Legislation that has previously passed the State House is once again moving forward in that chamber.  House Bill 565, introduced by Representative David Zimmerman, changes the Professional Engineers Registration Act by allowing the experience requirement to sit for the PE exam to be earned at any time, not specifically after passing the EIT.  The bill passed the House Professional Licensure committee unanimously on June 7 .  Last legislative session, it passed the House unanimously but ultimately got stuck in the Senate.

House Bill 1295 amends Title 63 (Professions and Occupations (State Licensed)),providing that a hearing in a disciplinary matters shall require a respondent to appear in person or remotely via the use of communication technology for a hearing before a hearing examiner, licensing board or commission and a complaint and any individual, entity or a representative of an entity that is named in a complaint for a disciplinary matter pending before a hearing examiner, licensing board or commission shall have an opportunity to provide testimony related to the complaint at a hearing. The bill changes the requirement that a respondent "shall" participate in a disciplinary hearing to "may" participate, provides that a disciplinary process may move forward without an individual's participation so long as due process occurs, specifies that a person who suffers an adverse effect from adverse conduct may submit a written impact statement to be considered only in determining sanctions and allows a respondent to participate remotely without video only if all parties agree and if cause is demonstrated. Rep. Kyle Mullins, the prime sponsor of the bill, clarified that House Bill 1295 provides for the guidance of the Department of State (DOS) regarding procedure and matters of practical practice.

Rep. Mullins said consumers' trust in professionals who are licensed and hearing officers' need to possess full information in the case of a violation or malfeasance.  House Bill 1295 passed the committee unanimously.

The committee met on May 10 to consider several bills. First, SB 198 amends the Environmental Hearing Board Act further providing for definitions and for jurisdiction. Adds definition for "record of decision" and provides the standards of review.

Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington), prime sponsor of the bill, explained that permit delays caused by the Environmental Hearing Board appeal process cost Pennsylvania projects, including a $1 billion plan for a gas plant in Renovo. "The unfortunate reality is that environmentalists abuse the appeals process to slow down projects in the hope that private industry will give up and walk away and it's working to the dire determinant of Pennsylvania's economy, workforce, to families and to progress," she stated. "We have lost billions in investments and thousands of good paying jobs due to a dysfunctional permitting process that takes too long to get through the appeals process."

Sen. Bartolotta explained that the under the legislation, when the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) deems appropriate, appeals would be limited to issues that were raised in the public comment period, which would give businesses more assurance that their projects will not be delayed.

Minority Chair Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester) spoke against the legislation. "This bill prevents new information from being raised in the appeals process for permits issued, information that may not have been available at the time of a decision. Limiting the scope of what can be considered in a permit appeal will not benefit the public or improve the permitting process," she stated.

Sen. Katie Muth (D-Montgomery) argued that the Environmental Hearing Board is the only mechanism that residents can utilize if they feel the government has not made an appropriate decision regarding a permit. "This bill would severely limit a resident's ability to protect themselves from corporate polluters," she stated.

Chairman Martin noted that a Purdue facility was delayed for eight years in Lancaster County due to permit delays. "There is still public participation and avenues to do it but what we are doing is not allowing people to play whack-a-mole and allowing people to bring up new things," he stated.

The bill was reported as committed along a party-line vote with Democrats voting in the negative.

SB 199 amends the Environmental Hearing Board Act providing for Environmental Hearing Board. Adds that after the expiration of a term of a member of the board, that member should be reappointed by the governor with the consent of a majority of the Senate.

Sen. Bartolotta, prime sponsor of the bill, explained that members of the Environmental Hearing Board are supposed to serve six-year terms but there are some who served for 28 years. "These members have not been subject to the reappointment and confirmation process through the Senate. My legislation will continue to allow judges who desire to stay on for more than one term to be reconfirmed by the Senate after their term expires. It just ensures reconfirmation occurs," she stated.

Chair Comitta spoke against the legislation and argued that the bill does not improve the permitting process. "We should want the most experienced members of the Environmental Hearing Board, not make it harder for them to continue their service," she stated.

Sen. Muth asked if members of the board could continue to serve while their nomination is being considered by the Senate. Sen. Bartolotta said there is nothing in the bill that prevents them from serving after six years. "Many of these board members are acting and they will continue to serve in their capacity until they are confirmed. There are people right now in the Senate who have no idea who are on this board," she stated.

The bill was reported as committed along a party-line vote with Democrats voting in the negative.

SB 689  amends the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, providing for the issuance of and conditions for municipal continuous maintenance permits. Provides that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) shall develop a continuous maintenance permit for which the Department of Transportation (PennDOT) or a municipality may apply. Further provides the permit shall allow permittees to maintain, inspect and monitor watercourses, water obstructions, appurtenant works and encroachments as specified within the permit. Directs DEP to approve an application for a permit to an application if the applicant meets all of the requirements. Provides a permittee shall provide a compilation of maintenance projects undertaken between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year that were permitted under this section by January 15. Further provides that a permit shall be in effect for no less than 10 years, providing DEP can extend a permit to a permittee for 10 years following 10 years of operation without a permit violation.

Committee Chairman Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), prime sponsor of the bill, said the legislation will allow for local government organizations to apply for a permit for continuing maintenance for a period of at least 10 years for the streams within their jurisdiction.

Chair Comitta said the legislation is unnecessary and urged a negative vote. "DEP already provides clear guidance to municipalities, communities and residents for when activities need DEP approval. Weakening the permit process does not improve it," she stated.

The bill was reported as committed along a party-line vote with Democrats voting in the negative.

SB 690  amends the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act amending definitions to provide definitions for drainage area and regional curve and amend the definition for the department. Provides county programs for removing obstructions and flood-related hazards on streams. Provides a county may develop a program to provide two regional curves for the watershed to cover the entire county, the first curve for rural areas and the second curve for portions of streams located in municipalities. Provides the county shall submit a written notification to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that describes the program it developed. Provides DEP shall conduct at least one annual follow-up review of the county's program to determine effectiveness and compliance. DEP shall develop a training program for conducting channel maintenance for the purpose of a program, upon completion of the training program. Provides a county conservation district may authorize emergency permits to persons operating within a developed program. The Environmental Quality Board shall promulgate regulations for the removal of obstructions and flood-related hazards on streams by counties, municipal equipment workers, and contractors operating as agents of the counties and the board may consider existing county programs for the same or similar purpose.

 

Chairman Yaw, prime sponsor of the legislation, said the bill will create a program that allows counties to opt-in to address hazards within their streams by allowing for emergency maintenance permits in consultation with their county conservation district.

Chairman Comitta noted that DEP is neutral on the legislation and said she would be voting in the affirmative.

with Democrats voting in the negative.

Finally, Senate Bill 691 would change the name of the “Department of Environmental Protection” to the “Department of Environmental Services”

Chairman Yaw, prime sponsor of the bill, said the legislation will change the name of the Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Environmental Services. "Over the years DEP has developed an attitude of police or the connotation that comes with protection is police, law enforcement or that kind of thinking. I think that has actually taken away from the good that can be done by DEP in cooperation with the citizens. The citizens of Pennsylvania are not the enemy of DEP," he stated.

Chairman Yaw noted that Richard Negrin, DEP secretary, has said that DEP needs a "culture change" but DEP is opposed to the name change. "I want to thank them for being upfront about this because their comments are exactly why this bill is needed. Their comment is that the ripple effect of this is tremendous. That is exactly what is intended by it to change their attitude and make them think about what they're doing," he stated.

 

Sen. Muth spoke against the legislation. "I don't know that changes the name of anything changes a culture. One of the necessary culture changes of the department is that they need more staff. Changing the name to services and removing the word protection from the title is a direct slap in the face that live in the state that have been begging for real environmental protection to be implementing in our communities," she stated.

Chairman Comitta also spoke against the legislation and quoted Pennsylvania's constitution which provides that the people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values of the environment. "The mission of DEP is not the problem, the name of DEP is not the problem, lack of adequate support and resources for DEP staffing and enforcement is the primary issue here. That should be our focus. This bill is not only unnecessary, but I believe that it is harmful. It would require significant costs to rebrand the department...those funds would be better spent on the department's work and mission, a key part of which is enforcement," she stated.

The bill was reported as committed with Sens. Amanda Cappelletti (D-Montgomery), Muth and Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia) voting in the negative.

The State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists met on May 25, via hybrid meeting format. Following are the highlights.

∙ Board President Joe McNally, PG, could not attend, so Vice President Robert Kudlaweic, PE presided, and welcomed the members and sunshine attendees. He had no further report.

∙ Board member Martin Helmke, PG, reported on the recent ASBOG meeting.

∙ Board Prosecutor Glenn Masser, Esq., had four cases to report, which the Board discussed in Executive Session and the consent agreements were approved. One other hearing was held later in the meeting.

∙ Board Counsel Todd Kriner reported that there may need to be some “clean up” on the Digital Seals reg.

∙ Acting Commissioner Arion Claggett had no new information to report.

∙ New Board Administrator Kristel Hennessey Hemler introduced herself, but had no report.

∙ The Board discussed a number of Act 41 Endorsement applications, and all were approved.

∙ Members Brinkash and Kadliewiec were approved for attendance at the NCEES Annual conference in Boston, August 15-18.

The next meeting is July 21, 2023, @10:30 AM, with both in-person and virtual options for attendees.

Future 2023 dates: July 21, September 28, and November 8.

2024 dates: January 24, March 13, May 29, July 24, September 25, and November 13.

HB 1345  RE: Aligning NPDES Permit Program with Federal Standards (by Rep. Brett Miller, et al)

Amends the Clean Streams Law, in other pollutions and potential pollution, further providing for potential pollution.

Introduced and referred to House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 6/9/2023

SB 689  RE: Municipal Continuous Maintenance Permits (by Sen. Gene Yaw, et al)

Amends the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, providing for the issuance of and conditions for municipal continuous maintenance permits. Provides that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) shall develop a continuous maintenance permit for which the Department of Transportation (PennDOT) or a municipality may apply. Further provides the permit shall allow permittees to maintain, inspect and monitor watercourses, water obstructions, appurtenant works and encroachments as specified within the permit. Directs DEP to approve an application for a permit to an application if the applicant meets all of the requirements. Provides a permittee shall provide a compilation of maintenance projects undertaken between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year that were permitted under this section by January 15. Further provides that a permit shall be in effect for no less than 10 years, providing DEP can extend a permit to a permittee for 10 years following 10 years of operation without a permit violation.

Introduced and referred to Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 5/5/2023
Reported as committed from Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, and read first time, 5/10/2023

 

SB 690  RE: Stream Maintenance Package (by Sen. Gene Yaw, et al)

Amends the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act amending definitions to provide definitions for drainage area and regional curve and amend the definition for the department. Provides county programs for removing obstructions and flood-related hazards on streams. Provides a county may develop a program to provide two regional curves for the watershed to cover the entire county, the first curve for rural areas and the second curve for portions of streams located in municipalities. Provides the county shall submit a written notification to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that describes the program it developed. Provides DEP shall conduct at least one annual follow-up review of the county's program to determine effectiveness and compliance. DEP shall develop a training program for conducting channel maintenance for the purpose of a program, upon completion of the training program. Provides a county conservation district may authorize emergency permits to persons operating within a developed program. The Environmental Quality Board shall promulgate regulations for the removal of obstructions and flood-related hazards on streams by counties, municipal equipment workers, and contractors operating as agents of the counties and the board may consider existing county programs for the same or similar purpose.

Introduced and referred to Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 5/5/2023
Reported as committed from Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, and read first time, 5/10/2023

HB 1164  RE: Indemnification Agreements (by Rep. Joe Hohenstein, et al)

Amends "an act relating to indemnification agreements between architects, engineers or surveyors and owners, contractors, subcontractors or suppliers and indemnification agreements relating to snow removal or ice control services," further providing for the title of the act to include "and indemnification agreements relative to construction contracts, including agreements for architectural, engineer or land surveying services"; and providing for indemnification agreements relative to construction contracts, including agreements for architectural, engineering or land surveying services. Defines the term "construction contract" as used in this act.

Introduced and referred to House Commerce Committee, 5/18/2023

HB 246  RE: Flood Hazard Notification Act (by Rep.  Tina Davis, et al)

Imposes a duty on municipal corporations to provide notification to property owners of changes to special flood hazard area maps of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Within 90 days of receipt of notification from FEMA that indicates a change in a preliminary special flood hazard area map relating to real property used for residential, commercial, mixed-use, industrial, special purpose or agricultural purposes within the municipal

corporation, municipal corporations shall provide to each owner of the property written notification that the change has occurred within the municipal corporation, written notice of the name and contact information of the appointed floodplain administrator for the municipal corporation and written notification of the website, address and phone number for the National Flood Insurance Program to aid the property owner in determining if there has been a change to the flood risk of the property. Provides duties on counties of changes to special flood hazard area maps, forms of notice and municipal immunity.

Reported as committed from House Local Government committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 5/3/2023

Removed from the table, read second time, and rereferred to House Appropriations Committee, 5/23/2023
Reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed House, 5/24/2023 (160-41)
Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Local Government Committee, 6/6/2023

HB 1148  RE: Sterling Act (by Rep. Kristin Marcell, et al)

Amends the Sterling Act, further providing for remittance by a city of the first class to a nonresident's resident municipality and school district. Adds that a city of the first class that imposes a nonresident wage tax shall remit to the nonresident's resident municipality and school district an amount equal to the amount of tax imposed on earned income and net profits by the nonresident's resident municipality and school district.

Introduced and referred to House Finance Committee, 5/10/2023

SB 671 RE: Sterling Act Reimbursement (by Sen. Frank Farry, et al)

Amends the Local Tax Enabling Act, to establish local taxes in cities of the first class. Provides the council of a city of the first class (Philadelphia) shall not have the authority to levy, assess and collect a tax or provide for the levying, assessment and collection of a tax on a privilege, transaction, subject or occupation, or on personal property, which is or may become subject to a state tax or license fee. Provides the city of the first class may not impose a tax on salaries, wages, commissions or other compensation on a nonresident individual who is employed by an employer whose place of business is located in a city of the first class and performs all employment duties or services outside of the city. Provides if a nonresident performs a portion of the individual's employment duties or services outside of the city of the first class, the city of the first class may only impose a tax on salaries, wages, commissions or other compensation on that portion of salaries, wages, commissions or other compensation attributable to duties performed by the individual within the city of the first class. Provides for duties on the State Treasurer and for reimbursement. Makes related repeals.

Read third time, and passed Senate, 5/3/2023 (28-21)
Received in the House and referred to House Finance Committee, 5/5/2023

HB 652  RE: Permits in Burdened Communities (by Rep. Donna Bullock, et al)

Amends Title 27 (Environmental Resources) providing for issuance of permits in burdened communities. Directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the secretary of the commonwealth, to adopt a list of burden communities in the commonwealth no later than 120 days after the effective date of this section, further directing DEP to update the list periodically as new data on median annual household income becomes available and after each federal decennial census is officially reported as required by federal law. Provides the governing body of a municipality in which a burdened community is located, in consultation with appropriate community groups, shall designate a representative of the burdened community no later than 60 days after the burdened community's designation. Prevents DEP from granting permits for a new facility of expansion of an existing facility without specific actions taken by the permit applicant if located in whole or in part in a burdened community, beginning 180 days after the effective date of this section, further providing for a public hearing and issuance of a decision from DEP 60 days after the public hearing. Allows DEP to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this chapter. Directs DEP to public all permits granted under this chapter, along with any guidance documents, on the department's website.

Reported as amended from House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, read first time, and Rereferred to House Rules Committee, 6/6/2023

SB 350  RE: Permit Administration and Economic Development Act (by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, et al)

Requires state agencies to compile, maintain and make available a complete list of all types of permits issued by the state agency within 90 days of the effective date. Provides a definition for office and strategy group and amends the definition for permit. Establishes a secure tracking system for applicants to track the status of applications on the state agency's publicly accessible internet website within 180 days of the effective date. A state agency has five business days after receiving an application to notify the applicant of the receipt and provide information on how to use the tracking system. If the agency determines it is unable to issue a determination on an application, the agency shall specify the necessary information for resubmitting the application. Provides for the tracking system's contents and a notice requirement by the state agency to the applicant when the application is found incomplete or technically deficient. Provides for time limits for notification by the state agency of the applicant of an incomplete or technically deficient application. Adds the requirement that state agencies should notify a permit holder of the expiration or changes to the permit within 60 days before it expires. Adds a third-party review of permit decision delays within 180 days of the effective date. Provides that the state agency partners with a third-party professional to review any permit decision delays. Provides if a state agency receives a completed application and the permit decision was delayed and the application was not submitted to a third party, the application shall be deemed approved, and the state agency shall issue the permit. Requires an annual report by a state agency to the General Assembly no later than January 31 of each year. Provides for report requirements to include the number of applications received and reviewed, the average time frame for permit decisions, number of applications reviewed by a third-party professional, average time frame of a third-party professional review, and the number of state agency employees reviewing the applications. Establishes the Office of Transformation and Opportunity (OTO) within the Governor's Office to facilitate the implementation of transformational economic development projects. Outlines OTO's responsibilities, powers and membership.

Reported as amended from Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee, and read first time, 5/8/2023

Read second time, and rereferred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 5/9/2023

Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations Committee, 5/9/2023

Read third time, and passed Senate, 5/10/2023 (29-19)
Received in the House and referred to House State Government Committee, 5/18/2023

 

SB 705  RE: Environmental Permits and Plan Approvals (by Sen. Doug Mastriano, et al)

Amends The Administrative Code, providing for environmental permits and plan approvals; making repeals; and abrogating regulations.

Introduced and referred to Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 5/23/2023

HB 1199  RE: Increasing Qualifications of Bidders for Public Projects Amends Title 62 (Procurement), in source selection and contract formation, further providing for debarment or suspension to indicate debarred or suspended persons shall pay $1,500 for debarred individuals or $3,000 for debarred companies, $1,000 for suspended individuals and $2,000 for debarred companies. And, further providing for prequalification of bidders and offerors to implement prequalification eligibilities for bidders and offerors if they submit evidence of compliance with certain requirements. Outlines qualifications for contract awards. Inserts definition for health care plan.

Introduced and referred to House State Government Committee, 5/19/2023

HB 1317  RE: Helping Disadvantaged Communities (by Rep. Jim Struzzi, et al)

Amends Title 62 (Procurement), in diverse/disadvantaged businesses, for definitions and for woman-owned business, minority-owned business or veteran-owned business and establishing the HUB Zone Business Procurement Program.

Introduced and referred to House State Government Committee, 6/5/2023

HB 565  RE: EIT Experience Requirement (by Rep. David Zimmerman, et al)

Amends the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law, repealing the requirement that four or more years of progressive experience in engineering work must occur after the issuance of an engineer-in-training certificate.

Reported as committed from House Professional Licensure Committee, read first time, and rereferred to House Rules Committee, 6/7/2023

HB 1295  RE: BPOA Hearing Examiners (by Rep. Kyle Mullins, et al)

Amends Title 63 (Professions and Occupations (State Licensed)), in powers and duties, further providing for hearing examiners.

Introduced and referred to House Professional Licensure Committee, 6/1/2023

Reported as amended from House Professional Licensure Committee, read first time, and rereferred to House Rules Committee, 6/7/2023

SB 188  RE: Economically Significant Regulation (by Sen. John DiSanto, et al)

Amends the Regulatory Review Act providing that an economically significant regulation is a regulation that, if promulgated and implemented, may reasonably be expected to result in a direct or indirect cost to the commonwealth, to its political subdivisions and to the private sector in excess of $1 million on an annual basis. Provides that a general permit is a permit issued by the Department of Environmental Protection in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Administrative Code of 1929, the Clean Streams Law, the Solid Waste Management Act, and the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act. Establishes that estimates of direct and indirect costs to the commonwealth shall be verified by the Independent Fiscal Office prior to the agency submitting them to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission. Provides that except for emergency-certified regulations, if a regulation is an economically significant regulation, the General Assembly adopts a concurrent resolution. Establishes the requirements for the General Assembly to adopt concurrent resolutions.

Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations Committee, 5/8/2023

Read third time, and passed Senate, 5/9/2023 (28-21)

 

SB 190 RE: Economically Significant Regulation (by Sen. Michele Brooks, et al)

Amends the Regulatory Review Act further providing for definitions and for existing regulations. Adds the definition for "economically significant regulation," and requires the agency to report to the commission the status, impact, and direct and indirect cost of any economically significant regulation in effect for three years.

Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations Committee, 5/8/2023

Read third time, and passed Senate, 5/9/2023 (28-21)

SB 633  RE: Regulatory Sandbox Program Act (by Sen. Jarrett Coleman, et al)

establishes the Regulatory Sandbox Program, the Regulatory Relief Office and an advisory committee; and provides for their powers and duties. Establishes the Regulatory Relief Office within the Governor's Office, directing the office to appoint a director that will report to the governor. Establishes the duties and discretionary powers. Establishes the Regulatory Sandbox Program, further providing for membership, terms, chair, quorum, advice and recommendations, staff, compensation and override of applicable agency disapproval. Establishes the Regulatory Sandbox Program within the Regulatory Relief Office, further providing for applications for the program.

Reported as committed from Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee, and read first time, 5/8/2023

Rereferred to Senate Appropriations Committee, and reported as committed from Senate Appropriations Committee, 5/9/2023

HB 1032  RE: Solar for Schools Act (by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, et al)

Establishes the Solar for Schools Grant Program; and provides for powers and duties of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Provides the purpose of this act is to expand the use of solar energy at school facilities in the commonwealth to help schools reduce energy costs, increase the resiliency of school energy systems, help schools reduce their carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants, grow employment and maximize the Inflation Reduction Act's solar energy investment tax credit in Pennsylvania. Specifies several definitions. Establishes the grant program in DCED and provides that the department will award grants to eligible applicants. Provides for the use of grants and grant awards. Establishes the manner in which an eligible applicant shall submit an application. Provides for the prevailing wage requirement. Specifies that an eligible applicant may receive a grant of up to 50 percent of the eligible project costs for the solar energy project. Establishes eligible applicant best practices. Provides for reimbursement, guidelines and audits.

Reported as committed from House Consumer Protection/Technology/Utility Committee, read first time, and Laid on the table, 5/23/2023

SB 685  RE: Installment Payments Whitmoyer Remedy (by Sen. Camera Bartolotta, et al)

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act, in liability and compensation, to remove a reference to "instalments of."

Introduced and referred to Senate Labor and Industry Committee, 5/5/2023

HB 181  RE: Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act (by Rep. Dan Miller, et al)

Establishes the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program and the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund; confers powers and imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposes penalties. Establishes the Family Medical Leave Insurance Program. Provides for procedures and forms from the department, notice of approved claims, information sharing, confidentiality and for cooperation among departments. Provides for powers and duties of the department to include administrating the program and everything it entails, and for the enforcement of the act through an administrative complain and appeals process. Provides for the eligibility for family and medical leave insurance benefits and for the employment and income eligibility requirements, the interaction with the Workers' Compensation Act and the Unemployment Compensation Act, for filing of benefits claims, medical certifications and provides for the adjudication of claims. Provides for the amount of benefits, including calculation, limitation and adjustment requirements. Provides contributions to the program by all persons employed in Pennsylvania, as well as for the commencement of payroll premium contributions and their calculation set at 0.588 percent of an individual's wage to start payments into the program. Provides for a payment schedule to evaluate the contribution in subsequent years. Provides for a reduced leave schedule to include nonsequential leaves, the impact on duration of the leave and the total amount of leave allowed. Provides for employment protections including restoration of position, health care benefits maintained, unlawful interference with benefits, and prohibition of retaliation. Adds the coordination of benefits to e concurrent with federal law and coordinated with other paid leave. Provides for the employer's obligations for coordinating benefits and prohibits subsequent collective bargaining agreements or employer policies. Provides for the administration and procedures to include the issuance of notices by the employer and requirements for the notice, including publication and display. Accounts for erroneous payments and disqualification for benefits. Provides for elective coverage for self-employed persons. Provides for violations of the provisions within the act. Provides for judicial review of any decision regarding the denial of benefits. Establishes the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund in the State Treasury. Provides for the depositing and appropriation of money to the fund, as well as for limitations on the fund. Requires an annual report on the program submitted to the chairs of the Senate and House Labor and Industry Committees. Provides for outreach campaigns to educate the public on the program. Establishes the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Advisory Board and its composition.

Reported as amended from House Labor and Industry Committee, read first time, and Rereferred to House Rules Committee, 6/6/2023

SB 69  RE: Recovery-to-work (by Sen. Wayne Langerholc, et al)

Act establishing Recovery-to-work as a pilot program within the Department of Labor and Industry (L&I); and providing for local recovery-to-work pilot programs, for incentives to encourage business participation and for powers and duties of the department.

Reported as amended from Senate Labor and Industry Committee, and read first time, 6/7/2023

House Republican Policy Committee
10:00 a.m., Room 205, Ryan Office Building

Public hearing on the Negative Impacts of the Energy Tax

https://www.pagoppolicy.com/livestreams

House Republican Policy Committee
10:00 a.m., Back Mountain Regional EMA, 3593 State Rte. 118, Dallas

Public hearing on Electrifying Our World: Impacts on Grid Integrity & Reliability

https://www.pagoppolicy.com/livestreams

Senate Consumer Protection & Prof. Licensure
9:00 a.m., Hearing Room 1, North Office Building

Public hearing on Solar Energy's impact on Pennsylvania Ratepayers.

LIVE STREAMED)

June                 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

June                5, 6, 7, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

PUBLIC WELCOME 

All Board meetings are held in person and remotely via Teams. https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/EngineersLandSurveyorsandGeologists/Pages/General-Board-Information.aspx#.VHNkfFZOk5s

Remaining 2023 meeting dates: July 21, September 28, and November 8

1 Technology Park, Commonwealth Technology Center (CTC), Harrisburg, PA 17110

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

2023 Meeting Schedule: June 8, August 10, November 16

https://www.oa.pa.gov/Programs/Information%20Technology/Pages/geoboard.aspx

Next meeting dates: September 14, 2023 @ 9 am • January 4, 2024 @ 9 am • February 1, 2024 @ 9 am (RAC Public Hearing – East) • February 29, 2024 @ 9 am (RAC Public Hearing – Harrisburg) • March 28, 2024 @ 9 am (RAC Public Hearing – West) Questions concerning these virtual meetings may be directed to Kristen Gardner at (717) 346-1497.

All meetings are scheduled to begin at 10 AM. https://www.dli.pa.gov/ucc/Pages/UCC-Review-and-Advisory-Council.aspx