The committee held a budget hearing with the Department of Transportation (PennDOT), represented by the following:

• Yassmin Gramian, Secretary | PennDOT
• Jennie Louwerse, Deputy Secretary | PennDOT
• Ken McClain, Alternative Funding Program Director | PennDOT
• Larry Shifflet, Deputy Secretary for Planning | PennDOT
• Kurt Meyers, Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services | PennDOT
• Mike Keiser, Acting Deputy Secretary for Highway Administration | PennDOT

Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny) highlighted the Pittsburgh bridge collapse and wondered how PennDOT will assist local municipalities in developing infrastructure. Sec. Gramian asserted bridge funding has increased due to the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill allocating $1.6 billion to Pennsylvania. She noted portions of the funding are used to repair bridges. Rep. Kinkead said the public-private partnership would add tolls to nine bridges. She asked what the result would be for funding bridge repairs instead of collecting tolls. Sec. Gramian cited $2.5 billion is needed to construct the nine bridges. She stated she has worked with PennDOT's planning partners to identify which projects require funding. Rep. Kinkead inquired how PennDOT plans to address the future when federal funds run out. Louwerse replied a 30 percent increase in funding to public transit projects, with PennDOT allocating $100 million to fund public transit companies would receive. She voiced her concern with rising inflation but expressed optimism towards having stable funding streams.

Rep. Lee James (R-Venango) also referenced the public-private partnership (P3) bridge project that will add tolls to nine bridges throughout the commonwealth. He asked if PennDOT had received bids for the bridges. Sec. Gramian responded it has. Rep. James inquired if they had received two bids. Sec. Gramian replied that is correct. Rep. James asked if either bridge bid was from an American company. McClain answered that the project will use several limited liability companies to carry out the work. He added several of these companies are in Pennsylvania. Rep. James wondered about the numbers for the bids since today is "decision day." McClain stated the selection process is in its final stages and is in a two-to-three-week timeframe for selecting and announcing the bid. He reiterated the project would use teams and added the teams are comprised of engineering companies, contractors, and investors, among others, to execute the bridge project.

Rep. Tina Davis (D-Bucks) requested an update on the highway and bridge construction program regarding its lettings and the overall program. Sec. Gramian answered in 2020, PennDOT finished with $1.6 billion in construction, and in 2021, about $2 billion. Keiser described how the program lowered goals due to the pandemic in 2020. He noted $279 million had been given in 2020 and spread over two years. He added the recent federal infrastructure funds allowed PennDOT to finish with around $2.5 billion for construction lettings. Rep. Davis inquired of the importance of the federal infrastructure bill for Pennsylvania's roads and bridges. Keiser responded federal funding had not increased for several decades. He explained the funding increase was something PennDOT had "looked forward to for many years coming out of D.C." Rep. Davis asked how the program adds to the "economic vitality of the commonwealth." Sec. Gramian answered for every billion invested, over 10,000 jobs are created. She added another $2.5 billion is for the development of related industries. "Now more than ever, transportation is providing essential services," she stated. Rep. Davis supported finding stable funding streams for the future.

Gov. Tom Wolf unveiled his eighth and final budget proposal to the General Assembly on February 8, during a joint session of the state House and Senate. The $43.7 billion proposal invests in education, workforce, and economic development initiatives. Gov. Wolf noted his first budget address seven years ago and the structural budget deficit of $2-3 billion at that time. “But we stuck it out, Democrats and Republicans,” he said. “We didn’t give up on each other. We didn’t give up on Pennsylvania.” He stated there is now a $2-3 billion budget surplus with a Rainy Day Fund of more than $2.8 billion. “We’re no longer digging out of a hole; we’re ready to build,” said the governor. “And this year’s budget does exactly that, making new investments that will build a brighter future for Pennsylvania families.” Gov. Wolf stated that Pennsylvania did not achieve a sound financial position by raising taxes rather than “paying our bills.” He noted education, specifically the Fair Funding Formula, is “still one big commitment left unfulfilled.”

The governor remarked, “Refusing to fund education equitably does not save us money. It just means we wind up spending more on social services, remedial programs, even prisons.” He continued, “We’re going to have to pay this bill eventually, and there’s never been a better time to take a giant step forward than right now.” The fair and equitable education funding outlined in the proposal allots:

• $1.55 billion increase in primary education funding
• $1.25 billion through the Fair Funding Formula
• $300 million in the Level Up initiative
• $200 million increase in special education funding
• $200 million for the Nellie Bly Scholarship Program
• $125 million for higher education, including $75 million for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE)
• $1 million to address college hunger
• $500,000 increase for the It’s On Us initiative
• $500,000 for adult and family literacy

Additional investments in child care and education include:

• $77.7 million to continue the increase in Child Care Works base rates
• $44.3 million in federal funds to reduce co-payments for families in Child Care Works
• $6.1 million to incentivize non-traditional child care
• $60 million for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts to fund enrollment for an additional 2,308 children
• $10 million for Head Start
• $30 million for new child care options for commonwealth employees.

The plan lowers education tax credit administrative set-asides from 20 percent to 5 percent. It includes comprehensive Charter School Law reform to align funding with actual costs and apply the same laws across all public schools. It also aims to increase the statutory minimum teacher salary from $18,500 to $45,000.

Regarding raising the minimum wage, Gov. Wolf said, “We are surrounded by states that are giving minimum wage workers a better deal. This is embarrassing.” The budget proposes a minimum wage increase to $12 per hour on July 1, 2022, with a pathway to a $15 per hour minimum wage. “If we adopt, for example, Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) and Rep. Patty Kim’s (D-Dauphin) plan to raise our minimum wage, the economic benefit to our commonwealth would amount to over $77 million in the first year,” said Gov. Wolf. He explained that includes increased revenues and savings from state benefit programs. “Our budget surplus is not an excuse for a spending spree,” remarked Gov. Wolf. “But it is a chance to make more investments that can open the doors to opportunities for more Pennsylvania families.” He discussed investing in job training, small businesses, and health care, including the opioid epidemic and mental health. “We can do so much more for our people, and we can do it without raising taxes one penny,” stated the governor.

Gov. Wolf stated the budget proposes changes to the tax system to make Pennsylvania competitive with surrounding states and improve the business climate. Investments in businesses and workers include reducing the corporate net income tax rate from 9.99 percent with a path to 4.99 percent, $30 million in funding for two new child care options for state employees, a $1.5 million increase for Industrial Resource Centers, $2.35 million for Invent Penn State, a $1.5 million increase for the Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) network; $8 million for job training through the Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA), and a $2 million increase to address food insecurity and help families have meals through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS).

Gov. Wolf’s budget proposal builds on improving reentry supports and reducing recidivism by reforming probation, increasing staffing resources by $425,000 to provide additional technical assistance to county juvenile probation offices and improve consistency between counties, allotting $1 million to make reentry services available at the local level for women, allocating $7 million in state funds for the Department of Human Services to open a wing of beds for elderly inmates leaving state correctional facilities with complex medical or behavioral health needs and to provide transitional support for medical release, and expanding Clean Slate to provide comprehensive reform. The governor’s initiatives to support vulnerable Pennsylvanians include $36.6 million to restore two-thirds of the cut to county base mental health funding, $32.3 million to serve additional individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism currently on the waiting list, $50 million to increase the personal care home supplementary payment, $190 million for nursing facility rate increases, $23 million to increase evidence-based home visiting programs, and $1.8 million to expand the Court Appointed Special Advocate program. Other investments include $10 million to establish a State Disaster Assistance Fund to aid individuals impacted by federally declared disasters but not qualified for traditional assistance; $3.2 million to create a statewide longitudinal data system to link data across child care, education, and workforce continuum; through the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, $284,000 for veteran service officers grants, $500,000 for the PA VETConnect systems, and $444,500 to enhance wellness and prevent suicide in Pennsylvania National Guard members; $100,000 for a strategic plan for industrial sector decarbonization; $5 million to fulfill critical program and operational needs at the Department of Environmental Protection; and $2.5 million to support outdoor management, recreation and safety through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. While Gov. Wolf outlined his vision for the state budget, he stated key budget priorities are meant to have long-lasting impacts on the commonwealth and its citizens. “This is the last opportunity for this group to convince Pennsylvanians that we can work together to do some essential things for the people we were sent here to serve,” he said. “We have a chance here in Pennsylvania to make a substantial contribution to our democracy.” He remarked, “Let’s remind the world that democracy works. And let’s do that with this budget.” ##

Democratic leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives jointly praised Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed budget at a press conference.

Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia), minority chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, emphasized there is $2.8 billion in Pennsylvania’s granular fund. He stated the party is back from the “fantasy island” to support Gov. Wolf’s “historic investments” as laid out in the proposal. He highlighted the investments in basic and higher education and the health care industry as the budget’s focal points. He supported the proposal’s aim to raise the minimum wage for workers across the state. He questioned why Pennsylvania has not followed nearby states and increased the wage. “[Republicans are] coming from fantasy island, talking about things that may occur or won’t occur,” he declared. “Let’s see how they talk the talk in June when the things they want to get done, they’ll certainly find the money to make those investments.”

Rep. Matthew Bradford (D-Montgomery), minority chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, criticized Republicans’ response to the proposed budget and asserted state Democrats have a “different idea” about the commonwealth’s trajectory. He asked what Republicans’ plan is when they “stand on the sideline” for solving statewide problems. He supported Gov. Wolf’s investments in education and the state’s long-term stability. He criticized Republicans for their inaction and affirmed he and his party understand they were chosen to lead.

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) endorsed the proposed budget and claimed it provides an opportunity to secure the party’s vision for Pennsylvania. He argued the budget will invest in the commonwealth’s economy, youth, and communities. He added there will be ensuing conversations to clarify the budget further.

House Minority Leader Rep. Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) declared her party is “on the right side of every single issue.” She echoed earlier sentiments that the proposed budget invests in regular Pennsylvanians. She highlighted funding for public schools to lower surrounding property taxes. She promoted aiding Pennsylvanians to attend colleges and trade schools, raise their wages, and provide child care. She underscored making the commonwealth a “business-friendly environment” and chided Republicans for voting against a proposed net income tax cut.

The Republican response was not as optimistic. Senate and House Republicans also held a press conference to discuss Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed budget after the speech.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R-Centre), a candidate for Governor in 2022, remarked that Gov. Wolf’s budget is a fantasy. “It looks nice, and it feels nice, but the problem is that it’s not based in reality,” he said. Sen. Corman detailed the governor’s budget overestimates revenue. “We will lead a disciplined approach with this budget to make sure we meet the needs of the commonwealth but not put the commonwealth into a very precarious position moving forward,” he said. Sen. Corman reiterated the need for legislators to be accountable to taxpayers for how their money is spent. He cautioned against the high expectations Gov. Wolf’s budget proposal may have created, especially concerning education funding.

Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) emphasized the importance of moving Pennsylvania past the pandemic. She emphasized that increased spending “will not happen in a vacuum” and would have lasting effects. Sen. Ward explained that the General Assembly passed a budget in June 2021 to transition from the crisis while keeping future needs in mind. She stated the Senate passed four tax code changes and four broadband bills and worked with the House and Gov. Wolf to remedy areas of the economy that were hardest hit in the pandemic. She reviewed the successes of businesses attracted to Pennsylvania after changing tax structures. Sen. Ward said she looks forward to working with Gov. Wolf to reduce the corporate net income tax (CNIT). “We’re going to continue with our same goals as the last session to get the commonwealth back on its feet,” she said.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patrick Browne (R-Lehigh) explained that the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) anticipates an increased structural deficit, which is difficult to see with many federal stimulus funds. He reported the commonwealth currently has a $6 billion surplus and will end the year with $3.4 billion in excess next year with $1.1 billion. Sen. Browne stated the governor had based his numbers on levels of spending that are not possible. He estimated that if the governor’s budget were enacted, the commonwealth would face a $16 billion deficit in 2026. “One of the governor’s legacies is not only the initiatives we consider together, [but] also what position he leaves the commonwealth in, financially,” he said. Sen. Browne urged Gov. Wolf to communicate with the legislature.

House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) emphasized that the legislature must be careful with what is done with taxpayers’ funds. He stated that the commonwealth must consider funding for current issues and remain aware of future needs. He lauded Republicans for refusing to raise taxes after Gov. Wolf’s previous tax raises. Rep. Cutler explained that money is not the only way to fix problems, but good policy choices. “We need to talk about the real problems facing our people, rather than just writing bigger checks,” he said. Rep. Cutler attributed the current surplus to good decisions the Republican caucus has made. “It’s not just always just about money, it’s also about policy, and it’s also about results,” he said.

House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre) remarked that Gov. Wolf attempted to revise history in accepting responsibility for balancing the budget and now pushing for the lowering of CNIT. He commented that he hoped to hear Gov. Wolf speak on remedying the unemployment crisis. Rep. Benninghoff warned the IFO anticipates deficits as soon as 2023. He pointed out that Gov. Wolf’s proposed budget would increase spending 20 percent, an additional $17 million per day. “The good news is that the governor’s budget is a starting point, I believe we can, and we will do better,” he said.

House Appropriations Committee Chair Stan Saylor (R-York) reiterated that the governor’s budget proposal seems to have occurred on “fantasy island.” He stated that Gov. Wolf’s spending plan would leave the next administration without reserve funds. Rep. Saylor reported that the governor’s spending plan uses an anticipated revenue of $5 billion higher than the IFO. “At the same time, his projection for next year only spends 0.3 percent higher than this year,” he said. Rep. Saylor explained that there has never been a budget that has increased so little. He emphasized continued support for funding public schools and noted that there is $5 billion from the federal government still waiting to be spent. Rep. Saylor “We cannot afford to lose business,” he said. “With these kinds of proposals, we will never be able to attract the good-paying jobs that we lose to Ohio and West Virginia.”

The PA Department of Labor and Industry amended Pennsylvania Code to adopt various alterations specified in the Construction Code Review and Advisory Council April 29,2021 report. The contact person is Matthew W. Kegg, director, Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety, L&I, 651 Boas Street, Room 1613, Harrisburg, PA 17121, (717) 783-6304, mkegg@pa.gov. Additional information is available on the Pennsylvania Bulletin. https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol52/52-7/230.html

HB 2324  RE: Contractor Verification Act (by Rep. Carrie DelRosso, et al)

Provides no one may hold oneself out as or engage in any act as a construction contractor without satisfying verification requirements; establishes the Construction Contractor Verification Account; makes an appropriation of $2.5 million for start-up costs associated with the act; and imposes penalties for violation of the act. Provides verification requirements, procedures for verification and certification of compliance. Nothing in the act shall affect the requirements specified under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, and a construction contractor who only engages in the business of home improvement shall be deemed to satisfy the verification requirements of this act. First violation of the act results in a warning letter and a 30-day period to correct, and subsequent violations include a $2,000 fine per day. Provides certain violations may include a $10,000 fine per violation.

Introduced and referred to House Labor and Industry Committee, 2/4/2022

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HB 2334  RE: E-Verify (by Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, et al)

Amends the Public Works Employment Verification Act further providing for the requirement that public contractors and subcontractors use the federal E-Verify system for new hires. Requires public contractors and subcontractors to submit proof of registration with E-Verify. Increases penalties for those who fail to use E-Verify. Requires the Department of General Services to oversee requirements and accept complaints and reimbursement from contractors and subcontractors for the cost of an audit if in violation of the law.

Introduced and referred to House Labor and Industry Committee, 2/9/2022

 

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SB 478  RE: Award of Contracts for Services When No Bids Are Received (by Sen. Cris Dush, et al)

Amends "An act authorizing political subdivisions, municipality authorities and transportation authorities to enter into contracts for the purchase of goods and the sale of real and personal property where no bids are received," establishing the short title of the Public Contract Bid Nonreceipt Act and further providing for when a political subdivision, municipal authority or transportation authority is required to advertise for bids in order to enter a contract but no bids are received. Provides a political subdivision must first advertise the bid a second time. If no bids are received within 15 days of the second advertisement, they must begin negotiations for a contract to obtain the services previously advertised with any provider not otherwise disqualified by law or an enactment or policy of the governing body. Provides for public disclosure of the identity of parties, proposed contract price and a summary of the other terms and conditions relating to any proposed contract in order to demonstrate that the services to be procured are consistent with those previously advertised. Provides for penalties related to the evasion of advertisement requirements.

Reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, 2/7/2022

 

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SB 1043  RE: Steel Products Procurement (by Sen. Pat Stefano, et al)

Amends the Steel Products Procurement Act requires a centralized portal for the electronic submission of documentation. A public agency must create a centralized portal to allow for the electronic submission of the documentation required. Will reduce the amount of paperwork required as steel leaves the mill, to the manufacturer or fabricator, to the contractor, and ultimately submitted to a Pennsylvania agency for review, while maintaining an auditable record of the products.

Introduced and referred to Senate State Government Committee, 2/3/2022

Reported as committed from Senate State Government Committee, and read first time, 2/7/2022

Read second time, and rereferred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 2/8/2022

HB 2020  RE: Growing Greener III (by Rep. Lynda Culver, et al)

Establishes the framework for a Growing Greener III program. Amends Title 27 (Environmental Resources) in environmental stewardship and watershed protection, specifying for fiscal year 2021-2022, $500 million shall be appropriated from the American Rescue Plan Act funds to the General Fund. Replaces legislative findings with updated language; for the 2021-2022 fiscal year and each subsequent fiscal year, 45 percent shall go to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 40 percent to the Department of Environmental Protection, and 15 percent to the Department of Agriculture; further provides language specifying the projects that can be funded for each department. Updates title to reflect these changes.

Introduced and referred to House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 2/3/2022

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HB 2220 RE: FY 2022/23 Budget (by Rep. Matt Bradford, et al)

Act to provide from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative & Judicial Departments, the public debt & the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.

Filed, 2/25/2022

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HB 2235  RE: FY 2022-23 Captial Budget (by Rep. Matt Bradford, et al)

Provides for the capital budget for the fiscal year 2022-2023.

Filed, 2/25/2022

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SB 291  RE: Capital Budget Act of 2021-2022 (by Sen. Vincent Hughes, et al)

Provides for the capital budget for the fiscal year 2021-2022 and for limitation on redevelopment assistance capital projects; and making a related repeal. Appropriates the following amounts: building and structures ($550,000,000), furniture and equipment ($10,000,000), transportation assistance projects ($175,000,000), redevelopment assistance projects ($1,275,000,000), and flood control projects ($0). Further provides the maximum amount of redevelopment assistance capital projects undertaken by the commonwealth for which obligations are outstanding shall not exceed, in aggregate, $4,050,000,000. Repeals section 2.1 of the Capital Budget Act of 2019-2020. Effective July 1, 2021, or immediately, whichever is later.

Read second time, and rereferred to House Appropriations Committee, 2/7/2022

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SB 915  RE: Capital Budget Project Itemization Act of 2021-2022 (by Sen. Pat Browne, et al)

Provides for the budget for fiscal year 2021-2022; itemizes public improvement projects, furniture and equipment projects, transportation assistance, redevelopment assistance projects, flood control projects, and provides appropriations. This act outlines the projects included in the budget and their allocation for the fiscal year organized by department and county.

Read second time, and rereferred to House Appropriations Committee, 2/7/2022

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SB 1060  RE: FY 2022/23 Budget (by Sen. Vincent Hughes, et al)

Allocates funds from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments, the public debt, and public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. Effective July 1, 2022, or immediately, whichever is later.

Introduced and referred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 2/18/2022

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SB 1075  RE: 2022-23 Capital Budget Act (by Sen. Vincent Hughes, et al)Pprovides for budget fund appropriations for the fiscal year 2022-2023; appropriates funds for capital projects. Provides $600 million for public improvement projects, $10 million for furniture and equipment, $175 million for transportation assistance projects, $350 million for redevelopment assistance projects, and $1.135 billion for flood control projects. Effective July 1, 2022, or immediately, whichever is later.

Introduced and referred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 2/18/2022

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SB 1100  RE: FY 2022/23 Budget Bill (by Sen. Patrick Browne, et al)

Act to provide from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative & Judicial Departments, the public debt & the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.

Introduced and referred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 2/28/2022

 

SB 1019  RE: Temporary Regulatory Flexibility Authority (by Sen. Michele Brooks, et al)

Amends the Administrative Code, in temporary regulatory flexibility authority, providing by no later than May 31, 2022, each agency shall issue a permanent suspension report identifying any regulatory statute, rule or regulation that was temporarily suspended pursuant to the declaration that the authority believes should be considered for a permanent suspension.

Removed from table, 2/7/2022

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SB 1086  RE: COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance Program (by Sen. Lisa Boscola, et al)

Amends Fiscal Code in emergency COVID-19 response, providing main street business revitalization. The sum of $500 million will be transferred from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Department of Community and Economic Development for distribution through the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance Program to main street businesses no later than 10 days after the effective date of this section.

Introduced and referred to Senate Community, Economic & Recreational Development Committee, 2/24/2022

HB 1842  RE: Clean Streams Legislation (by Rep. David Zimmerman, et al)

Amends the Clean Streams Law adding a new section providing for notice of discharge endangering public health or environment. Requires a person who spills, discharges or releases a substance into the waters of the commonwealth, or on a location from which the substance is likely to enter the waters of the commonwealth, taking into account any control and remedial measures, to notify the Department of Environmental Protection if the spill, discharge or release is not authorized by a permit from the department and is likely to render the receiving waters harmful to public health or the environment. Requires the Environmental Quality Board, no later than 180 days of the effective date of the legislation, to publish for public comment proposed regulations establishing reportable quantities or other readily ascertainable standards by which a person may determine whether a spill, discharge or release is likely to render the receiving water harmful to public health or the environment. Also requires the board, no later than 365 days after the effective date, to promulgate final regulations establishing reportable quantities or other readily ascertainable standards by which a person may determine whether a spill, discharge or release is likely to render the receiving water harmful to public health or the environment.

Read second time, and Rereferred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 2/7/2022

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HB 2331  RE: Watershed Stormwater Plans (by Rep. Barbara Gleim, et al)

Amends the Storm Water Management Act requiring annual active water quality testing of all waterways identified as in need of a watershed stormwater plan; and making editorial changes.

Introduced and referred to House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 2/9/2022

 

HB 1665  RE: Indemnification Agreements (by Rep. Chris Quinn, et al)

Amends the act entitled "An act relating to indemnification agreements between architects, engineers or surveyors and owners, contractors, subcontractors or suppliers" to reflect the addition of indemnification agreements relating to snow removal or ice control services. Provides that any provision in a snow removal or ice control services contract which provides that the receiver shall be indemnified, held harmless or insured by the provider from costs arising out of bodily injury to persons, damage to property or economic damage caused due to the receiver's negligence shall be void if the provider has been directed not to perform the snow removal or ice control services by the receiver. Defines "snow removal or ice control services contract" as a contract or agreement for the performance of, or incidental to, any plowing, relocation, or other removal of snow or mixed precipitation or deicing services and includes moving snow or deicing equipment or materials. A provider of snow removal or ice control services shall include agents and employees of the provider.

Reported as amended from Senate Judiciary Committee, and read first time, 2/9/2022

HB 1790  RE: Pennsylvania Construction Code Transparency (by Rep. Jason Silvis, et al)

Amends the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, in adoption and enforcement by municipalities, providing that written notification shall provide specific references to applicable Uniform Construction Codes (UCC) the code administrator requires applications to be in compliance with before the application can be approved; and, in training and certification of inspectors, further providing for what a construction code official shall perform in a required inspection. Provides for corrective action to include decertification or refusal to certify.

Removed from the table, 2/9/2022

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HB 1877  RE: Municipal Boundary Changes (by Rep. Bob Freeman, et al)

Amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally), in alteration of territory or corporate entity and dissolution, providing that when a boundary changes and results in a municipality that lies partly in one county and partly in one or more other counties, the territory within the municipality shall, for county purposes, be and remain a part of the county in which the respective territory is physically located. Provides general rules for stream boundaries and boundary change agreements by abutting municipalities. A court of common pleas may, upon presentation of a petition, ascertain and establish disputed boundaries of two or more municipalities. Further provides for judicial ascertainment procedure. Also provides that in addition to the procedures that apply to the proposal and adoption of ordinances, each municipality shall accept public comment on the proposed ordinance at a regular or special meeting occurring no less than 10 days after the ordinance is introduced and occurring no less than 10 days prior to the adoption of the ordinance. Repeals statute that is inconsistent with this act.

Read second time and rereferred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 2/7/2022

HB 1104  RE: Transparency on Non-Residential Construction Sites (by Rep. Eric Davanzo, et al)

Amends the Construction Code Act adding a new subsection requiring a permit holder to disclose the contractor and subcontractors doing work on the job to the code official prior to any work being performed by the contractor and subcontractors. The names of the contractor and subcontractors shall be posted with the building code permit.

Removed from the table, 2/9/2022

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HB 2365  RE: Permit Review Process (by Rep. Jonathan Fritz, et al)

Amends Title 72 (Environmental Resources), providing for permit review process and establishing the Permitting Technology Restricted Account.

Filed, 2/24/2022

HB 1281  RE: Legislation to amend the public works contracting provisions of Title 62 PACS  (by Rep. Sheryl Delozier, et al)

Amends Title 62 (Procurement), in contracts for public works, providing that no specification for a contract awarded may be written in such a manner to contain proprietary, exclusionary or discriminatory requirements other than those based upon the performance unless requirements are necessary to test or demonstrate a specific feature or provide for necessary interchangeability of parts or equipment.

Reported as committed from House State Government Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 2/9/2022

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HB 2159  RE: Reforming the Emergency Procurement Process (by Rep. Jason Ortitay, et al)

Amends Title 62 (Procurement), in emergency procurement, replacing language so the head of a purchasing agency may make an emergency procurement for supply, service, or construction. Provides guidelines and requirements that the secretary of general services may only make an emergency procurement upon the written request of a state agency head, that emergency procurements valued over $1 million may only be made upon approval by the Emergency Procurement Approval Committee, that the head of an agency may only make an emergency procurement upon meeting certain criteria, shall solicit no fewer than two quotes for an emergency procurement, may authorize the payment of the consideration for the emergency procurement based on an approved invoice, and shall make written determinations in the procurement file. The Emergency Procurement Approval Committee is established in the Department of General Services, with its membership, meeting requirements, and approval requirements detailed. And, in public access to procurement records, and in Title 35 (Health and Safety) in laws suspended during emergency assignments, adding language to reflect the additions.

Removed from the table, 2/8/2022

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HB 2269  RE: Government Contracts (by Rep. Dawn Keefer, et al)

Amends Title 62 (Procurement), in source selection and contract formation, further providing for debarment or suspension; adds a demonstrated history of unsatisfactory performance for a government agency contract or subcontract in another state for another public owner as grounds for debarment or suspension.

Removed from the table, 2/8/2022

HB 1801  RE: Registration Law Updates (by Rep. David Zimmerman, et al)

Amends the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law repealing the requirement that four or more years of progressive experience in engineering work must occur after the issuance of the engineer-in-training certificate. Amends language to provide definition of "engineer intern." Updates existing language to newer style and to reflect the added definition.

Reported as amended from Senate Consumer Protection & Prof. Licensure Committee, and read first time, 1/25/2022

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HB 1868  RE: Military and Veterans' Licensure (by Rep. Zach Mako, et al)

Amends Title 63 (Professions and Occupations (State Licensed)) repealing and replacing existing language and establishing a new chapter relating to military and veterans' licensure. Provides requirements for the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs relating to licensing for military applicants, examining relevant military experience, approving renewal of licenses for deployed servicemembers, gathering license fees, and submitting information reports to various state officials.

Reported as amended from Senate Consumer Protection & Prof. Licensure Committee, and read first time, 1/25/2022

Read second time, and rereferred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 1/26/2022

 

No Updates

Dates are subject to change

• March: 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30
• April: 11, 12, 13, 25, 26, 27
• May: 23, 24, 25
• June: 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30
• September: 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21
• October: 24, 25, 26
• November: 14, 15, 16

Dates are subject to change

• March: 28, 29, 30
• April: 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13
• May: 23, 24, 25
• June: 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30

Time | 1:30 - 3:00 PM EST

2022 Meeting Dates

• March 9
• May 16
• July 13
• September 23
• November 8

Information |

• Public Welcome
• All Board meetings are held remotely via Webex until further notice:  https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/EngineersLandSurveyorsandGeologists/Pages/General-Board-Information.aspx#.VHNkfFZOk5s

The Department of Environmental Protection’s State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers will meet as follows:

Location | 12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg

2022 Meeting Dates

• April 20
• September 7
• October 12
• November 30

Minutes can be found here: https://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/AdvisoryCommittees/WaterAdvisory/SEO/Pages/default.aspx

Join  | https://www.dli.pa.gov/ucc/Pages/UCC-Review-and-Advisory-Council.aspx

Start time | 10:00 AM EST

2022 Meeting Dates

• March 10
• May 12
• July 14
• October 13

Minutes can be found here: https://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/AdvisoryCommittees/WaterAdvisory/SEO/Pages/default.aspx

Location | 1 Technology Park, Commonwealth Technology Center (CTC), Harrisburg, PA 17110

Time |  1:30 - 3:00 PM EST

2022 Meeting Dates

• March 17
• May 26
• August 11
• November 17

Additional Information: https://www.oa.pa.gov/Programs/Information%20Technology/Pages/geoboard.aspx 

Date | Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Time | 10:00 AM EST

Location | House Floor, Room 1, North Office Building or Live Stream

Budget Hearing | Dept. of Labor & Industry

2022 Meeting Dates:

• March 10
• May 12
• July 14
• October 13

Individuals can join the virtual meetings by means of Zoom. The virtual meeting ID is 991 2180 9216. The passcode is 170867. Questions concerning these virtual meetings may be directed to Kristen Gardner at (717) 346-1497.

All meetings are scheduled to begin at 10 AM. https://www.dli.pa.gov/ucc/Pages/UCC-Review-and-Advisory-Council.aspx

2022 Meeting Dates:

• April 20
• September 7
• October 12
• November 30

The Department of Environmental Protection’s State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers met on Wednesday, November 18, 2021. Minutes can be found here: https://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/AdvisoryCommittees/WaterAdvisory/SEO/Pages/default.aspx