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In this Update:
Committee Moves Licensure, Energy Bills
The Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee met twice this week to approve the following bills: ☑️ SB 540 – Sen. Wayne Langerholc – Expands the use of mechanical insulation for existing energy efficiency and conservation programs. ☑️ SB 1031 – Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams – Amends the Cosmetology Law to eliminate licensure of a natural hair braider and provide for natural hair braiding requirements. ☑️ HB 491 – Rep. Regina Young – Establishes the “Mechanical Insulation Act.” ☑️ SB 1242 – Sen. Judy Ward – Provides a continuing education tracking system for professional licensing boards and commissions. ☑️ SB 1255 – Sen. Frank Farry – Amends the “Outpatient Psychiatric Oversight Act” to provide for advanced practice professionals. ☑️ HB 1619 – Rep. Alec Ryncavage – Addresses duplicative utility poles across Pennsylvania. Each now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Driver’s License Suspension Alternative Passes Committee
My legislation provides an alternative solution for Pennsylvania drivers who are unable to pay the fees of their suspended license: community service. Often, young and economically disadvantaged drivers carry the burden of insurmountable amounts of debt created by fines and fees, jeopardizing their ability to get back on the road for employment or education opportunities. SB 1118 would allow for a magisterial district judge to determine if someone is financially unable to bear the costs associated with a traffic offense and assign community service as a payment alternative to an indefinite license suspension. This week, the Senate Transportation Committee passed the bill unanimously and it now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Somerset County Student Receives Eagle Scout Rank
Congratulations Jeremiah Swallow – who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout last weekend. Hailing from Shanksville Troop 5151, he built flag retirement boxes for his service project. Great work, Jeremiah! Senate Republicans Continue Negotiations for Pro-Growth, Responsible State Budget
State budget negotiations are ongoing in Harrisburg, and we are encouraged by the dialogue between the Senate, House and governor. While it appears clear at this point that we will not have a full budget agreement which could be implemented by June 30, we are hopeful to reach a consensus very soon and avoid any negative impacts on the people of Pennsylvania. The Senate will return to session on Monday, July 1, at 3 p.m. Senate Republicans continue to push for a spending plan that respects taxpayers, ensures existing resources are used wisely, and leads to economic and demographic growth in Pennsylvania. Since Gov. Josh Shapiro presented a budget plan in February that would increase overall spending by $3.2 billion, we have voiced the amount he wanted to spend is much higher than Senate Republicans believe is fiscally responsible. Learn more about the process of enacting the 2024-25 state budget and watch the Senate in session here. Senate Votes to Stand with Israel
The Senate approved legislation that would prohibit the PA Treasury’s Office, the State Employees’ Retirement System, the Public School Employees’ Retirement System and the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System from boycotting or divesting from Israel. The measure also would cut off state tax dollars from going to higher education institutions that boycott or divest from Israel. Senate Bill 1260 sends a loud message that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania stands with its top ally in the Middle East – Israel. On Oct. 7, 2023, more than 1,000 Israelis, mostly civilians, were murdered by Hamas terrorists. U.S. college campuses experienced volatile antisemitic protests that called for the complete destruction of Israel. Jewish students were required to shelter in place in their dorm rooms out of fear for their lives. Protesters were successful in getting some colleges to consider divesting from Israel, as well as companies that do business with the Israeli government. In the wake of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, Pennsylvania’s Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who supports the legislation, invested an additional $20 million in Israel bonds, bringing the Treasury’s total investment in Israel to more than $56 million. Set for Enactment: Senate Bill Expanding Access to Telemedicine Services
Legislation expanding access to telemedicine in Pennsylvania received final Senate approval and will be sent to the governor for enactment. Telemedicine allows individuals to access health care services online using a computer, tablet or smartphone. It allows medical services to be provided to some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians who otherwise would not be able to receive them due to location or other circumstances. Senate Bill 739 sets a base for how telemedicine will be covered by insurance companies and medical providers in Pennsylvania. The legislation requires:
Bill Giving Parents Flexibility with Their Children’s Education Passes Senate
To ensure children with autism, developmental delays or intellectual disabilities are better prepared to enter the classroom, the Senate passed a bill allowing parents or guardians to delay their children attending school for as long as one year. Senate Bill 1157 would allow them to request a waiver from the Department of Education to delay compulsory attendance when their child reaches the age of six if:
The bill would offer individualized learning and specialized approaches so children are able to develop the social and emotional skills necessary for future success. Set for Enactment: Bill Providing Free Credit Monitoring for Data Breach Victims
Bipartisan legislation to strengthen notification requirements for data breaches and provide affected citizens with free credit monitoring for a year and a credit report is set to be signed into law. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives this week, following Senate passage last year. Senate Bill 824 would cover instances in which an individual’s first and last name or first initial and last name have been accessed in combination with any of the following information: Social Security number, bank account number, driver’s license or state ID number. The bill also strengthens state notification requirements and mandates Attorney General notification if a data breach occurs in the commonwealth. A record 3,122 data breaches occurred nationally in 2023, affecting hundreds of millions of Americans and costing billions of dollars, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. It marked a 72% increase in data compromises from the previous all-time high in 2021. June is National Fireworks Safety Month
Independence Day is right around the corner, which means many of us will enjoy celebrations that include an American tradition: fireworks. Being aware of restrictions on consumer fireworks can help prevent injuries and property damage. They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, regardless of whether the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the consumer fireworks. Fireworks cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug. Read more about state restrictions, and check with your local municipality for applicable local ordinances.
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