Labor and Industry

Pennsylvania House Bill 2733, known as the Banked Use for Maternity Protection Act, requires employers to provide eligible employees with a dedicated account containing 24 hours of paid leave specifically for prenatal medical appointments and related travel. To qualify, an employee must have worked for the same employer in the Commonwealth for at least 30 days, after which the employer must establish this separate account within two days of notification. The bill mandates that this leave be compensated at the employee's regular rate and count toward seniority and benefits, while prohibiting employers from forcing staff to use other types of leave or retaliating against them for utilizing these protections. Employers with 15 or fewer employees may apply for a six-month hardship exemption, and violations of the act are subject to fines of up to $50,000 per instance.

This bill directs Pennsylvania state agencies to conduct a comprehensive study on how artificial intelligence will affect the state's workforce and submit the findings to the General Assembly within 18 months. The report must identify which industries and worker demographics are most at risk of job displacement, outline the skills and education needed to adapt to this technology, and assess how much relevant workforce data is currently available or privately owned. By requiring collaboration with various stakeholders, the legislation aims to create a proactive plan that ensures access to necessary training and expertise for all segments of the current and future workforce.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Equal Pay Law to require employers with fifteen or more workers to share specific wage and benefit details in job advertisements and job offers. Under the new rules, companies must list costs for health insurance, life insurance, and retirement plans in job postings or provide a direct link to this information online. When making a job offer, employers must also state the salary or hourly wage, clarify overtime rules, and include summaries of employee benefit plans. The legislation applies to positions performed in Pennsylvania, including remote roles, and establishes penalties for employers who knowingly fail to provide this required information.

This bill requires employers in Pennsylvania to inform the state labor department if any mass layoffs are caused by the use of artificial intelligence or other technological changes. When an employer submits a standard notice about a plant closing or mass layoff, they must also specify whether automation was the reason for the job losses. The law applies to most businesses but excludes seasonal and temporary workers, and it sets daily fines ranging from $500 to $5,000 depending on company size for failing to provide this information.

This bill creates a new State Board of Electrical Licensure in Pennsylvania to oversee and regulate individuals and companies performing electrical work. It requires electrical contractors, electricians, residential electricians, and apprentices to obtain specific licenses from the board before working, while also setting rules for continuing education and liability insurance. The legislation establishes a system for issuing licenses, collecting fees, and enforcing standards through fines, suspensions, or revocation for violations. Additionally, the bill defines what types of electrical tasks fall under these regulations and includes funding to support the board's operations.