Gov. Shapiro Signs 3 Executive Orders

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on Wednesday signed three executive orders that the administration said are meant to strengthen rights and protections for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and autism.

Effective immediately, the orders reaffirm the Commonwealth's disability nondiscrimination policy, establish new data privacy protections, reauthorize the Developmental Disabilities Council and create a new Governor's advisory commission focused on people with disabilities.

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The first order is designed to protect the rights and privacy of people with disabilities by reaffirming the Commonwealth's longstanding nondiscrimination commitment and emphasizing that the protections require renewed attention and action. The order, which replaces EO 2002- 5, also limits data collection by Commonwealth agencies to the minimum data necessary and says proper processes must be followed, including in health care, research and compliance in the law.

“Far too often, decisions have been made about people with disabilities, but not with them,” said Gov. Shapiro. “These new executive orders that I signed today will not only improve services for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, they’ll also give this community a real seat at the table — helping my Administration bring about real change and deliver on policies that Pennsylvanians with disabilities actually need. Here, we treat people with respect and dignity, and we believe in listening to Pennsylvanians with disabilities and giving them a seat at the table as policy advisors.”

The second order rescinds EO 2006-09 and EO 2016-03 and creates the Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities. The commission will have up to 30 volunteer members appointed by the governor, including people with disabilities, family members or people with relevant expertise, serving two-year terms. The administration is currently accepting applications for the Advisory Commission’s Executive Director position.

“I'm very grateful to Governor Shapiro for giving his attention and support to the autism community,” said Tom Bak, a musician and neurodiversity advocate who spoke at the signing along with his mother, Erin Lopes. “This executive order matters because it gives autistic people a voice in protecting their data privacy and autonomy.”

The third order rescinds EO 1997-2 and reestablishes the Developmental Disabilities Council so it can continue to fulfill Pennsylvania's obligations under the federal Developmental Disabilities Act. The announcement said the independently operated council will continue advising the governor, developing a statewide plan and advocating for systemic change across the Commonwealth.