7 New Laws Signed In PA, 1 Vetoed

There are several new laws in effect in Pennsylvania, after Governor Tom Wolf signed seven bills on Friday, and vetoed one other. The new laws cover everything from increased penalties for hazing to allowing speed enforcement systems in highway work zones.

Here are the bills signed Friday:

The Timothy J. Piazza Law: The law, named for a Penn State sophomore from Hunterdon County, N.J. who died after drinking heavily at a fraternity party in February 2017, increases penalties for all those involved in hazing. It also requires schools to have policies and reporting procedures in place to stop hazing incidents, as well as establishes clear-cut parameters on hazing for organizations such as fraternities and sororities. Read more.

Act 86 (Senate Bill 172): The new law allows for automated speed enforcement systems in active work zones and establishes a pilot program for automated speed enforcement on highways. Automated speed enforcement cameras will be deployed in active work zones along federal aid highways under PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission’s jurisdiction. Drivers who exceed the speed limit by at least 11 mph when construction workers are present will receive a written warning for the first offense, a $75 fine for the second offense and a $150 fine for third and subsequent offenses. Read more.

Act 83 (House Bill 1414): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statute specifically permitting flashing or revolving lights in certain instances. The bill aims to better protect tow truck operators by authorizing the use of emergency lights to increase other drivers’ visibility. Read more.

Act 81 (House Bill 783): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in certificate of title and security interests, further providing for transfer of ownership of vehicles used for human habitation. Read more.

Act 82 (House Bill 1386): Amends the Public School Code, in certification of teachers, providing for instructional certificate grade spans and age levels and duties of the department. Read more.

Act 84 (House Bill 1499): Amends Title 68 (Real & Personal Property), in creation, alteration, termination, management of the condominiums, cooperatives and planned communities, for powers, for board members and officers; in protection of purchasers, for release of liens. Read more.

Act 85 (House Bill 2297): Designates several bridges and highways. Read more.

In addition to signing the seven bills, Wolf vetoed House Bill 2138. The bill would have required "able-bodied" people to work, seek employment, or attend a job training program as a condition of receiving medical assistance.

Wolf said the measure would be detrimental for those dealing with substance abuse disorders.

“Medicaid has served as a critical resource for Pennsylvanians who are suffering from a substance use disorder as our commonwealth battles an unprecedented prescription drug and heroin public health crisis. Through Medicaid expansion, almost 124,000 newly eligible Medicaid enrollees were able to access drug and alcohol treatment that is critical to helping patients recover from the disease of addiction,” Wolf said in a statement following the veto.

“This legislation does not promote health coverage, access and treatment. Instead, this legislation increases costs, creates unnecessary delays and confusion, penalizes individuals who need healthcare, and terminates health coverage for those who need it the most," he said.

Image via PA Governor's Office