This bill amends Pennsylvania's Radon Certification Act to strengthen confidentiality protections for data collected during radon testing and remediation. It clarifies that information about radon levels in nonpublic properties (including homes) and personal details gathered under the law must remain confidential. The department holding this data may only share it with the current property owner or a previous owner who owned the property during the time the data was collected. This change ensures sensitive radon contamination information in residential settings is protected from public disclosure.
HB 183 amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to increase the maximum compensation period for serious permanent disfigurement of the head, neck, or face from 275 weeks to 400 weeks. It specifically updates Section 306(c)(22) to clarify that disfigurement benefits are paid separately from disability benefits, allowing injured workers to receive both simultaneously. The change applies to injuries sustained on or after the bill's effective date (60 days from enactment), regardless of when the original injury occurred. This directly affects workers who sustain qualifying permanent disfigurement in workplace injuries.
This Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 50) symbolically designates March 25, 2025, as "Greek Independence Day" within the state. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, programs, or individuals. The resolution honors Greek heritage and historical ties between Greece and the U.S., referencing Greek-American contributions to Pennsylvania's culture and history. As a commemorative gesture, it has no binding effect or practical impact on residents or government operations.
Pennsylvania's Senate passed Resolution SR 46, petitioning Congress to end the biannual clock changes (spring forward/fall back) and establish a uniform year-round time system for all U.S. residents. The resolution specifically asks Congress to pass legislation making either standard time or daylight saving time permanent, eliminating the need for seasonal shifts. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change current law but requests federal action to resolve the conflict between state efforts and federal authority under 15 U.S.C. § 260a. The petition cites health, safety, and economic benefits of consistent time as rationale but focuses solely on requesting congressional action.
This resolution recognizes March 14, 2025, as "Black Midwives Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically honors Black midwives' historical and ongoing contributions to maternal health while highlighting persistent disparities, including that Black women in Pennsylvania faced nearly three times the pregnancy-related mortality rate of White women in 2020. The resolution aims to raise awareness about systemic barriers like discrimination, maternity care deserts, and preventable maternal deaths, aligning with the National Black Midwives Alliance's campaign. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves as a statement of recognition.
HR 113 is a resolution recognizing April 26, 2025, as "Diabetic Eye Screening Day" in Pennsylvania. It highlights diabetic retinopathy - a diabetes complication causing vision loss - and encourages free eye screenings by ophthalmologists on that date to raise awareness. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but symbolically supports early detection efforts for Pennsylvanians with diabetes. It directly affects residents at risk of vision loss from untreated diabetic eye disease by promoting accessible screenings. The bill was adopted by the House on April 7, 2025.
HR 28 is a non-binding resolution designating March 26, 2025, as "Bangladesh Day" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the historical significance of Bangladesh's independence (declared March 26, 1971) and honors the contributions of Bangladeshi Pennsylvanians, particularly through the Bangladesh Association of Pennsylvania. The resolution formally acknowledges the Bangladeshi community's cultural and social contributions to Pennsylvania. This is a symbolic gesture, not a law with regulatory or financial impact.
SB 347 prohibits clinics or establishments from knowingly providing space for individuals to use controlled substances illegally under Pennsylvania law. It creates criminal penalties, including up to 20 years in prison or $500,000 in fines (up to $2 million for non-individuals), and civil penalties of up to $250,000 for violations. The law grants district attorneys and the Attorney General authority to investigate and prosecute these violations, with strict limits on challenging the Attorney General's role. It specifically exempts medical marijuana use under Pennsylvania’s existing Medical Marijuana Act (2016) and lawful prescription practices. The bill amends Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substance Act to clarify these prohibitions and penalties.
SB 92 amends Pennsylvania law to strengthen penalties for individuals whose drug distribution causes a death. It establishes a minimum 10-year prison sentence and a fine (equal to the value of illegal proceeds) for repeat drug distributors convicted under this law who had two prior drug-related convictions and received significant payment for distributing drugs. The bill does not apply if the victim was under 13 years old or if the distributor and victim used drugs together. This law directly affects drug distributors convicted of causing a death through their illegal activity, with stricter penalties for those with prior offenses.
SB 96 amends Pennsylvania's assault laws to clarify and strengthen penalties for "terroristic threats," specifically targeting threats that cause fear or disrupt public spaces. It directly affects schools, universities, and public facilities by requiring convicted offenders to pay restitution covering actual emergency response costs, including fire/police services, unused food, and staff wages during evacuations. The law specifies that threats causing school/university disruptions or targeting educational institutions carry felony penalties, while other threats are misdemeanors. This policy change shifts focus from solely punishing the threat to compensating communities for real costs incurred during responses.
SB 472 clarifies rules for deputy heads of Pennsylvania state departments. It limits deputy appointments to 90 days (unless a Senate nomination is pending), prohibits salary increases during designation, and requires deputies to testify before budget committees. This affects governors (who appoint deputies), department heads (who authorize deputies), and deputies themselves by setting specific terms and financial restrictions for temporary leadership roles. The bill does not create new policies but refines existing administrative procedures under the 1929 Administrative Code.
SB 490 restricts unsecured bail or release on recognizance for defendants charged with specific offenses deemed a threat to public safety, including assaulting police, violent crimes within five years, or certain drug offenses involving fentanyl. It requires judges to detain such individuals before trial if they pose a community risk, while preserving the presumption of innocence and the right to request bail modifications. The bill applies directly to defendants facing charges under defined categories in Pennsylvania law, such as those involving violent crimes or fentanyl-related drug offenses exceeding 10 grams. It does not eliminate bail options but prohibits unsecured release in these specific cases. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.
