6 New PA Laws Enacted: Here's How They Could Impact You

PENNSYLVANIA — Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed into law bills that impact a wide swath of state residents including midwives, firefighter spouses and emergency management officials.

The details:

• House Bill 1251: Allows nurse-midwives to make referrals for physical therapy and to sign fetal death certificates.

• House Bill 797: Enables the spouse of Pittsburgh firefighters to still continue to receive pension payments upon remarriage. State law previously permitted the cessation of a Pittsburgh firefighter’s pension payments to their surviving spouse upon the spouse’s remarriage.

• Senate Bill 507: Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1985 by liberalizing the licensing of certified midwives in Pennsylvania and allows midwives to prescribe treatment for opioid use.

• House Bill 2163: Allows dentists with a restricted a restricted faculty license to practice in clinical facilities owned and operated by a dental school or an affiliated nonprofit academic health care center.

• Senate Bill 848: Expands the role of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to provide advice on flood control and prevention.
• Senate Bill 867: Updates the state Accessibility and Advisory Board's ability to review and adopt future accessibility codes.