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The Legislature only has several legislative session days remaining in 2021. Items up for consideration that could be considered in December include:
Some of these issues could be delayed into 2022 and become part of the annual budget negotiations, along with allocations of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). As reported by PLS, Emily Maher, senior policy specialist, National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) stated ARPA funding may fall into four “buckets,” including offsetting the emergency and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, premium pay for essential employees, grants to employers, or government services affected by revenue reduction. She added ineligible uses include funding pensions, tax cuts to offset revenue and depositing the funds into Rainy Day accounts. Maher also stated that with flexibility in the guidelines, more allocations are being diverted to water and sewer infrastructure as well as rural broadband internet. She noted that states are using the relief funds in various ways to meet their individual needs.
On top of Governor Tom Wolf proposal to increase minimum wage via an executive order issued in early November, he has also announced actions for Tipped Workers. Per the Governor’s direction, the Department of Labor and Industry is working on new regulations to increases the amount in tips a worker must receive monthly from $30 to $135 before their employer can reduce their hourly pay from $7.25 per hour to as low as $2.83 per hour. As with the minimum wage proposal, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) will eventually review the proposal. The governor’s recent executive order directs L&I and the Office of Administration to study the feasibility of having OSHA standards apply to offices under the governor’s jurisdiction. State agencies will also ensure those receiving state grants and contracts follow labor laws and understand the consequences of not complying. Under the previous proposal for minimum wage, the Governor is directing the Department of Community and Economic Development to verify that businesses receiving state aid pay workers $13.50 as opposed to the current $7.50. The $13.50 minimum wage for state employees and contractors will reach $15 on July 1, 2024, under an executive order the governor signed in 2018. Governor Wolf is also asking DCED to verify that contractors provide paid sick leave to their employees.
In mid-November, President Joe Biden signed a $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act package that was passed by Congress. The package contains $550 billion in new spending over five years for mass transit, roads, bridges, rail, electric vehicle charging stations, broadband, lead pipes remediation and waterways. It is funded in part by the Corporate Profits Minimum Tax that would impose a 15% tax on corporations that report more than $1 billion in profits. The final vote was 228-206. Thirteen Republicans voted with the majority of Democrats in support of the bill, though six Democrats voted against it. Pennsylvania will receive $17.8 billion in funding which includes:
President Biden issued comprehensive vaccine mandates in November for not only federal workers and contractors, but also employers with at least 100 staff. This issue could lead to new federal government shutdown as some Republican Senators are refusing to approve a stopgap-funding bill unless the mandates are halted. In the meantime, the order has been suspended, after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit halted the policy pending review. As this issue is debated in the courts, please still review Department of Labor fact sheets and a U.S. Chamber document detailing the facts on the ETS for COVID-19 vaccinations. Click here to download the fact sheet. Mask mandates for Pennsylvania have also landed in the courts, with the state Supreme Court recently reinstated Governor Tom Wolf’s school mask mandate, pending the court’s decision on the Department of Health’s appeal of the Commonwealth Court decision earlier this month determining that the mandate was unenforceable.
October 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 November 15, 16, 17 December 13, 14, 15
October 4, 5, 6, 25, 26, 27 November 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 December 13, 14, 15
HB 1497 Jones, Mike Noise Relief for Restaurants, Bars, and Musicians Amends the Liquor Code, in licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, permitting an amplified sound device that does not exceed 75 decibels beyond the licensee's property line for bars and restaurants and extends the amplified sound provision from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Provisions in the bill do not extend to any city of the first class (Philadelphia). Adds a section providing that all applications for validation or renewal of licenses under the provision of this article shall be filed at least 60 days before the expiration date along with tax clearance from the Departments of Revenue and Labor and Industry and shall include license and filing fees and an application surcharge of $700. Provides for late filing fees, license issuing for renewal applications, an appeals process, agreements for additional license restrictions, and filing requirements related to completeness to include related filing and licensing fees. Provides that a noise violation shall not be the sole basis for objection by the board to the renewal of a license unless the licensee has received three prior adjudicated noise citations within a 24-month period. Establishes that the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement shall enforce the provisions of the subsection. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer's Number: 1627) 12-13-21 H Set on the House Calendar SB 562 Scavello, Mario Airport Land Development Zone (ALDZ) Program Amends the Tax Reform Code providing for airport land development zones to encourage and promote the creation of new jobs on land and buildings owned by airports in the commonwealth, and to accelerate economic activity on undeveloped land or vacant buildings owned by Pennsylvania airports. The legislation establishes the airport land development zone tax credit for airport land development zone employers and language regarding the tax credit's requirements, use and carryforward, and penalties. Effective in 60 days. 11-22-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar SB 830 Yudichak, John Establishing a Veteran-owned Business Loan Guarantee Program Amends Title 64 (Public Authorities and Quasi-Public Corporations) in Commonwealth Financing Authority, establishing the Veteran-owned Business Loan Guarantee Program. Specifies a "veteran-owned business" is as defined in 62 Pa.C.S. section 2201. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer's Number: 1014, 1126) 11-10-21 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 49/N: 0) SB 915 Browne, Patrick Act re capital budget The Capital Budget Project Itemization Act of 2021-2022 provides for the budget for fiscal year 2021-2022; itemizes public improvement projects, furniture and equipment projects, transportation assistance, redevelopment assistance projects, flood control projects, and provides appropriations. This act outlines the projects included in the budget and their allocation for the fiscal year organized by department and county. Effective immediately. 11-10-21 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 49/N: 0) HB 71 Warner, Ryan Joint Resolution re spending limit The Taxpayer Protection Act A Joint Resolution proposing a constitutional amendment, in taxation and finance, providing for spending limitations on the commonwealth. Establishes that the spending limit for any fiscal year shall be equal to the spending during the immediately prior fiscal year, adjusted by the sum of the average of the percentage change in the annual United States Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers and the average percentage change in the resident population in the commonwealth. Constitutional amendments require approval in two consecutive legislative sessions and then approval by the voters through a referendum. 12-13-21 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 1342 Rader, Jack Estate Tax Exemption for Military Members Amends the Tax Reform Code adding language providing an exemption from the Inheritance Tax for the transfer of personal property, whether tangible or intangible, that is the result of a decedent military member. Defines decedent military member as an individual who, while serving in the armed forces, a reserve component or the National Guard of the United States, died as a result of injury or illness received while on active duty, including active duty for training. Effective in 60 days. 11-17-21 H Rereferred to House Appropriations HB 1921 Struzzi, James Helping Grieving Families Through Unnecessary Tax Burdens Amends the Tax Reform Code, in personal income tax, providing that family members may receive an overpayment on personal income tax for a deceased family member. Effective immediately. 11-09-21 H Passed over in committee House Finance HB 2016 Mustello, Marci Amends Title 20 re Small Estates Amends Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries), in dispositions independent of letters, family exemption and probate of wills and grant of letters, providing for settlement of small estates on petition. Provides clarification to paragraphs under the section and provides for a subparagraph detailing that real property, property payable under section 3101, and property not subject to administration as part of a probate estate shall not be counted towards the $50,000 limitation on property distributed by the orphans' court of the county where the decedent was domiciled at the time of the decedent's death. Effective in 60 days. 11-09-21 H Meeting set for 10:00 a.m., Room 515, Irvis Office Building, House Judiciary -- House Judiciary HB 2057 Roae, Brad Business Corporation Law and Related Provisions Amends Title 15 (Corporations and Unincorporated Associations) and 54 (Names), in various provisions related to business corporation law, establishing revisions related to filings with the Department of State, changes in the Delaware General Corporation Law and Model Business Corporation Act, revisions based on endorsement by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court regarding corporate governance, revisions applicable to specific types of corporations, and miscellaneous changes. Effective in 60 days. 11-17-21 H First consideration SB 347 DiSanto, John Reintroduction of Small Business Reform Package Amends the Tax Reform Code, in personal income tax, further providing for classes of income. The intent of the bill is to allow for like-kind exchanges in Pennsylvania, mirroring Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 provisions. The bill applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2020, and is effective immediately. 11-09-21 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 33/N: 17) 11-10-21 H Received in the House and referred to House Finance
HB 37 Brown, Rosemary ENHANCED DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY (while operating an interactive wireless communication device) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in licensing of drivers, providing for learners' permits and examination; and, in rules of the road, prohibiting text-based communications and use of interactive wireless communications devices and imposing penalties. Requires a person under the age of 18 to view educational materials provided on the department's publicly accessible internet website on the dangers of distracted driving, which may include, but are not limited to, written, electronic or video materials. Provides that the portion of the examination on traffic laws shall contain at least one question on distracted driving relating to the driver's ability to understand the effects of distracted driving. Prohibits a driver from operating a motor vehicle on a highway or trafficway in the commonwealth while physically using an interactive wireless communications device to send, read or write a text-based communication. Further prohibits a driver from operating a motor vehicle on a highway or trafficway in the commonwealth while physically holding or supporting with their body an interactive wireless communications device, unless the motor vehicle is parked on the side or shoulder of a highway or trafficway in the commonwealth where the motor vehicle is safely able to remain stationary. Amends the definition of "interactive wireless communications device" to clarify a mobile or a hand-held radio can be used by a person with an amateur radio license issued by the Federal Communications Commission. Further provides that a person who violates the subsection shall be sentenced to pay a fine of $100 upon conviction. Effective in 180 days. (Prior Printer Number: 489) 12-13-21 H Set on the House Calendar HB 773 Quinn, Chris Deana's Law (Former SB773) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in licensing of drivers, providing that a person who violates the sections related to driving under the influence and refuses testing pursuant to a search warrant or court order commits a felony of the third degree if the individual has two prior offenses or a felony of the second degree if the individual has three or more prior offenses. Provides for a consecutive sentence and establishes a sentencing enhancement for violations where the individual refuses testing pursuant to a search warrant or court order or if the individual has four or more prior offenses. Establishes suspension of operating privileges upon conviction and provides that suspension shall be 18 months for a misdemeanor of the first degree or felony of the second or third degree under the relevant chapter. Effective in 120 days. (Prior Printer Number: 769) 11-17-21 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:168/N: 32) 11-18-21 S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Transportation HB 2075 Knowles, Jerry Overruling Expensive California Truck Regulation The Abrogation of Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Control Program Regulations Act abrogates provisions of the Pennsylvania Code relating to the Pennsylvania Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Control Program. Applies the federal standards for heavy-duty diesel vehicles and engines. Effective immediately. 12-13-21 H Set on the House Calendar SB 382 Langerholc, Way Reforming Pennsylvania’s Public-Private Transportation Partnership Statute Amends Title 74 (Transportation), in public-private transportation partnerships, establishing a definition for transportation-related service and providing analysis responsibilities by the board for transportation projects; and voiding prior initiatives of the Public-Private Transportation Partnership Board. Provides fixed notice requirement and public comment period on projects. Provides for the General Assembly's oversight for transportation projects. Provides the Department of Transportation the authority to tax and appropriate funds without additional oversight of the legislature. Effective immediately. 11-16-21 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:125/N: 74) 11-22-21 S Received as amended in Senate and rereferred Senate Rules and Executive Nominations SB 812 Phillips-Hill, Amends Title 62 re bid evaluation Ensuring the Mt. Rose Interchange debacle does not happen in the future Amends Title 62 (Procurement), in source selection and contract formation, further providing for debarment or suspension by amending language to change "public works project" to "a government agency contract or subcontract." Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer's Number: 995) 11-22-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar SR 53 Baker, Lisa Comprehensive LBFC study of PennDOT’s highway maintenance funding Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report, by twelve months from the date of adoption of the resolution, on the Department of Transportation's highway maintenance funding (Prior Printer's Number: 472). 11-08-21 S Adopted (Vote: Y: 49/N: 0) 11-16-21 G Transmitted as directed
HB 465 Boback, Karen Lead Contamination in Drinking Water in School Buildings Amends the Public School Code, in grounds and buildings, repealing provisions relating to lead testing, and providing for testing and remediation of lead contamination. Effective immediately. Bill History: 02-09-21 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Education 11-15-21 H Meeting set for 10:30 a.m., Room 523, Irvis Office Building, House Education -- House Education 11-15-21 H Passed over in committee House Education HB 1842 Zimmerman, Davi Clean Streams Legislation Amends the Clean Streams Law adding a new section providing for notice of discharge endangering public health or environment. Requires a person who spills, discharges or releases a substance into the waters of the commonwealth, or on a location from which the substance is likely to enter the waters of the commonwealth, taking into account any control and remedial measures, to notify the Department of Environmental Protection if the spill, discharge or release is not authorized by a permit from the department and is likely to render the receiving waters harmful to public health or the environment. Requires the Environmental Quality Board, no later than 180 days of the effective date of the legislation, to publish for public comment proposed regulations establishing reportable quantities or other readily ascertainable standards by which a person may determine whether a spill, discharge or release is likely to render the receiving water harmful to public health or the environment. Also requires the board, no later than 365 days after the effective date, to promulgate final regulations establishing reportable quantities or other readily ascertainable standards by which a person may determine whether a spill, discharge or release is likely to render the receiving water harmful to public health or the environment. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer's Number: 2088) 12-13-21 H Set on the House Calendar HB 2104 Rapp, Kathy Responsible Decommissioning of Solar/Wind Energy Facilities Amends Title 27 (Environmental Resources), providing for decommissioning of alternative energy facilities. Provides requirements and exceptions for alternative energy facility agreements. Provides for the establishment of proof of financial assurance from a banking institution, the amount of financial assurance to be equal to the cost of decommissioning the alternative energy facility, the delivery of proof of the financial assurance to a county recorder of deeds, and that bonds or escrow accounts are acceptable methods of financial assistance. Provides guidelines for financial assurance forms and decommissioning plans and the information to be provided in the forms and plans. Any county, municipal, or local government or ordinance that impedes decommission of an alternative energy facility shall be preempted and without force and effect. The chapter shall not apply to a nonutility owner or operator of a net-metered distribution generation system with a nameplate capacity of not greater than 3,000 kilowatts or a farm who owns and operates an alternative energy facility on the farm premises. 27 Pa.C.S. section 4304 shall take effect immediately and the remainder of the act is effective in 180 days. 12-15-21 H Meeting set for 9:00 a.m., Room G-50, Irvis Office Building, House Environmental Resources and Energy -- House Environmental Resources and Energy SB 301 Yaw, Gene AQTAC Appointments Amends the Air Pollution Control Act providing that the Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee to be composed of six members appointed by the governor; four members appointed by the Senate Majority Leader; two members appointed by the Senate Minority Leader; four members appointed by the House Majority Leader; and two members appointed by the House Minority Leader. Effective in 60 days. 11-22-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar SB 597 Stefano, Patric Water Quality Accountability Act Amends Title 27 (Environmental Resources), in special programs, establishing Chapter 67 related to water quality accountability. Provides that a water system operator shall implement an asset management plan designed to inspect, maintain, repair and renew its water and wastewater infrastructure consistent with standards and enumerates what should be in the plan. Provides that a water system operator shall have the duty to inspect and repair or replace critical valves. Provides that no water meter that has an error in registration of more than two percent may be placed in service, nor may a water meter that has an error in registration of more than 4 percent be allowed to remain in service, when water is passing through the meter at certain rates of flow. Provides that within one year of the effective date, a water system operator shall submit a plan to remove and replace all lead service lines within or connected to the operator's public water system. Provides for the development of a cybersecurity system, annual information to customers, regulations, contingency for public funding and enforcement. Effective in 60 days. 11-22-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar SB 776 Laughlin, Danie Amending Sewage Facility Act to Allow Garage Floor Drains Amends the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act, providing that garage foundation drains may be discharged into a treatment tank and for repeals that are inconsistent with the act. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 11-10-21 S Reported as committed from Senate Environmental Resources and Energy 11-22-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar SB 832 Yaw, Gene Establishing a Clean Streams Fund for Pennsylvania Amends Titles 3 (Agriculture) and 27 (Environmental Resources), in Conservation Excellence Grant Program, further providing for criteria for evaluation of applications; and providing for nonpoint source pollution reduction. This legislation adds a section related to nonpoint source pollution reduction and introduces pay-for-success approaches to spur further innovation and private investment. The legislation establishes the Clean Streams Fund in the State Treasury, appropriates at least $250 million to the fund for fiscal year 2021-2022, and provides for the distribution of the funds. The legislation also establishes the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program and the Pennsylvania Clean Water Procurement Program and provides for duties of PENNVEST under that program. Effective in 60 days. 11-10-21 S Rereferred to Senate Appropriations SCR 1 Yaw, Gene Concurrent Resolution disapproving RGGI Bill History: 09-14-21 S Filed Bill History: 11-08-21 H Meeting set for Off the floor, Room G-50, Irvis Office Build, House Environmental Resources and Energy -- House Environmental Resources and Energy 11-08-21 H Reported as committed from House Environmental Resources and Energy HB 40 Grove, Seth Establishing IT Governance, Oversight, and Cybersecutrity Standanrds Amends Title 71 (State Government) adding a new chapter relating to administrative procedures and procurement regarding information technology. Establishes the Office of Information Technology within the governor's Office of Administration to oversee and achieve information technology consolidation and other findings of the new chapter. Provides for the duties of the office, for the appointment of a director by the secretary of administration and for the duties of the director. Further provides for transfer of additional duties and personnel, planning and financing information technology resources, financial accountability and information technology. Establishes the Commonwealth Information Technology Fund in the General Fund. Requires the office to establish a single point of services accessible electronically by means in use by residents of the commonwealth. Also requires the office to develop, operate and update regularly a web-based portal detailing the status of each of the commonwealth's information technology projects. Also provides for the administration of the Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network. Establishes the PA-STARNet Committee in the State Police to provide a standing forum for participating agencies to ensure coordination and cooperation among participating state agencies and county and local agencies in the development and use of PASTARNet and its application to public safety communications and emergency communications. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 19)
HR 148 White, Martina Renewable Fuel Standards Resolution urging the Environmental Protection Agency to exercise its authority under the Clean Air Act to revise the nationwide Renewable Fuel Standard by updating volume mandates to provide relief for refiners and to implement additional reforms which will allow the blending of renewable fuels consistent with the original intent of the standard. 11-08-21 H Adopted (Vote: Y:192/N: 8) HB 2071 Causer, Martin Amends Title 64 re Broadband Development Amends Title 64 (Public Authorities and Quasi-Public Corporations) defining "community anchor institution," "underserved area," and "unserved area" all relating to high-speed broadband service. Further clarifies the responsibilities of the authority prior to its dissolution. Updates the agencies listed within the board's membership. The broadband authority's powers and duties shall include the adoption of bylaws; making and executing contracts, grants, and other instruments; applying for and receiving money from any source consistent with the chapter; establishing priorities for and allocating and disbursing money received; establishing subcommittees composed of board members for consultation; adopting a statewide broadband plan; and performing other necessary operational activities. Requires the authority to provide necessary information on its public website. Amends language to clarify the guidelines and requirements for overbuild challenges, regulatory obligations, and the time for project completion. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer's Number: 2392) 11-17-21 H Rereferred to House Appropriations SB 284 Yaw, Gene Bonding of Solar and Wind Installations Amends Title 27 (Environmental Resources) adding two chapters providing for bonding for alternative energy production projects and providing for solar forced labor prevention. Provides that the operator of an alternative energy production project commenced on or after the effective date shall post a bond with the department on a form prescribed by the department. Further provides that the board may determine the amount of the bond required based on the total estimated cost to the commonwealth related to potential hazardous liabilities, decommissioning the permitted area, completing a reclamation plan for the affected site, the proper recycling or disposal of the alternative energy production project, and any other factor determined by the board. Provides an exclusion from the bonding requirements for a residence or business in the commonwealth that generates alternative energy for onsite consumption and for the owner or operator of a farm who owns and operates an alternative energy generation facility on the farm premises, regardless of location of consumption of the energy generated. Adds a second chapter requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a solar forced labor prevention list and a rolling application process for admittance onto the solar force labor prevention list. Provides each commonwealth entity seeking to own, procure or otherwise participate in a solar project shall ensure that a selected panel manufacturer is included on the list. Also encourages a political subdivision or other local government entity to seek a solar panel manufacturer from the list when participating in a solar project. The new chapter relating to bonding shall take effect in 60 days and the remainder shall take effect immediately. (Prior Printer's Number: 270) 11-22-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar SB 482 Phillips-Hill, Strengthening State Government Cybersecurity and Consolidation of IT Services Amends Title 71 (State Government), in boards and offices, establishing Chapter 43 for Information Technology; establishing the Office of Information Technology and the Information Technology Fund; establishing administrative procedures and procurement regarding information technology and for the Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee; imposing duties on the Office of Information Technology; and imposing penalties. The legislation establishes the Office of Information Technology (OIT) within the Governor's Office of Administration to oversee and achieve information technology consolidation. The legislation allows OIT to consolidate and oversee all IT systems and contracts within the executive branch and requires that each agency's chief IT employee work under OIT in their respective agency. The legislation further requires each agency to adopt new cybersecurity standards and establishes a committee on cybersecurity to be comprised of members of both chambers and their IT staff. Provides for the administration of the Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network. The legislation establishes civil penalties for violation of the act. Effective immediately. 11-08-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar SB 696 Laughlin, Daniel Update to the Breach of Personal Information Notification Act Amends the Breach of Personal Information Notification Act further providing for title of act, for definitions and for notification of breach; prohibiting employees of the commonwealth from using unsecured internet connections; and providing for commonwealth policy and for entities subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. A state agency, county, school district, or municipality that is the subject of a breach of security of the system shall provide notice of the breach of security of the system, as outlined in the bill. Employees and contractors of the commonwealth shall, while working with personal information on behalf of the commonwealth or otherwise conducting official business on behalf of the commonwealth, utilize encryption to protect the transmission of personal information over the internet from being viewed or modified by a third party. The governor's Office of Administration shall develop a policy to govern the proper storage by state agencies under the governor's jurisdiction of data, which includes personal information. Effective in 60 days. 11-08-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar
SB 772 DiSanto, John Updating Pennsylvania's Annuity Laws Amends the Insurance Company Law, in life insurance, providing a minimum of fifteen hundredths of one percent for individual deferred annuities; and, in suitability of annuity transactions, providing that a producer shall act in the best interest of the consumer under the circumstances known at the time the recommendation is made, without placing the producer's or the insurer's financial interest ahead of the consumer's interest when making a recommendation of an annuity. Further provides for best interest obligations and compliance mitigation. Provides repeals and technical changes. Effective in 180 days. (Prior Printer's Number: 912) 11-09-21 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:200/N: 0) 11-09-21 S Received as amended in Senate and rereferred Senate Rules and Executive Nominations
HB 1665 Quinn, Chris Commercial Snow Removal Service Liability Limitation Act Amends the act entitled "An act relating to indemnification agreements between architects, engineers or surveyors and owners, contractors, subcontractors or suppliers" to reflect the addition of indemnification agreements relating to snow removal or ice control services. Provides that any provision in a snow removal or ice control services contract which provides that the receiver shall be indemnified, held harmless or insured by the provider from costs arising out of bodily injury to persons, damage to property or economic damage caused due to the receiver's negligence shall be void if the provider has been directed not to perform the snow removal or ice control services by the receiver. Defines "snow removal or ice control services contract" as a contract or agreement for the performance of, or incidental to, any plowing, relocation, or other removal of snow or mixed precipitation or deicing services and includes moving snow or deicing equipment or materials. A provider of snow removal or ice control services shall include agents and employees of the provider. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer's Number: 1860) 12-13-21 H Set on the House Calendar HB 922 Davanzo, Eric Workers' Compensation - Whitmoyer Remedy Amends the Workers' Compensation Act, in liability and compensation, removing the word installments from the statute. Effective in 60 days. 12-13-21 H Set on the House Calendar HB 1819 Labs, Shelby (F Unemployment Compensation Eligibility Clarification Amends the Unemployment Compensation Law adding language providing a claimant who has applied for a position may not take any action to discourage the claimant's own hire, including refusing to attend or failing to participate, without good cause, in a job interview or other applicant selection activity offered by the employer; refusing employment or a referral for employment in suitable work, without good cause, prior to an interview or a discussion of the details of a job with the employer; or failing to make a good faith effort to obtain employment, as evidenced by statements or other actions of the claimant that are intended to discourage the claimant's hire. Further provides if a claimant refuses or fails to participate in a job interview or applicant selection activity for good cause, the claimant shall notify the employer of the reasons and make a good faith effort to reschedule the interview or other activity with the employer in order to be considered for the position. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer's Number: 2063, 2204, 2244) 10-27-21 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:176/N: 23) 11-22-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar HB 1829 Ecker, Torren Work Permits for Minors Amends the Child Labor Act to allow for work permits to be signed by the minor by way of video conference or other electronic means, in lieu of requiring the physical presence of the applicant. Effective in 60 days. 10-06-21 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:198/N: 1) 11-22-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar HB 1837 Irvin, Rich Workers Comp Regulation Suspension Legislation Amends the Workers' Compensation Act, in procedure, providing that the attestation by two witnesses or acknowledgment before a notary public shall not be required if the employe, widow or widower, or dependent appears before the workers' compensation judge for the purposes of a hearing required under subsection (b) and provides a sworn oral statement that he or she understands the full legal significance of the agreement. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer's Number: 2081) 10-25-21 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:197/N: 0) 11-22-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar HB 2036 Rothman, Greg Requiring Notification of Right to Resign Membership in Public Sector Union Amends the Public Employe Relations Act, in employee rights, providing no collective bargaining agreement entered into on or after the effective date of this section shall establish conditions for when a public employe may join or resign from an employe organization acting as the exclusive representative of a unit with an exception of collective bargaining between a public employer and an employe organization that primarily consists of corrections officers employed by the Department of Corrections or a county; in scope of bargaining, providing no collective bargaining agreement entered into on or after the effective date of this subsection may contain a provision regarding maintenance of membership with an exception of collective bargaining between a public employer and an employe organization that primarily consists of corrections officers employed by the Department of Corrections or a county. Effective immediately. 11-15-21 H Public hearing held in committee House Labor and Industry HB 19 Mehaffie, Thoma Better Access to Treatment Act (BAT): Recognizing Applied Behavior Analysis as an Independent Profession in PA Amends the Medical Practice Act adding language providing for the licensure of behavior analysts and assistant behavioral analysts. Establishes the Behavior Analyst Advisory Committee to assist the State Board of Medicine in promulgating regulations for the practice of applied behavior analysis and assist the board regarding the licensure standards. Effective in 60 days. 12-13-21 H Set on the House Calendar HB 107 Sankey, Thomas Bipartisan Reforms to Prevent Fraud and Stop Improper Payments rate setting Amends the Human Services Code, in public assistance, providing that the Department of Human Services shall annually adjust the medical assistance managed care organization financial reporting and establishes reporting criteria. Effective in 60 days. 12-13-21 H Set on the House Calendar HB 111 Stambaugh, Perr Health Care Co-Ops Legislation Amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations), in support matters generally, further providing for mandatory inclusion of child medical support by adding that "insurer" includes an entity providing medical support plans which qualify as insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, regardless of whether the medical support plans are regulated by the Insurance Department. Effective in 60 days. 11-17-21 H Set on the House Calendar HB 220 Rader, Jack Not Requiring a Positive Drug Test to Start Addiction Treatment Amends the Administrative Code, in powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, further providing for powers and duties. The bill establishes that the standards shall require that private and public treatment and rehabilitation facilities may not deny addiction treatment to an individual solely due to a negative result on a drug test. Effective in 60 days. 11-22-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar HB 681 Ecker, Torren Ban on Non-Compete Agreements for Health Care Practitioners The Health Care Practitioner Noncompete Agreement Act prohibits the enforcement of covenants not to compete in health care practitioner employment agreements. The bill provides for the duty of the employer and activities outside the scope of practice. Nothing in the act shall be construed to limit the period of time a party may agree to maintain information, limit the geographic area within which the information must be kept confidential, allow a health care practitioner to solicit individuals who are patients of the former employer but not prior patients of the health care practitioner, or create a separate right to the patient list of the employer. Provides for an exception. Effective in 30 days. (Prior Printer's Number: 640) 12-13-21 H Set on the House Calendar HB 1260 Thomas, Wendi PACE/PACENET Eligibility Expansion Amends the State Lottery Law, in Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Elderly (PACE), further providing for the pharmaceutical assistance contract for the elderly needs enhancement tier (PACENET) with income limitations of $33,500 for a single person and $41,500 for combined income for married persons and establishing that the board shall advise on the development and modernization of the program. Provides for powers of the department and that the program shall pay a premium assessed by a PACE or PACENET enrollee's prescription drug plan. Effective in 60 days. 11-22-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar HB 1650 Delozier, Shery Title 67 Reorganization Amends Title 67 (Public Welfare), in human services generally, reorganizing provisions relating to adoption opportunities and to family finding and kinship care; and making editorial changes. This legislation repeals certain sections and adds a section regarding family finding and kinship care to ensure that family finding occurs on an ongoing basis for all children entering the child welfare system to promote the use of kinship care when it is necessary to remove a child from the child's home. The legislation provides for the Kinship Care Program, the Subsidized Permanent Legal Custodianship Program, and for adoption opportunities and early intervention services. The legislation is administrative and will not alter any of the current content of Title 67. Effective in 60 days. 11-22-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar SB 225 Phillips-Hill, Prior Authorization of Medical Services in Pennsylvania Amends the Insurance Company Law by providing for responsibilities of managed care plans and amending section 2111 by adding language requiring the plans to make updates of its enrollment eligibility information within 30 days of receiving updated enrollment information and to establish rules pertaining to the timely filing of health care provider claims that require a health care provider's filing duty to commence whichever occurs last: when the patient is discharged, when the patient presents complete and accurate insurance information, or when authorization or approval is confirmed by the medical care plan. Adds sections providing for preauthorization standards and for preauthorization costs. Also adds a new subsection to section 2117 relating to continuity of care. Further provides for step therapy protocols, required disclosure, operational standards, preauthorization and adverse determinations, appeals, access requirements in service areas, uniform preauthorization form, preauthorization exemptions, and data collection and reporting. Effective in 60 days. 11-22-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar SB 706 Robinson, Devli Max Manufacturing Initiative Act The Max Manufacturing Initiative Act provides for business partnerships with state-related institutions and advanced manufacturing facilities; establishes the Max Manufacturing Initiative Fund for the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to issue grants to applicants engaging in advanced manufacturing and the Max Manufacturing Endeavor Loan Fund for grants for specialized equipment, infrastructure and integrated systems for use by university and private entities, public-private partnerships, contracting authorities, and nonprofit organizations conducting advanced manufacturing; and imposes powers and duties on DCED. Provides reporting requirements and public access of records. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer's Number: 791) 11-22-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar HB 1300 Grove, Seth Amends PA Election Code re Election Audits Amends the Pennsylvania Election Code, in various provisions of the law, establishing the Pennsylvania Voting Rights Protection Act and providing numerous changes to Pennsylvania's election code related to early in-person voting, allowing mail-in ballots to be counted five days before the election, and changing the last day to register to vote to 30 days prior to an election. The legislation further provides for expanding upon the current voter identification law, improving election uniformity across all 67 counties, enhancing certification processes, requiring regular election audits, requiring signature verification using scanning equipment for mail-in and absentee ballots, directing counties to provide registered voters with a scannable and durable voter registration card, and improving lists of registered voters. The act shall apply to elections held on or after the effective date of the related sections and shall take effect immediately. 12-13-21 H Set on the House Calendar HB 1308 Schlossberg, Mi Authorizing Localized Overdose Fatality Review Teams The Suicide and Overdose Death Review Act provides a local department of health may establish a suicide and overdose death review team for the purpose of gathering information concerning suicides and overdose fatalities and to use the information to improve community resources and systems of care to reduce suicides and overdose fatalities. Allows a team to be established in a county or multiple counties. Provides upon establishment of a team, the team shall notify the Department of Health of the establishment of the team. Requires the team to be multidisciplinary and culturally diverse and to include professionals and representatives from organizations that provide services or community resources for families in the community served by the suicide and overdose death review team. Provides for the membership of the team and for the duties of the team. Requires the team to prepare an annual report and for the local department of health to post the annual report on its website for the purpose of evaluations, policy considerations and health care program enhancements. Further provides for the duties of the Department of Health, confidentiality of suicide and overdose death review team records, and criminal and civil liability protections. Effective in 30 days. (Prior Printer's Number: 1400, 2316) 11-17-21 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:200/N: 0) 11-22-21 S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Health and Human Services SB 208 DiSanto, John Clarifying Municipal Bonding Requirements for Property Improvements Amends the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in subdivision and land development, providing for completion of improvements or guarantee thereof prerequisite to final plat approval, establishing that the financial security equals but does not exceed 110 percent, and providing that the engineer of the project may retain 10 percent of the estimated cost of the remaining improvements. Effective in 60 days. 11-17-21 H Rereferred to House Appropriations HB 598 Oberlander, Don Limitations of Prescriptive Easements for Public Use Amends the act entitled "An act encouraging landowners to make land and water areas available to the public for recreational purposes" providing definitions for local agency and public entity, establishing that a person or entity other than a public entity may not make a claim for a prescriptive easement for the benefit of the public, and providing that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources would be substituted for the private entity trying to claim the public easement in existing litigation. Effective immediately. 11-22-21 S Set on the Senate Calendar
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