HARRISBURG, PA — In a significant event on Wednesday, Governor Josh Shapiro signed 26 bills into law. These new laws address various aspects of public policy, from healthcare and education to transportation and environmental protection. Despite working with the nation’s only divided legislature, Governor Shapiro has managed to push through 102 bills this year alone, marking a productive period of bipartisan collaboration.
HB 115: Supporting Families and Funeral Directors
HB 115 amends the state’s statutes regarding payments to family and funeral directors. This change aims to streamline the process, ensuring timely and efficient payments, which can be crucial for families during difficult times.
HB 327: Modernizing Barber Licenses
HB 327 updates the Barbers’ License Law, facilitating the licensure process for manager-barbers and barber-teachers. This change is expected to make it easier for professionals in the industry to obtain necessary credentials, fostering growth and ensuring high standards.
HB 663: Ensuring School Access
HB 663 amends the Public School Code of 1949 to clarify residence requirements and the right to free school privileges. This bill aims to ensure that all children, regardless of their residential status, have access to education, reinforcing the state’s commitment to equitable education.
HB 897: Enhancing Higher Education
HB 897 makes several changes to the Public School Code, focusing on higher education. It includes provisions for guaranteed admission, transparency, and accountability, as well as a Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program. These changes aim to make higher education more accessible and transparent, benefiting students and institutions alike.
HB 1032: Solar for Schools
HB 1032 establishes the Solar for Schools Grant Program, promoting the use of renewable energy in educational institutions. This initiative supports the state’s commitment to sustainable energy and environmental stewardship.
SB 447 and HB 1086: Supporting Veterans
SB 447 and HB 1086 both amend Title 51 related to Military Affairs, enhancing support for veterans. SB 447 establishes the PA VETConnect Program, while HB 1086 updates the veterans registry. These changes aim to provide better resources and recognition for those who have served in the military.
HB 1466: Protecting Public Expression
HB 1466 introduces provisions to protect public expression and offers immunity for protected public expression. This bill emphasizes the importance of free speech and aims to safeguard individuals’ rights to express their views without fear of legal repercussions.
HB 1540: Promoting Agricultural Education
HB 1540 enhances the Commission for Agricultural Education Excellence, promoting agricultural education in schools. This move is crucial for supporting the state’s agricultural sector and ensuring future generations are well-versed in agricultural practices.
HB 1633: Noncompete Clauses in Healthcare
HB 1633 prohibits the enforcement of certain noncompete covenants for healthcare practitioners. This change aims to increase job mobility and reduce barriers for healthcare professionals, ultimately benefiting patient care.
HB 1853: Health Care Facilities Administration
HB 1853 updates the Health Care Facilities Act, further specifying licensing administration. These changes aim to ensure that healthcare facilities operate efficiently and meet regulatory standards.
HB 1889: Weights and Measures
HB 1889 amends statutes related to weights and measures, mandating the use of meters. This change aims to improve accuracy and fairness in commercial transactions involving measurements.
HB 1993: Pharmacy Audit Integrity
HB 1993 revises the Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act, enhancing regulations on pharmacy audits and benefits manager contracts. These changes aim to increase transparency and protect pharmacies from unfair auditing practices.
HB 2182: Visual Signals on Vehicles
HB 2182 updates vehicle regulations concerning visual signals on authorized vehicles. This change aims to enhance road safety by ensuring that visual signals are clear and effective.
HB 2200: Background Checks for Licensed Professions
HB 2200 mandates criminal history background checks for state-licensed professions. This measure is designed to ensure that professionals meet ethical standards, protecting public safety and trust.
HB 2216: Land Conveyance and Use Restrictions
HB 2216 authorizes various land conveyances and releases of use restrictions, affecting several counties. These changes facilitate development projects and land use adjustments, promoting economic growth and conservation.
SB 24: Abandoned Property Claims
SB 24 amends the Fiscal Code related to claims for abandoned property. This change aims to streamline the process for reclaiming property, ensuring rightful owners can easily retrieve their assets.
SB 209: Support for National Guard Families
SB 209 provides support for students with parents in the National Guard or Reserve, ensuring they receive necessary educational assistance. This measure recognizes the unique challenges faced by military families and aims to provide additional support.
SB 559 and SB 560: Medical Practice Acts
SB 559 and SB 560 amend the Medical Practice Act and the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act, respectively, updating definitions and regulations. These changes aim to modernize medical practice standards and ensure regulatory consistency.
SB 656: Electric Vehicle Road User Charge
SB 656 introduces an electric vehicle road user charge, updating the state’s approach to funding road maintenance. This measure addresses the growing number of electric vehicles and ensures they contribute to infrastructure funding.
SB 688: Liquor Code Amendments
SB 688 makes several changes to the Liquor Code, including provisions for ready-to-drink cocktails. These amendments aim to modernize the state’s liquor laws, providing more flexibility for businesses and consumers.
SB 831: Carbon Sequestration
SB 831 establishes regulations for carbon dioxide injection into underground reservoirs for carbon sequestration. This measure supports environmental efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
SB 1150 and SB 1154: Higher Education Funding
SB 1150 and SB 1154 introduce new scholarship programs and funding mechanisms for higher education. These bills aim to make college more affordable and accessible for Pennsylvania students, promoting higher education and workforce development.
SB 1236: Landlord and Tenant Act
SB 1236 updates the Landlord and Tenant Act, revising definitions and notice requirements. These changes aim to improve tenant protections and clarify landlord obligations, fostering fairer rental practices.
SB 1246: State Safety Oversight Office
SB 1246 establishes the State Safety Oversight Office, enhancing oversight of transportation safety. This measure aims to ensure that transportation systems operate safely and efficiently, protecting public safety.
Advancing Pennsylvania: New Laws Enhancing Lives and Economy
The signing of these bills marks a significant step toward modernizing state regulations, improving public welfare, and supporting economic growth. These legislative changes reflect a commitment to addressing diverse issues, from healthcare and education to environmental protection and public safety. As these laws take effect, they are expected to have a meaningful impact on various aspects of life in Pennsylvania, promoting a safer, fairer, and more prosperous state.
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