Gov. Wolf Signs 9 New Laws, Expands High-Speed Internet Access

PENNSYLVANIA — Gov. Tom Wolf signed nine new bills into law this week, his office announced, including legislation that expands high-speed internet access to underserved students, businesses, and residents.

House Bill 2071 creates the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, which will manage $100 million in federal aid for the project. The effort will include the construction of new towers, lines, and broadband equipment across the state to bring higher quality Internet to unserved areas.

"High-speed broadband at our homes and businesses has become essential to successful homes and communities," State Rep. Martin Causer said in introducing the bill. "Remote working, online education, and telehealth have become front and center in our lives with large swaths of Pennsylvanians being left behind. While Pennsylvania has received, and hopefully will continue to receive, more federal funding for broadband buildout, I believe that it is time for us to put our money where our mouths are and this legislation will help do that."

Other legislation signed by Gov. Wolf this week includes:

House Bill 291 and House Bill 1260

These bills amend the Pennsylvania Lottery Law to redirect additional funds and expand the eligible pool of senior citizens for the PACENET program. That program is described by lawmakers as a "lifeline" to help seniors pay for their prescription medications.

House Bill 1255

House Bill 1255 modifies existing law to provide a five year statute of limitations for individuals to recover damages against real estate appraisers, in cases when there is no evidence that real estate agents have engaged in fraud or intentionally misrepresented a situation.

State Rep. Andrew Lewis said that appraisers face lawsuits from as far back as 20 years, and often times these suits are filed due to some other "adverse event" out of the control of the appraiser. Furthermore, "many appraisers purge their files of all information related to an appraisal after five years. As a result, it is difficult for an appraiser to defend themselves against a lawsuit that is in relation to an appraisal that was done as long as 15 years ago," he adds in a co-sponsorship memorandum.

House Bill 1837

This new law, born out of the pandemic and the push to eliminate as much red tape as possible, would simplify the Workers' Compensation Act. It allows an individual signing a compromise and release agreement to provide a sworn statement before a workers compensation judge, rather than need to sign it before two witnesses or a notary.

Senate Bill 208

Senate Bill 208 is designed to ensure that funds designated for new construction are properly disbursed between municipalities and builders. At times, bill sponsors say, the current law is misinterpreted and too much funding is withheld by the municipality, restricting the builder's ability to get funds for other projects.

Senate Bill 772

This bill updates the state's Insurance Company Law, to put the state in line with the latest standards published by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Senate Bill 729

State Sen. Judy Ward's legislation allows nurse's aides to complete their education through online courses.

Senate Bill 869

This bill codifies several changes made during the pandemic made in the operations of the state's 29 boards and commissions. The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs will now permanently continue the following COVID-19-related changes in operation:

• Utilize public virtual board meetings
• Establish quorums through public virtual means
• Provide licensees with the opportunity to receive virtual continuing education
• Permit certain individuals who need clinical or supervision hours to qualify for licensure to be supervised virtually