Emrick Registration Act Bill Passes House 

Rep. Joe Emrick’s bill to update the Registration Act, and resolve matters stemming from the Davey Resources case has passed the House, and moves on to the Senate. HB 609, which has been the subject of intense and protracted negotiations over the past several sessions, passed the House on May 4, by an overwhelming 197-4 vote. As impressive as that vote total appears, it is not a given in the Senate, which did not finish consideration of the bill last session due to last minute intervention by some Senators on behalf of constituent GIS providers. We anticipate these entities will continue to work against the bill, and members are strongly urged to contact their Senators immediately to ask that it keep moving to the Governor’s desk.

In the News

PA DEP News Release : DEP Awards $2.4 Million in Driving PA Forward Funding to Transportation Projects to Improve Air Quality in Seven Counties

Gov. Wolf Announces More Than $48 Million For Infrastructure Improvements Across Pennsylvania
The Wolf Administration announced the approval of 116 new projects through the Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF), improving Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure and ensuring safer, more reliable transportation accommodation across the commonwealth. The projects total more than $48 million in funding.

More than 130 New Projects Will Improve Infrastructure, Enhance Community Development, and Protect Environment
The Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development Dennis Davin announced 135 new project approvals through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) for environmental and infrastructure projects in counties across Pennsylvania.

U.S. Energy Department Wants to Loan $43B for EV and Clean Energy Projects
U.S. Department of Energy announced that they will revive their Loan Programs Office, which has $43 billion in lending authority. The plan is to direct billions of dollars into the electric vehicle industry to boost domestic production and deployment, creating 647,000 electric vehicle jobs in the next five years, and make $4.5 billion available for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

House and Senate ERE Committees Hold Joint Hearing on Act 34

The Senate and House Environmental Resources and Energy Committees held a joint public hearing on April 27 on Alternate septic systems and Act 34 implementation.

  • House Majority Chairman Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) noted that this hearing would be discussing Act 34 implementation.
  • Senate Majority Committee Chairman Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) stated that the joint hearing is very important to look at Act 34 of 2020 and how it is being implemented by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as well as to look at what is happening out in the general public. He noted that he was the prime sponsor of the amendment to Act 537 and stated that the whole idea was to address the issue of alternate septic systems under the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act. He noted that the intent was to look at alternate systems and make them part of the planning process. He explained how in doing this they talked to a lot of planners, people out in the fields, and sewage enforcement officers as to how they should move forward. He noted how they have amended Act 537 twice in the past three years and stated that if they have to they will amend it again until the people on the ground think it is right and as long as it is environmentally sound.
  • Aneca Atkinson, deputy secretary, Office of Water Programs, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), thanked the committee for inviting her to discuss the DEP’s implementation of the Pennsylvania Facilities Act, Act 537 of 1965. She gave a brief history and explained that post-World War II suburban developments found that their grounds were unsuitable for on-lot sewage treatment, which ultimately resulted in pollution and the devaluation of their homes. Act 537 came as a direct result of the property devaluation and the public health and environmental issues. Atkinson explained that they are committed to the implementation of Act 537 and noted their goals for the program. She explained that the DEP has goals for Act 537: the first being to protect public health through the development and implementation of plans for the sanitary disposal of waste; to prevent and eliminate pollution of water in the state as well as a goal of providing for the issuance of permits for in-lot sewage disposal systems; and to encourage the use of the best available technology for on-site sewage disposal systems. She explained that the most recent amendment, Act 34, seeks to address the concerns in sewage facilities planning. She noted that it is primarily for the development of land with soils that have been considered unsuitable for using alternate disposal technologies.
  • The Committees then heard from several panels, including:
    • Kim Geyer, Commissioner, Butler County
    • Joe Gerdes, Director of Governmental Relations, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS)
    • Joseph Valentine, Secretary, Pennsylvania Septage Management Association (PSMA)
    • Paul Golrick, Board Member, Pennsylvania Association of Sewage Enforcement Officers (PASEO)
    • Adam Browning, President, Pennsylvania Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (POWRA)
    • Laurel Mueller, Certified Professional Soil Scientist and Sewage Enforcement Officer, Pennsylvania Builders Association
      Amy Hopkins, President, Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors (PSLS)
    • Sherri Martin, Public Policy and Political Affairs Director, Pennsylvania Association of Realtors
    • Jerome Shabazz, Chair, Citizens Advisory Council, DEP 
  • Chairman Yaw thanked the testifiers and stressed that the hearing was very informative. He said the committee will review testimony to see what can be done to satisfy what the “boots-on-the-ground” people told the committee. He asserted that the committee needs to recognize the rural nature of where the systems are applied.
  • Chairman Metcalfe concluded by thanking the testifiers and noted his appreciation for the testimony.

Video from the hearing, as well as the written testimony, can be found here: https://www.pasenategop.com/blog/erec-042721/

PA House Republicans Release Results of Economic Recovery Business Survey

This report was created by Chairman Martin Causer, House Majority Policy Committee, for the purpose of providing information to House Republican members about how businesses across the Commonwealth were impacted by COVID-19 and what the same business owners say they need to recover from the pandemic. The findings in this report are intended to provide guidance and information to Republican House members as proposals are introduced and considered. The Economic Recovery Task Force will use this information to form public policy recommendations as we move toward economic recovery so Pennsylvania can become the “Envy of the East.” The report  includes responses from over 900 businesses on the state’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic policy.

The second question to the survey asked, “What type of assistance from the state is the most critical/would be the most beneficial for your business?”  A plurality said the need for financial assistance was the greatest assistance requested by business owners. 334 business owners asked the General Assembly for some form of financial assistance. Low-interest loans and grants were the most common forms of financial assistance mentioned.

This Month in the PA Bulletin:

State Registration Board for Professional Engineers: Proposed Rulemaking; Licensure by Endorsement 

The State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists proposes rulemaking to allow for licensure by endorsement and sets forth the criteria to ensure that the standards for licensure are substantially equivalent or exceed those established by the board. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, recommendations or objections regarding this proposed rulemaking to the board counsel, State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists, PO Box 69523, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9523 or by e-mail at RA-STRegulatoryCounsel@pa.gov within 30 days (May 17). https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol51/51-16/600.html

Environmental Hearing Board: Proposed Rulemaking; Practice and Procedure

The Environmental Hearing Board proposes to amend and add new procedural rules with the following objectives: to provide the regulated community, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and persons challenging department actions, with more specific guidance on how to represent their interests before the board and improve the rules of practice and procedure before the board. This rulemaking is effective upon final-form publication. For further information, contact Maryanne Wesdock, senlior counsel, Environmental Hearing Board, Suite 310, 301 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, (412) 565-5245, mwesdock@pa.gov. Additional information is available on the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Read More.

Legislative Activity | The following bills and co-sponsorship memos for bills to be introduced of interest to PSPE were acted on by the General Assembly this past month. Copies of all bills of interest can be accessed by clicking here.

Bidding / Contracting

  • HB 104  RE: Assessment of Improper Payments (by Rep. Valerie Gaydos, et al) Amends Title 71 (State Government) providing that no less than once every two years, a commonwealth agency shall assess improper payments on any program which is not required under federal law. Provides that a commonwealth agency shall conduct an initial assessment of improper payments no later than 120 days after the effective date. Provides for the contents of the assessment. Provides that each agency shall determine whether the programs operated by the agency have a low, moderate or high risk of resulting in improper payments based on each program’s total amount of improper payments in dollars and total improper payments as a percentage of each program’s total expenditures, and that the assessment requires the discovery and reporting of causes of improper payments within high-risk populations. Provides for public information on payments and programs of commonwealth agencies.
    Reported as committed from Senate State Government Committee and read first time, 4/27/2021 
  •  HB 108  RE: Do-Not-Pay Initiative (by Rep. Clint Owlett, et al) Amends Title 71 (State Government) establishing provisions for improper payments; and establishing for the Do-Not-Pay Initiative. The legislation establishes that a commonwealth agency that makes payments by expending federal funds shall enter into a memorandum of understanding between the United States Treasury to participate in the Do-Not-Pay Initiative. Provides that participation shall include the use of the initiative’s online interface to verify the accuracy and integrity of payments issued by the commonwealth agency and an analytical review of the agency’s data through the initiative to improve the data collected and the integrity of payments. Requires an annual report for all participating commonwealth agencies and enumerates its content.
    Reported as committed from Senate State Government Committee and read first time, 4/27/2021

Budget Bills

  • HB 537  RE: Regional Small Business Grant Program (by Rep. Joe Ciresi, et al) Amends the Fiscal Code providing for small business grant program, imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development; and making an appropriation. Requires the department to provide grants in accordance with this article to regional networks for the purpose of administering and funding a regional small business grant program pursuant to which grants will be provided to small businesses that are adversely affected financially due to the coronavirus pandemic and the proclamation of disaster emergency. Appropriates $50,000,000 to the department from the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund to administer and fund the grant program.Reported as amended from House Commerce Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 5/5/2021
  • HB 1239  RE: Growing Greener III (by Rep. Chris Quinn, et al) Amends Title 27 (Environmental Resources), in environmental stewardship and watershed protection, further providing for legislative findings and for agencies and establishing duties for the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The bill is intended to create a Growing Greener III program.
    Introduced and referred to House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 4/20/2021 
  • SB 283  RE: Highway Drainage Facilities (by Sen. Scott Hutchinson, et al) Amends the State Highway Law adding language requiring the Department of Transportation, at the expense of the commonwealth, to construct and maintain all surface and subsurface drainage facilities connected with state highways within boroughs and incorporated towns with populations equal to or less than 2,500 based on the most recent decennial census.
    Reported as committed from Senate Transportation Committee, and read first time, 4/20/2021 

COVID-19 Related Legislation

  • HR 88  RE: BPOA Regulatory Waivers (by Rep. Todd Polinchock, et al)A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of the regulatory waivers and suspensions issued by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Introduced and referred to House Professional Licensure Committee, 4/8/2021
    Reported as committed from House Professional Licensure Committee, 4/19/2021
    Read third time, and passed House, 4/21/2021 (201-0) 

Environmental Building Standards

  • HB 141  RE: Nonbuilding Lots in MPC (by Rep. David Maloney, et al) Amends the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in subdivision and land development, establishing that the creation of a nonbuilding lot shall be exempt from regulation under a subdivision or land development plan with exceptions. Provides that a subdivision and land development ordinance shall include provisions allowing for the creation of two nonbuilding lots when presented with a waiver obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection which declares that there is no present need for sewage disposal facilities and that completion of sewage facilities planning is not required. If the owner or applicant of a subdivided parcel that has been granted a nonbuilding waiver subsequently desires to build upon or develop the property, the owner or applicant shall comply with all applicable statutes, regulations or ordinances in effect at the time of the desired construction or development.
    Reported as committed from House Local Government Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 5/5/2021 
  • HB 1240  RE: Clean Streams Law (by Rep. Chris Quinn, et al) Amends the Clean Streams Law, in other pollutions and potential pollution, further providing for potential pollution. The bill establishes that a project that is eligible for an exception or waiver or allowable within riparian buffers shall be exempt from the requirements in sections one and two.
    Introduced and referred to House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 4/20/2021
  • HB 1246  RE: High-Performance State Building Standards Act (by Rep. Chris Quinn, et al) Requires the design, construction and renovation of certain state-owned or state-leased buildings to comply with specified energy and environmental building standards; and provides for powers and duties of the Department of General Services. Establishes all major facility projects shall meet or exceed the prescribed level of achievement under the high-performance building standards.
    Introduced and referred to House State Government Committee, 4/20/2021
  • SB 611  RE: PFAS (by Sen. Maria Collett, et al) Amends the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act, providing for maximum contaminant levels.
    Introduced and referred to Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 4/27/2021
  • SB 612  RE: PFAS (by Sen. Maria Collett, et al) Amends the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act, in preliminary provisions, further providing for defs. and providing for disaster emergency declaration & for testing requirement, duty to report & public access; for powers and duties of department.
    Introduced and referred to Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 4/27/2021

 Local/State Government/Regulations

  • HB 72  RE: Reins Act (by Rep. Dawn Keefer, et al) Amends the Regulatory Review Act providing for review of proposed regulations and procedures of review for final-form and final-omitted regulations, and providing for concurrent resolution required for economically significant regulations. Requires the General Assembly to vote on a concurrent resolution to approve an economically significant regulation in order for that regulation to go into effect.
    Reported as committed from House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 4/20/2021
    Removed from the table, 4/21/2021
    Read second time, and rereferred to House Appropriations Committee, 5/3/2021
    Reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, 5/4/2021
  • HB 403  RE: Property Reassignment for Tax Assessments  (by Rep. John Galloway, et al) Amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally), in consolidated county assessment, providing for the land on boundary lines to reassign to the municipality or county of the owner’s choice and to be binding on all future owners unless subdivided.
    Reported as committed from House Local Government Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 4/20/2021
  • HB 950  RE: Subsequent Review of Disapproved Final-Form or Final-Omitted Regulations (by Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, et al) Amends the Regulatory Review Act further providing for procedures for subsequent review of disapproved final-form or final-omitted regulations. Agencies are prohibited from reissuing the same regulation in the future, or promulgating a regulation that is substantially similar, unless the new or revised regulation is specifically authorized by a law enacted after the date the concurrent resolution is approved or deemed to be approved by the governor or after the date when the General Assembly overrides the governor’s veto of the concurrent resolution. Further, a committee may report a concurrent resolution to initiate the repeal of any regulation currently in effect, provided that the committee conducts a public hearing on the matter prior to reporting the concurrent resolution.
    Reported as committed from House State Government Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 4/20/2021
    Removed from the table, 4/21/2021
    Read second time, and Rereferred to House Appropriations Committee, 5/3/2021
    Reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed House, 5/4/2021 (109-92)
  • HB 1089  RE: Training of Inspectors (by Rep. Sheryl Delozier, et al) Amends the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, in training and certification of inspectors, further providing for training of inspectors and trainee classification. The department may by regulation establish a separate trainee classification for each certification category, which shall be considered optional for all individuals seeking certification.
    Introduced and referred to House Labor and Industry Committee, 4/5/2021
  • HB 1144  RE: Conventional Oil and Gas Wells Act (by Rep. Martin Causer, et al) establishes general requirements relating to conventional wells, the development of oil, gas and coal, and underground gas storage; imposes powers and duties of upholding the act on the Department of Environmental Protection; and providing provisions relating to enforcement and remedies and related funds, parities and activities.
    Introduced and referred to House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 4/8/2021
    Reported as committed from House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 5/4/2021
  • HB 1287  RE: Storm Water Management Fees (by Rep. Jim Struzzi, et al) Amends Titles 8 (Boroughs & Towns) and 11 (Cities), in storm sewers and watercourses, providing that a borough may enact and enforce ordinances to govern and regulate the planning, management, implementation, construction and maintenance of storm water facilities. Stipulates that for the purposes of funding the construction, maintenance and operation of storm water management facilities, systems and management plans authorized under this chapter, a borough may assess reasonable and uniform fees based in whole or in part on the characteristics of the property benefited by the facilities, systems and management plans. Adds a new chapter providing for storm water management plans and facilities by towns.
    Introduced and referred to House Local Government Committee, 4/27/2021
  • HB 1288  RE: Storm Water Management Fees (by Rep. Jim Struzzi, et al) Amends the First Class Township Code adding language allowing the board of commissioners to assess fees for storm water management activities and facilities without the need to establish a municipal authority.
    Introduced and referred to House Local Government Committee, 4/27/2021
  • SB 312  RE: Right to Know Requests (by Sen. Michele Brooks, et al) Amends the Right-to-Know Law, in preliminary provisions, providing a definition of commercial purpose; in procedures, providing that an agency may require a requester to certify in writing whether the request is for a commercial purpose; and, in judicial review, providing that an agency may charge a requester additional standard fees related to records request for a commercial purpose. Provides additional provisions regarding fees and disclosure of financial information.
    Reported as committed from Senate State Government Committee, and read first time, 4/27/2021
  • SB 552  RE: Right to Know Requests (by Sen. Cris Dush, et al) Amends the Right-to-Know Law, in agency response, providing for vexatious requester. Provides that an agency may petition the Office of Open Records for relief from an individual that the agency alleges is a vexatious requester. Requires the executive director of the Office of Open Records or a designee, within five business days upon receipt of the petition, to notify the requester alleged to be a vexatious requester that the requester may, within 10 business days, file a preliminary response to the petition; and to, within 15 business days, inform the agency whether pending requests and new requests from the requester alleged to be a vexatious requester should continue to be processed or should be stayed pending resolution of the proceedings.
    Introduced and referred to Senate State Government Committee, 4/13/2021
    Reported as committed from Senate State Government Committee, and read first time, 4/27/2021

Permitting

  • HB 139  RE: Permit Administration Act (by Rep. Greg Rothman, et al) Provides for the administration of permits by state agencies, for a tracking system for permit applications, for the establishment of permit programs and for annual reports. The bill requires state agencies to establish, maintain and make available a secure online tracking system for applicants to track the status of applications. Delineates the types of categories that are required for reporting to the General Assembly.
    Reported as committed from House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 4/20/2021
    Removed from the table, 4/21/2021
    Read second time, and rereferred to House Appropriations Committee, 5/3/2021
    Reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed House, 5/4/2021 (113-88)
  • HB 604  RE: DEP Permit Decisions (by Rep. Jonathan Fritz, et al) Amends the Administrative Code providing that environmental permits and plan approvals are deemed administratively complete if it’s accompanied by a professional engineer’s affidavit attesting to the permit’s sufficiency; making related repeals; and abrogating regulations. Provides that the Department of Environmental Protection would deem permits approved unless the department shows evidence that the application is not sufficient. Permits or authorizations not accompanied by an affidavit by a professional engineer require the department to render a decision within 45 days.
    Introduced and referred to House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 4/8/2021
  • SB 28  RE: Permit Administration Act (by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, et al) provides for the administration of permits by state agencies, for a tracking system for permit applications, for the establishment of permit programs, for third-party review of permit decision delays and for annual reports. The bill requires state agencies to review their permit decisions and permit decision delays during the immediately preceding calendar year and submit a report of findings to the General Assembly. Further, a state agency shall establish, maintain and make available a secure tracking system for applicants to track the status of applications on the state agency’s website.
    Reported as committed from Senate Inter-Governmental Operations Committee, and read first time, 4/27/2021
    Read second time, and rereferred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 4/28/2021
  • SB 535  RE: Advanced Permit Review Program (by Sen. Gene Yaw, et al) Amends Title 27 (Environmental Resources), in administrative provisions, establishing the Advanced Permit Review Program to provide an expedited method, through the use of qualified licensed professionals, of reviewing applications for permits, and provides for the selection of qualified licensed professionals to perform an expedited review of permits submitted under the program. Provides for the permit review procedure, the erosion and sediment control permit procedure, and the dam safety and waterway management permit procedure. Establishes the Advanced Permit Review Program Fund and provides that the Department of Environmental Protection shall, not later than 12 months after the effective date of the relevant section, submit a written report to the General Assembly relating to the program implementation process.
    Introduced and referred to Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 4/8/2021

Professional Licensure

  • HB 609  RE: Engineers/ Surveyors Scope (by Rep. Joe Emrick, et al) Amends the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law further providing for definitions, for continuing professional competency requirements and for exemption from licensure and registration. The bill establishes a competency requirement for the completion of distance learning courses if the course relates to professional practice, and if it is verifiable and measurable by hours of instruction. Further, the act shall not be construed to require the licensure and registration of the practice of engineering or land surveying by a regular employee or agent of an electric cooperative corporation in connection with the facilities of the electric cooperative, provided that the electric cooperative corporation or agent thereof either shall employ at least one professional engineer or professional land surveyor or belongs to a Pennsylvania electric cooperative association that employs a professional engineer or professional land surveyor. The exemption is removed for the practice of engineering, land surveying or geology by any person or by any employee of any co-partnership, association or corporation upon property owned by such person or such copartner ship, association or corporation, unless such practice affects the public safety or health or the property of some other person or entity. Provides an exemption for the practice of engineering, land surveying or geology work by the employees, contractors or agents of cable service, VOIP, broadband internet or other service delivered over a cable system, a provider of enhanced telecommunications system, or a provider of telecommunications services if those services are in connection with or incidental to products of, or non-engineering, land surveying or geology services, rendered by the company. Exempts activities by licensed landscape architects and geologists.
    Reported as amended from House Professional Licensure Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 4/19/2021
    Removed from the table, 4/20/2021
    Read second time, and rereferred to House Appropriations Committee, 4/21/2021
    Reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed House, 5/4/2021 (197-4)
  • HB 855  RE: Paper Applications (by Rep. Clint Owlett, et al) Amends Title 63 (Professions and Occupations (State Licensed)), in powers and duties, providing that no later than 120 days after the effective date of the relevant section, the commissioner shall ensure that a paper application is available for an individual applying for an initial license, certificate, registration, or permit or a renewal and objects to submitting an electronic application to a licensing board or commission based on the individual’s religious or personal conviction.
    Reported as committed from House Professional Licensure Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 4/19/2021
    Removed from the table, 4/20/2021
    Amended on House floor, read second time, and rereferred to House Appropriations Committee, 4/21/2021
    Reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed House, 5/3/2021 (171-30)
  • HB 1094  RE: Professional Licensees Illegal Employment Act (by Rep. Rob Kauffman, et al) Prohibits certain licensees from knowingly employing illegal aliens; and imposing sanctions. “Licensee” is defined as an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity that holds a license issued by a licensing board or licensing commission.
    Introduced and referred to House Professional Licensure Committee, 4/5/2021
  • HB 1258  RE: Interior Designer Registration Act (by Rep. Kathleen Tomlinson, et al) Provides for the registration of interior designers; imposes powers and duties on the Bureau of Consumer Protection; establishes the Registered Interior Design Account; imposes penalties; and provides for abrogation of regulations. The legislation provides that the Bureau of Consumer Protection in the Office of Attorney General shall maintain a toll-free telephone number for callers to obtain information as to whether an interior designer is registered with the bureau and establishes penalties if an interior designer holds themselves to be a registered interior designer without meeting the requirements of the act. The bill also provides that a registered interior designer shall have the authority to submit interior construction documents to a governmental entity only after affixing their signature and registration number on the documents.
    Introduced and referred to House Consumer Affairs Committee, 4/21/2021 

School Construction

  • HB 1157  RE: Prototypical School Facility Designs (by Rep. Keith Gillespie, et al) Amends the Public School Code, in grounds and buildings, providing that the Department of Education shall establish a central clearinghouse of a prototypical school facility designs for school entities. Provides that a school entity must use a prototype design in the construction of school facilities to receive state reimbursement and provides exemptions from participating in the program. Provides that the department shall review and evaluate plans for inclusion in the clearinghouse using certain standards. Provides for a study by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee on the savings incurred by school entities that have participated in the program.
    Introduced and referred to House Education Committee, 4/16/2021

 Transportation

  • SB 283  RE: Drainage Facilities (by Sen. Scott Hutchinson, et al) Amends the State Highway Law adding language requiring the Department of Transportation, at the expense of the commonwealth, to construct and maintain all surface and subsurface drainage facilities connected with state highways within boroughs and incorporated towns with populations equal to or less than 2,500 based on the most recent decennial census.
    Reported as committed from Senate Transportation Committee, and read first time, 4/20/2021 S First consideration

Workforce Development

  • HB 602  RE: Career and Technical Education Incentive Program (by Rep. Clint Owlett, et al) Amends the Public School Code establishing the Career and Technical Education Incentive Program. Provides that by October 1, 2021, and each January 1 thereafter, a school entity other than a cyber charter school may elect to participate in the program. Provides each school entity that elects to participate shall provide notice of its intent to participate to the Department of Education and enumerates content to be provided in the notice. Provides for the qualifications for contributions. Provides further provisions related to tax credits. Certain sections of the act shall be effective immediately and some sections are effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
    Reported as committed from House Education Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 4/19/2021
  • HB 1025  RE: CareerBound Act (by Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, et al) Provides for school-to-work programs; establishes the CareerBound program; and imposes powers and duties on the Department of Labor and Industry.
    Introduced and referred to House Labor and Industry Committee, 4/12/2021
  • HB 1089  RE: Certification of Inspectors (by Rep. Sheryl Delozier, et al) Amends the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, in training and certification of inspectors, further providing for training of inspectors and trainee classification. The department may by regulation establish a separate trainee classification for each certification category, which shall be considered optional for all individuals seeking certification.
    Introduced and referred to House Labor and Industry Committee, 4/5/2021
  • SB 486  RE: National Guard Preference (by Sen. John Sabatina, et al) Amends the Workforce Development Act, in preliminary provisions, providing that Pennsylvania National Guard members or their spouses shall be given a preference for placement in any program under the Workforce Development Act for one year after the discharge of the member from active duty.
    Introduced and referred to Senate Labor and Industry Committee, 4/8/2021
    Reported as committed from Senate Labor and Industry Committee, and read first time, 4/27/2021
    Read second time, and rereferred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 4/28/202

Upcoming Meetings of Interest

Some House Committee meetings and session can be viewed online at: http://www.pahousegop.com/

Senate Committee meetings and session can be streamed at: http://www.pasenategop.com/

  • 2021 Senate Session Schedule
    • May                10, 11, 12, 24, 25, 26
    • June                7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30
  • 2021  House Session Schedule
    • May                3, 4, 5, 24, 25, 26
    • June                7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30
    • September      13, 14, 15, 27, 28, 29
    • October          4, 5, 6, 25, 26, 27
    • November       8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17
    • December       13, 14, 15

State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists Meeting Schedule

State Geospatial Coordinating Board2021 Meeting Dates

DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board Virtual Meeting Schedules For 202