencies with the largest budget • HB 2251 (Rep. Timothy O’Neal, appropriations. (200-0). R- Washington): Would amend the • HB 1537 (Rep. Patrick Harkins, D- Administrative Code (Act 175 of Erie): Would provide the 1929) to repeal provisions relating to Department of Labor and Industry the administration of vehicle and with more flexibility on how they tractor codes by the Department of draw down the funding for the Revenue. (202-0). modernization of Unemployment • HB 2258 (Rep. Michael Peifer, R- Compensation’s benefit delivery Pike/Wayne): Would amend the Tax system. (201-0). Reform Code, in realty transfer tax, • HB1803 (Rep. Marcy Toepel, R- correcting a scrivener’s error relating Montgomery): Would require to credits against tax.(202-0). settlements paid as a result of an

56 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

• HB 2259 (Rep. David Rowe, R- process by which a candidate for Union/Snyder): Would repeal Act lieutenant governor is selected. (130- 314 of 1935, known as the Individual 67). Net Income Tax Act. (202-0). • SB 413 (Sen. Scott Martin, R- • HB 2407 (Rep. Garth Everett, R- Lancaster): Joint Resolution that Lycoming/Union): Would amend would amend the Pennsylvania the Election Code to simplify notices Constitution relating to provisions that are required to be printed on regarding ballots for justices, judges absentee ballots and mail-in ballots. and justices of the peace, and (201-0). absentee ballots. (202-0). • SB 133 (Sen. David Argall, R- Berks/Schuylkill): Would amend the state Constitution to change the

57 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Fiscal Responsibility

Signed into Law: competition in the Olympic Games • Act 13 of 2019 (formerly HB 262, or Paralympic Games. (197-0). Rep. Carl Metzgar, R- (Included within Act 13 of 2019). Somerset/Bedford): Eliminates the • HB 706 (Rep. Keith Greiner, R- inheritance tax rate for transfers of Lancaster): Would permit the property to or for the use of a child executor or administrator of a age 21 years or younger from a decedent’s estate to elect to file a natural parent, adoptive parent or combined annual income tax return step-parent. (194-3). for an estate and revocable trust • Act 5 of 2020 (formerly HB 330, during the period the estate is open. Rep. Joe Emrick, R-Northampton): (194-3). (Included within Act 13 of Makes technical corrections to the 2019). Property Tax Relief Act. (193-0). • HB 1995 (Rep. Frank Ryan, R- Lebanon): Would establish a bipartisan commission to analyze past and projected economic Bills Awaiting Senate Action: conditions. (117-84). • HB 128 (Rep. Rosemary Brown, • HB 2350 (Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R- R-Monroe/Pike): Would create the Luzerne): Would require any PA First-time Homebuyers Savings provider which seeks to operate in Account program. The bill would the Medicaid program use either a allow first-time homebuyers to national provider identification or deposit money into a savings register for a state provider account, where it goes for the identification number. (164-37). exclusive purpose of purchasing a • HB 2353 (Rep. Valerie Gaydos, R- first home, and if used for qualified Allegheny): Would require expenses, the money can be deducted Commonwealth agencies to assess from their state income tax. (188-1). improper payments made and the • HB 285 (Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R- Office of Inspector General (OIG) to Butler): Would amend the Tax review agency programs and Reform Code to define income activities and issue a report. (201-0). relating to distributions from an • HB 2354 (Rep. Clint Owlett, R- Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Tioga/Bradford/Potter): Would (130-67). establish a state do-not-pay initiative, • HB 538 (Rep. , D- which would monitor improper Lackawanna): Would establish a payments across state agencies. state income tax exemption for (201-0). Olympic prize winnings and medals • HB 2355 (Rep. Tommy Sankey, R- received from the United States Clearfield/Cambria): Would Olympic Committee on account of require any Medicaid Managed Care

58 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

Organization (MCO) to enter into an funds which were spent on a agreement with the Department of provider preventable condition. (201- Human Services (DHS) to allow the 1). department to recoup any Medicaid

59 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Relaxing the State’s Hold on Alcohol

Signed into Law: • Act 45 of 2019 (formerly HB 131, Rep. Barry Jozwiak, R-Berks): Updates the state liquor code definition of “alcoholic cider” to match the federal definition. (199-0). • Act 48 of 2019 (formerly HB 423, Rep. Jesse Topper, R- Bedford/Franklin/Fulton): Amends the Liquor Code regarding local option ballot questions for alcohol manufacturers. (198-1). • Act 57 of 2019 (formerly HB 1524, Rep. Jack Rader, R-Monroe): Bills Awaiting Senate Action: Provides for auctioned liquor • HB 325 (Rep. Daniel Deasy, D- licenses to be transferred to Allegheny): Would establish the designated tourist development “Pennsylvania Distilled Spirits projects. (135-64). Industry Promotion Board.” (185-9). • Act 86 of 2019 (formerly HB 947, • HB 763 (Rep. Tim O’Neal, R- Rep. , D-Lehigh): Washington): Would amend the Amends the Liquor Code to provide Liquor Code to allow club license consistency for the hours of holders to sell six-packs to their operation for limited distilleries and members. (180-16). breweries. (197-0). • HB 1549 (Rep. Natalie Mihalek, R- • Act 116 of 2016 (formerly HB 1542, Allegheny/Washington): Would Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): Amends clarify the assessment of Sales and the Liquor Code to add days for Use Tax on the purchase price of a holders of special occasion permits malt or brewed beverage sold on the and provide for other changes premises of a PA Brewery. (196-0). regarding special occasion permits. • HB 1589 (Rep. , (199-0). D-Northampton): Would amend the • Act 29 of 2020 (formerly HB 1048, Liquor Code to extend the hours of Rep. Jerry Knowles, R- operation for public venues and Schuylkill/Berks/Carbon): Amends performing arts facilities and enable the Liquor Code (Title 47) regarding small movie theaters to qualify for a the application surcharge for liquor performing arts facility license. (196- licenses. (202-0). 3). • HB 1617 (Rep. Craig Staats, R- Bucks): Would allow old hotel liquor licenses to be converted to a

60 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

restaurant liquor license for a fee. safekeeping for up to two years, and (183-16). subsequent years for an additional • HB 1886 (Rep. , fee. (199-0). D-Allegheny): Would allow a club liquor license to remain in

61 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Advancing Local Government

Signed into Law: increased, the township must adopt • Act 4 of 2019 (formerly HB 264, an ordinance. (195-1). Rep. Zach Mako, R-Northampton): • Act 63 of 2019 (formerly SB 321, Creates a system of financial best Sen. Scott Martin, R-Lancaster): practices for municipal authorities Allows municipalities in certain across the state to use when handling counties to opt out of allowing the the money, they collect. Some of the instillation of video gaming changes that this legislation would terminals within their municipal make include removing any boundaries by passing a resolution. individual names from municipal (184-17). accounts, creating a standardized • Act 79 of 2019 (formerly HB 407, procedure for the handling of Rep. Kurt Masser, R- authority’s funds, and requiring Northumberland/Columbia/Montour annual audits and fiscal reports to be ): Updates the definition of “blight” presented to the authority board. to create a standard definition for the (193-0). term in each blight remediation bill • Act 6 of 2019 (formerly HB 275, introduced. This will prevent points Rep. , R-Dauphin): of contention as blight remediation Changes name of state’s “Early progresses. (190-0). Intervention Program” to the “Strategic Management Planning Program.” (193-0). • Act 50 of 2019 (formerly HB 547, Rep. Joe Emrick, R-Northampton): Allows First Class townships to pass an annual resolution to set their millage rate, as long as the rate is the same or lower than a prior year. When the millage rate is increased, the township must adopt an ordinance. (196-0). • Act 80 of 2019 (formerly HB 510, • Act 51 of 2019 (formerly HB 548, Rep. , R-Franklin): Rep. Joe Emrick, R- Allows intergovernmental Northampton): Amends the Borough cooperation to be established by Code and Third Class City Code to resolution or ordinance, rather than allow officials to set their annual tax solely by ordinance. (196-0). millage rate by resolution, as long as • Act 81 of 2019 (formerly HB 511, the rate is the same or lower than a Rep. Paul Schemel, R-Franklin): prior year. When the millage rate is Amends the Second Class Township Code to allow municipalities to take

62 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

advantage of the provisions in House mberland): Provides reimbursement Bill 510. (196-0). of newly elected supervisors prior to • Act 82 of 2019 (formerly HB 512, officially taking office to attend any Rep. Paul Schemel, R-Franklin): conference, institute, school or Amends the Third Class City Code convention dealing with the duties to allow municipalities to take and functions of their office. (195-0). advantage of the provisions in House • Act 2 of 2020 (formerly SB 690, Sen. Bill 510. (196-0). , R- • Act 94 of 2019 (formerly HB 227, Butler/Clarion/Forest/Venango/Warr Rep. Matt Gabler, R-Elk/Clearfield): en): Increases from $1,500 to $6,000 Corrects an inconsistency in current the value of municipal real property law that creates different ballot below which an incorporated town access requirements for candidates need not publicly advertise for bids for school board within the same when selling its real property. (196- school district. (193-0). 0). • Act 99 of 2019 (formerly HB 1203, • Act 3 of 2020 (formerly SB 691, Sen. Rep. Frank Ryan, R-Lebanon): Scott Hutchinson, R- Requires that the annual audit of an Butler/Clarion/Forest/Venango/Warr authority must comply with state and en): Increases from $1,500 to $6,000 federal standards and allows the the value of municipal real property incorporating municipality to request below which a second-class assistance from the auditor general. township need not publicly advertise (200-0). for bids when selling its real • Act 109 of 2019 (formerly SB 317, property. (196-0). Sen. John Gordner, R- • Act 4 of 2020 (formerly SB 692, Sen. Columbia/Luzerne/Montour/Northu Scott Hutchinson, R- mberland/Snyder): Changes the Butler/Clarion/Forest/Venango/Warr process for passage of the township’s en): Increases from $1,500 to $6,000 budget in the case of a revision to the the value of municipal real property proposed budget revenue or below which a borough or third- expenditures. (188-0). class city need not publicly advertise • Act 117 of 2019 (formerly SB 316, for bids when selling its real Sen. John Gordner, R- property. (196-0). Columbia/Luzerne/Montour/Northu • Act 28 of 2020 (formerly HB 1036, Rep. Dan Moul, R-Adams): Amends the Borough Code to require a court of common pleas to certify a ballot question for a decrease in size of borough council to be submitted to the voters of an eligible borough in the case where at least 5% of the registered electors of that Borough have petitioned the Court asking for such a reduction. (180-22). • Act 46 of 2020 (formerly HB 1564, Rep. Joe Emrick, D-Northampton):

63 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Establishes a new procedure to value blighted downtown communities. manufactured homes that allows for (192-2). the use depreciation when • HB 349 (Rep. Doyle Heffley, R- determining the value of a Carbon): Would require manufactured home, establishing municipalities that opt to enforce the procedures for remote meetings, Uniform Construction Code (UCC) tolling of permit applications, and by using third-party agencies to have authorizing remote notarization. at least two or more contracted for (201-0). UCC administration. (114-84). • Act 58 of 2020 (formerly HB 1860, Rep. , D-Mercer): • HB 406 (Rep. Jim Cox, R- Allows boroughs of all sizes to Berks/Lancaster): Would require create a redevelopment authority. municipalities to host publicly (173-21). noticed meetings when considering • Act 61 of 2020 (formerly SB 352, selling or leasing a sewer or water Sen. Judy Ward, R- system. (193-0). Blair/Cumberland/Franklin/Fulton/ • HB 422 (Rep. Sheryl Delozier, R- Huntingdon): Establishes the Tax Cumberland): Would create a Exemption and Mixed-Use Incentive building code official “trainee” Program Act, which will allow for program. (196-1). tax exemption incentives for • HB 896 (Rep. Thomas Caltagirone, developers that improve certain R-Berks): Would amend the deteriorated areas. (201-0). Neighborhood Assistance Program • Act 76 of 2020 (formerly SB 1188, act to create a Homeless Housing Sen. John Blake, D- Assistance Program within Land Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe): Banks by offering a tax credit to Prohibits the imposition of an participating businesses. (202-0). admissions or amusement tax on • HB 908 (Rep. Jack Rader, R- railroads and exclude certain local Monroe): Would allow local tax revenues from the calculation of governments to properly maintain the aggregate amount of taxes open space land regardless of the imposed under the act. (201-0). way the land was acquired. (194-0). • HB 1034 (Rep. Garth Everett, R- Lycoming/Union): Would amend Bills Awaiting Senate Action: the Consolidated County Assessment • HB 103 (Rep. David Maloney, R- Law to further facilitate the existing Berks): Would amend the statutory requirement that building Municipalities Planning Code to permit information be submitted to establish procedures and rules for the county assessment office. (196- nonbuilding lots as part of 4). municipalities; Subdivision and Land • HB 1035 (Rep. , Development Ordinances. (125-73). D-Chester): Would authorize • HB 324 (Rep. Keith Gillespie, R- political subdivisions and authorities York): Would allow municipalities to enter into contracts for services to develop micro-enterprise loans to when two consecutive help start small businesses in

64 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

advertisements fail to induce bids. • HB 1796 (Rep. Martina White, R- (200-0). Philadelphia): Would increase the • HB 1243 (Rep. Robert Freeman, authorized net operating loss (NOL) D-Northampton): Would amend the carry-forward period for businesses Main Street Act to allow DCED to with certain tax liabilities in the City extend the current grants for costs of Philadelphia from three years to related to hiring the Main Street 20 years. (196-0). manager for an additional five years. • HB 2073 (Rep. Dan Moul, R- (199-0). Adams): Would modernize and • HB 1246 (Rep. Robert Freeman, recodify the First Class Township D-Northampton): Would require Code. (196-0). compliance with ethics statutes for • HB 2536 (Rep. R. Lee James, R- Act 47 coordinators appointed to Venango/Butler): Would amend the assist financially distressed Local Government Unit Debt Act to municipalities. (199-0). authorize alternative tax anticipation • HB 1582 (Rep. Keith Greiner, R- notes that mature at the end of the Lancaster): Would allow for the next fiscal year. (201-0). optional abolishment of the office of • HB 2122 (Rep. Dan Moul, R- elected auditor in second-class Adams): Would make updates to the townships. (197-4). garbage and other refuse materials • HB 1737 (Rep. Austin Davis, D- provisions of the state borough code. Allegheny): Would grant the same (201-0). protections to land banks that are • HB 2141 (Rep. Dan Moul, R- presently given to redevelopment Adams): Would allow local authorities when they are dealing governments to use an alternative with brownfields. (192-0). process to propose a new or amend • HB 1750 (Rep. Wendi Thomas, R- an existing home rule charter. (201- Bucks): Would provide 0). reimbursement of newly elected • HB 2571 (Rep. William Kortz, D- commissioners prior to officially Allegheny): Would amend the taking office to attend any borough code to add provisions conference, institute, school or regarding who can be appointed to convention dealing with the duties positions. (196-5). and functions of their office. (195-0). • HB 1751 (Rep. Wendi Thomas, R- Bucks): Would provide reimbursement of newly elected officers prior to officially taking office to attend any conference, institute, school or convention dealing with the duties and functions of their office. (195-0).

65 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Insurance Related Concerns

• SB 857 (Sen. Elder Vogel, R- reconstruction prostheses post Beaver/Butler/Lawrence): Would mastectomy surgery. (199-0). authorize health care providers to use • Act 52 of 2020 (formerly SB 595, telemedicine; and to require insurers Sen. Bob Mensch, R- to provide coverage and Berks/Bucks/Montgomery): Provides reimbursement for its appropriate use insurance coverage for supplemental by participating network providers. breast cancer screening methods for (111-77). VETOED by the governor women with dense breasts or (Veto No. 4, 4/29/20) increased risk factors. (201-0).

Signed into Law: • Act 42 of 2019 (formerly HB 3, Rep. Bills Awaiting Senate Action: Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster): Creates • HB 328 (Rep. Perry Warren, D- a PA state-based health insurance Bucks): Would establish the Flood exchange and a reinsurance program. Insurance Premium Assistance Task (197-0). Force. (197-0). • Act 6 of 2020 (formerly HB 427, • HB 629 (Rep. Kathy Rapp, R- Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R- Warren/Crawford/Forest): Would Centre/Mifflin): Prohibits health require health insurers to cover plans covering treatments for Stage treatment plans for Lyme disease or IV, metastatic cancers from related tick-borne illnesses as excluding or limiting drugs for prescribed by a patient’s health care patients if the drugs are FDA practitioner, regardless if the approved and consistent with best treatment plan includes short-term or practices for Stage IV, metastatic long-term antibiotic treatment. (158- cancer treatment. (196-3). 34). • HB 1439 (Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R- Luzerne): Would amend Title 40(Insurance) requiring certification of compliance by an insurer with federal and state law governing mental health parity. (202-0). • HB 1696 (Rep. Thomas Murt, R- Montgomery/Philadelphia): Would amend Insurance Company Law (Act 284 of 1921) to require insurers to • Act 44 of 2020 (formerly HB 1457, conduct analyses and ensure Rep. Meghan Schroeder, R-Bucks): availability to the Insurance Provides insurance coverage for Department detailing mental health certain custom artificial breast parity compliance. (202-0).

66 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

Education Accomplishments

67 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Education: Equipping Students for Success

• HB 800 (Rep. Mike Turzai, R- Implements a new program for state Allegheny): Would increase the reimbursement for school amount of tax credits available under construction and maintenance the Educational Improvement Tax projects and establish the Public Credit (EITC) program by $100 Higher Education Funding million (to $210 million). (111-85). Commission. (201-0). VETOED by the governor (Veto No. • Act 91 of 2019 (formerly HB 49, 1, 6/18/19) Rep. Rosemary Brown, R- Monroe/Pike): Provides for the award of course credit for successful Signed into Law: completion of coursework in • Act 16 of 2019 (formerly HB 1615, personal finance during grades 9 Rep. Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny): through 12. (200-0). Amends public school code and • Act 110 of 2019 (formerly SB 456, definitions of educational tax credits. Sen. , R- (160-39). Beaver/Greene/Washington): • Act 18 of 2019 (formerly SB 144, Amends the Private Licensed School Sen. Scott Martin, R-Lancaster): Act to clarify that a “multibranch Creates the Keystone Telepresence training school” can be in a different Education Grant Program for the county than the primary licensed purpose of awarding grants to school. (198-0). intermediate units for the purchase of telepresence equipment and related support services for the educational support of homebound students. (192-0). • Act 64 of 2019 (formerly SB 440, Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York): Creates a three-year pilot program that provides Flexible Instructional Days (FIDs) to school entities. (198- 1). • Act 30 of 2020 (formerly HB 1210, • Act 67 of 2019 (formerly SB 621, Rep. Mike Jones, R-York): Public Sen. Mike Regan, R- School Code/repeals outdated Cumberland/York): Updates laws provisions. The omnibus school code and guidelines for school police funding bill also allows the School officers, school resource officers and Safety and Security Fund to accept school security guards. (116-83). federal CARES Act funds, provides • Act 70 of 2019 (formerly SB 700, COVID-19 disaster emergency Sen. Pat Browne, R-Lehigh): school health and safety grants for

68 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

2020-21 school year, and COVID-19 • HB 355 (Rep. Mike Reese, R- disaster emergency targeted health Westmoreland/Somerset): Would and safety grants for 2020-21 school update the Charter School Law year. (199-3). related to increasing ethical • Act 38 of 2020 (formerly HB 364, requirements of members of the Rep. Matt Gabler, R-Clearfield/Elk): board of trustees and administrators Authorizes the use of revolving and of charter schools, and financial flashing yellow lights for school transparency of charter schools. vehicles, which are vehicles smaller (189-7). than school buses that transport • HB 356 (Rep. Matt Dowling, R- school students, such as vans and Fayette/Somerset): Would update minivans. (201-0). the Charter School Law related to • Act 50 of 2020 (formerly HB 2171, charter school facilities, including Rep. Curtis Sonney, R-Erie): the use of sectarian facilities, Updates the governance structure of purchase of school district facilities, the Pennsylvania State System of operation of more than one charter Higher Education. (201-0). school location and access to testing facilities. (105-91). • HB 357 (Rep. Jesse Topper, R- Bedford/Franklin/Fulton): Would establish uniform processes and procedures related to charter applications, renewals, amendments, enrollment and attendance records. (106-91). • HB 358 (Rep. Jim Marshall, R- Beaver/Butler): Would permit • Act 73 of 2020 (formerly SB 836, charter schools and area vocational- Sen. Mike Regan, R- technical schools to enter into dual Cumberland/York): Amends the enrollment agreements with School Code to include the Sudden institutions of higher education. Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act and (142-54). require information about electrocardiogram testing to be • HB 518 (Rep. Jason Ortitay, R- provided to student athletes and Allegheny/Washington): Would parents. (201-0). amend the Private Licensed School Act to clarify that a “multibranch training school” can be in a different county than the primary licensed Bills Awaiting Senate Action: school. (199-0). • HB 239 (Rep. Harry Readshaw, D- • HB 703 (Rep. Rosemary Brown, Allegheny): Would amend Act 10 of R-Monroe/Pike): Would require 1991 to bring State law regarding school districts to establish an e-mail military recruiter access to students address for each school director and into compliance with Federal law. to post this address on the school (170-30). district’s website. (200-2).

69 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

• HB 1315 (Rep. Barbara Gleim, R- covered by special education Cumberland): Would require the certification until after Dec. 31, inclusion of Career and Technical 2022. (193-0). Education (CTE) certifications on a • HB 2173 (Rep. Meghan Schroeder, student’s high school transcript. R-Bucks): Would provide for (198-0). reforms to the Pennsylvania State • HB 1671 (Rep. Michael Peifer, R- System of Higher Education. (202- Pike/Wayne): Would make various 0). (Included within Act 50 of 2020). updates to the state’s Tuition • SB 89 (Sen. , D- Account Program (PA 529), Philadelphia/Montgomery): Would including allowing funds to be used update the Public School Code to for the payment of qualified replace references to “vocational education expenses for attendance at technical schools” with “career and eligible elementary or secondary technical schools” and update other educational institutions. (200-0). obsolete terms and add provisions • HB 2046 (Rep. , R- related to career and technical Montgomery/Philadelphia): Would education. (199-0). delay implementation of a change to the grade spans and age levels

70 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Safeguarding Citizens’ Rights to Safely Hunt and Fish

Signed into Law: for harmful, reckless behavior on • Act 103 of 2019 (formerly HB 1772, Pennsylvania waterways. (201-0). Rep. Dawn Keefer, R- • Act 41 of 2020 (formerly HB 1188, York/Cumberland): Permits a person Rep. Parke Wentling, R- to paint trees or posts with purple Mercer/Crawford/Erie/Lawrence): paint around the person’s property in Removes restrictions on night-vision order to place others on notice not to optics for hunting. (195-5). trespass on the property. (199-0). • Act 56 of 2020 (formerly HB 808, • Act 107 of 2019 (formerly SB 147, Rep. Tom Mehaffie, R-Dauphin): Sen. Daniel Laughlin, R-Erie): Authorizes the Pennsylvania Fish Allows for limited expansion of and Boat Commission (PFBC) to Sunday hunting, and increased establish the fees charged by the penalties for trespass while hunting. agency. (157-44). (144-54). Bills Awaiting Senate Action: • HB 301 (Rep. Gerald Mullery, D- Luzerne): Would increase the penalty for the illegal use of body- gripping traps outside of a watercourse, waterway, marsh, pond or dam. (185-0). • HB 584 (Rep. William Kortz, D- Allegheny): Would create a specific fishing license exemption for • Act 27 of 2020 (formerly HB 102, participants in organized therapeutic Rep. David Maloney, R-Berks): fishing activities. (193-0). Allows for expanded availability of • HB 617 (Rep. Keith Gillespie, R- hunter education courses in public York): Would provide for a schools. (143-46). discounted general hunting license • Act 39 of 2020 (formerly HB 1003, for Hunter Trapper Education (HTE) Rep. Keith Gillespie, R-York): instructors by creating a “Volunteer Strengthens the PA Fish and Boat Instructor License.” (193-0). Commission’s (PFBC) ability to • HB 1187 (Rep. Parke Wentling, R- enforce the marking of low head or Mercer/Crawford/Erie/Lawrence): run-of-the-river dams. (194-0). Would broaden the allocation of • Act 40 of 2020 (formerly HB 1185, proceeds from Lake Erie fishing Rep. , R-Lancaster): permits issued by the PFBC. (194-0). Provides needed consistency across • HB 1584 (Rep. Garth Everett, R- existing law and increase penalties Lycoming/Union): Would remove the current statutory restriction that

71 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

bars Waterways Conservation • HB 2440 (Rep. William Kortz, R- Officers (WCOs) of the PA Fish and Allegheny): Would establish the Boat Commission (PFBC) from Hunting, Firearm and Ammunition being included in Act 111 for the Life-Sustaining Business Act. (124- purpose of seeking collective 78). bargaining. (180-13).

72 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Supporting and Honoring Our Veterans

Signed into Law: • Act 32 of 2019 (formerly HB 1324, Rep. Stephen Barrar, R- Delaware/Chester): Expands the Pennsylvania National Guard Military Education Program by including the National Guard member’s spouse or child in this benefit program. (199-0). • Act 55 of 2019 (formerly HB 807, Rep. Frank Ryan, R-Lebanon): Specifies that the annual salary of deputy adjutant generals and general Bills Awaiting Senate Action: officers in command positions • HB 86 (Rep. David Maloney, R- permanently employed by the Berks): Would require the Commonwealth is to be equivalent to POW/MIA flag to be flown on state the federal military base pay. (198- grounds and buildings when the 0). American flag is also being flown • Act 60 of 2019 (formerly SB 128, and when the POW/MIA flag can be Sen. Mike Regan, R- reasonably accommodated at the Cumberland/York): Authorizes the location. (198-0). Department of Military and Veterans • HB 233 (Rep. Tim O'Neal, R- Affairs (DMVA) to serve as a liaison Washington): Second Class County for the Civil Air Patrol and provide Code/veterans grave decorations. support. (199-0). The legislation would enhance • Act 62 of 2019 (formerly SB 298, current law to require cemeteries to Sen. Lisa Baker, R- remove flags when they become Luzerne/Pike/Susquehanna/Wayne/W unsightly or weatherworn after yoming): Earmarks “stolen valor” Veteran’s Day, and for the flags to fines to the Veterans’ Trust Fund. be American made. The proposal (201-0). allows for a family member to • Act 55 of 2020 (formerly SB 997, remove and keep the flag from the Sen. Patrick Stefano, R- grave after Veterans’ Day. Fayette/Somerset/Westmoreland): Additionally, the bill would clarify Allows certain Pennsylvania State current law to ensure greater Police officers to purchase non- communication between cemeteries, intervening military services toward local veterans’ organizations, and their pension eligibility. (201-0). county commissioners, who are currently required to provide the

73 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

flags. The measure applies only to • HB 1050 (Rep. , D- Allegheny County. (194-0). Cambria): Would establish • HB 375 (Rep. , D- enrollment requirements for military Schuylkill): Would remove the personnel, veterans and their families value of federal veterans’ disability to help qualify for in-state tuition payments and the value of all state rates at public colleges and service-connected payments from universities. (192-0). income eligibility calculations for the • HB 1311 (Rep. Tom Murt, R- PACE and PACENET programs. Philadelphia/Montgomery): Would (193-0). provide discounted rates at state parks to active duty and retired military members, as well as disabled veterans. (201-0). • HB 1380 (Rep. Karen Boback, R- Luzerne/Lackawanna/Wyoming): Would provide for fishing license and hunting license reciprocity for active duty military members and • HB 408 (Rep. Craig Staats, R- disabled veterans. (200-0). Bucks): Would require the • HB 1609 (Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, notification of a deceased service D-Delaware): Would increase person to counties and county voluntary donation amounts to the contact information to families. Veterans’ Trust Fund. (192-0). (194-0). • HB 2082 (Rep. Jim Gregory, R- • HB 630 (Rep. Gary Day, R- Blair): Would increase the monthly Lehigh/Berks): Would provide pension amounts for both the blind employment protections to and paralyzed/amputee veterans Pennsylvania residents who are pension programs. (193-0). members of a National Guard or Reserve unit in another state. (192- 0).

74 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Transportation

Signed into Law: verify a veteran’s documentation for • Act 22 of 2019 (formerly HB 384, a veteran designation. (201-0). Rep. , R- Beaver/Washington): Increases the fine for driving a vehicle without the Bills Awaiting Senate Action: proper endorsement for that • HB 30 (Rep. Joseph Petrarca, D- particular type of vehicle. Currently Westmoreland/Armstrong/Indiana the fine is $25; under this bill the ): Would allow for increasing the fine would increase to $200. (193-0). contribution amount for the • Act 78 of 2019 (formerly HB 374, Governor Robert P. Casey Memorial Rep. Garth Everett, R- Organ and Tissue donation Lycoming/Union): Establishes the Awareness Trust Fund. (198-0). “Keystone Tree Fund” as a means to • HB 37 (Rep. Rosemary Brown, R- fund a TreeVitalize program and a Monroe/Pike): Would prohibit a riparian forest buffer grant program. person from operating a motor The bill allows a person to make a $3 vehicle on a highway or trafficway in contribution to the fund when this Commonwealth while using an electronically renewing a driver’s interactive wireless communications license, ID card or vehicle device while the vehicle is in motion. registration through PennDOT’s (120-74). website. (199-0). • HB 190 (Rep. Chris Quinn, R- Delaware): Would set the minimum threshold for vehicles with light- emitting diodes (LEDs) headlights/taillights to pass an annual safety inspection. (198-0). • HB 523 (Rep. Gary Day, R- Lehigh/Berks): Would amend the Private Road Act to require homeowners that access their properties through a private road to contribute to the maintenance of the • Act 48 of 2020 (formerly HB 1710, road. (195-1). Rep. Tim Hennessey, R- • HB 634 (Rep. Mark Keller, R- Chester/Montgomery): Establishes Perry/Cumberland): Would expand U.S. Semi-quincentennial license procession rights to large group plates. (201-0). motorcycle rides. (172-23). • Act 74 of 2020 (formerly SB 927, • HB 792 (Rep. David Maloney, R- Sen. , R- Berks): Would make changes to Adams/Cumberland/Franklin/York): vehicle parking regulations when Requires PennDOT to independently

75 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

parking in a curbside bike lane. (200- the certificate of accuracy be 1) completed electronically. (198-0). • HB 869 (Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R- • HB 1985 (Rep. John Lawrence, R- Lehigh/Berks): Would expand the Chester/Lancaster): Would prohibit types of vehicles eligible for a refund PennDOT from removing certain from the liquid fuels tax to include outdoor advertising signs owned by ready-mix concrete mixers using a power takeoff unit. (191-1). • HB 1077 (Rep. Jim Marshall, R- Beaver/Butler): Would allow for the transportation of multiple hot ingots a distance up to 125 miles. (Current law limits distance to 25 miles.) (196-2). • HB 1536 (Rep. Brett Miller, R- Lancaster): Would create new penalties, including driver's license religious organizations. (188-0). suspensions, for careless driving and • HB 2065 (Rep. Martina White, R- reckless driving resulting in the Philadelphia): Would increase the death, serious bodily injury, or scope of the Commonwealth’s bodily injury of a vulnerable Public-Private Transportation Project highway user. (191-4). Program and increases reporting • HB 1541 (Rep. Frank Farry, R- requirements. (202-0). Bucks): Would create the “Air • HB 2296 (Rep. Lori Mizgorski, R- Medal Plate” to be issued by Allegheny): Would increase PennDOT. (193-0). penalties and the time required for a • HB 1711 (Rep. Tim Hennessey, R- commercial driver’s license holder to Chester/Montgomery): Would report non-parking traffic violations establish heritage license plates. to his or her employer. (201-0). (195-0). • HB 2319 (Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R- • HB 1712 (Rep. Tim Hennessey, R- Luzerne): Would establish a new Chester/Montgomery): Would license plate for individuals who are establish corporate logo fleet license designated as disabled and are plates. (194-1). recipients of the Purple Heart award. • HB 1715 (Rep. Natalie Mihalek, R- (202-0). Allegheny/Washington): Would • SB 742 (Sen. Kim Ward, R- create the Navy and Marine Corps Westmoreland): Would exempt Medal plate to be issued by from emissions inspection PennDOT. (193-0). requirements new vehicles up to • HB 1825 (Rep. , R- eight years from the year of Lycoming): Would extend the manufacture. (193-0). calibration testing cycle for non- radar speed timing devices and allow

76 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

Miscellaneous

Signed into Law: • Act 53 of 2019 (formerly HB 751, • Act 3 of 2019 (formerly SB 3, Sen. Rep. Brad Roae, R-Crawford/Erie): Yaw, R- Makes technical changes to the Bradford/Lycoming/Sullivan/Susque Public Utility Code to update the hanna/ Union): Designates the definition of service line to include Eastern hellbender as the official water and wastewater; to amphibian of the Commonwealth of acknowledge email as a valid form Pennsylvania. of service; and to ensure utilities pay • Act 5 of 2019 (formerly HB 279, taxes owed on contributions in aid of Rep. Karen Boback, R- construction. (195-0). Luzerne/Lackawanna/Wyoming): • Act 56 of 2019 (formerly HB 826, Provides civil immunity for any Rep. Jim Marshall, R- damage that may be done to a Beaver/Butler): Allows nonprofits vehicle when forceful entry is affiliated with major league and necessary to rescue a child. (197-0). collegiate sports teams to conduct • Act 26 of 2019 (formerly HB 1166, 50/50 drawings for charity at home Rep. Barry Jozwiak, R-Berks): games. (194-7). Increases pilot fees on the Delaware River and Bay. (197-0). • Act 47 of 2019 (formerly HB 235, Rep. Tarah Toohil, R-Luzerne): Reforms state adoption requirements/witness consent rules for adoption by an incarcerated parent. Currently, due to housing restrictions, inmates often cannot obtain the necessary witness signatures required for a valid • Act 113 of 2019 (formerly SB 733, consent in adoption proceedings. Sen. Pat Browne, R-Lehigh): This bill allows correctional staff to Provides for capital itemization of witness the consent of the the Gaming Economic Development incarcerated parent. (183-13). and Tourism Fund for a science and • Act 52 of 2019 (formerly HB 615, education center. (200-0). Rep. Keith Gillespie, R-York): • Act 16 of 2020 (formerly HB 752, Amends the definition of Rep. Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny): “enforcement officer” in the State Removes the current price per acre Employees Retirement Code to restriction on Game Fund money include a Game Commission officer. used for the purchase of land to be (196-3). used as game lands in a county of the second class. (194-0).

77 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishments

• Act 33 of 2020 (formerly SB 863, • HB 561 (Rep. Sheryl Delozier, R- Sen. Mario Scavello, R- Cumberland): Would allow minors Monroe/Northampton): Adds to perform music in a licensed recreational campgrounds and establishment so long as the minor is campground owners to Title 48 not compensated and is supervised provisions for hotels and by a parent or guardian. (185-12). hotelkeepers to provide rights and • HB 619 (Rep. Sue Helm, R- protections. (202-0). Dauphin/Lebanon): Would • Act 34 of 2020 (formerly SB 1030, establish June 19 as “Juneteenth Sen. Gene Yaw, R- National Freedom Day” and make it Bradford/Lycoming/Sullivan/Susque an annual observance for the hanna/Union): Amends the Commonwealth. (191-0). Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act • HB 716 (Rep. John Galloway, D- to provide for the use of alternate on- Bucks): Would amend the lot septic systems. (166-36). Administrative Code to create the • Act 71 of 2020 (formerly HB 2484, Joint Agency Task Force on Rep. Martina White, R- Misclassification within the Philadelphia): Increases spending Department of Labor and Industry. limitations for nonprofit corporations (198-0). and charitable trusts and provide for nonjudicial settlement agreements. (201-0). • Act 72 of 2020 (formerly SB 320, Sen. Tom Killion, R- Chester/Delaware): Creates the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act. (201-0).

Bills Awaiting Senate Action: • HB 1769 (Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, • HB 350 (Rep. Jim Rigby, R- R-Lehigh/Berks): Would amend the Charitable Gift Annuity Exemption Cambria/Somerset): Would change Act to define “de-risking” annuity rules for tracking precious metal contract”. (202-0). sales and helps law enforcement potentially recover stolen property • HB 2101 (Rep. Joe Emrick, R- including requiring dealers to Northampton): Would amend the possess purchased metals for a Engineer, Land Surveyor and minimum of 10 working days and Geologist Registration Law to clarify maintaining a copy of their annual provisions and update the law to license application. (190-5). reflect current practice. (202-0). • HB 365 (Rep. Martina White, R- • HB 2293 (Rep. Christopher B. Philadelphia): Would add a new Quinn, R-Delaware): Would section to the Crimes Code provide that public utilities operating addressing long-term trespassing by a natural gas liquids pipeline through “squatters.” (155-44). a high consequence area as defined

78 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment

federally shall make available upon amend Title 68 providing for written request their emergency broadband services over existing response plans to the PUC, PEMA easements and existing and the local county where the high infrastructure. (202-0). consequence area is located subject to all requirements of the Public Utility Confidential Security Information Disclosure Protection Act. (202-0). • HB 2438 (Rep. Clint Owlett, R- Tioga/Bradford/Potter): Would

79 | 2019/20 Legislative Accomplishment