Lawmakers, Animal Advocates Urge Support for Animal Protection Bills, Farry Says

Oct. 15, 2018 /

WHAT: State Rep. Frank Farry will join with other lawmakers and animal advocacy groups to urge Senate passage of his legislation, known as the Motor Vehicle Extreme Heat Protection Act (House Bill 1216), which would prohibit the confinement of a dog or cat in an unattended motor vehicle in a manner that would endanger the health and well-being of the animal.

Long Overdue Organ Donor Bill Prepared to Become Law, Says Phillips-Hill

Oct. 15, 2018 /

HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania became a leader in organ donation advocacy 24 years ago with the passage of landmark legislation that created a set of best practices. According to state Rep. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York Township), the General Assembly has sent Gov. Tom Wolf a much-needed update of Act 102 of 1994 for his signature.

Pyle’s ‘Peeping Tom’ Drones Legislation Signed into Law

Oct. 12, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jeff Pyle’s (R-Armstrong/Butler/Indiana) legislation to prevent spying by drones, House Bill 1346 now Act 78 of 2018, was signed into law today by Gov. Tom Wolf. The primary intent of the bill is to protect public privacy by increasing the criminal penalties for using unmanned aircraft, often referred to as drones, to spy on or conduct surveillance of someone in a private place.

House Committee to Examine Program Proposal to Assist Rural Hospitals

Oct. 12, 2018 /

WHAT: The House Insurance Committee, led by Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna), will hold an informational meeting to learn more about legislation Pickett has sponsored to establish the Rural Health Redesign Center, a public-private partnership, which will administer the PA Rural Health Program.

House Committee to Examine Program Proposal to Assist Rural Hospitals

Oct. 12, 2018 /

WHAT: The House Insurance Committee, led by Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna), will hold an informational meeting to learn more about legislation Pickett has sponsored to establish the Rural Health Redesign Center, a public-private partnership, which will administer the PA Rural Health Program. With up to 30 rural hospitals at risk of closure, this program would help strengthen rural hospitals, keep jobs local and increase access to health care. Rural hospitals are currently paid in an unpredictable manner that leaves many suffering financially. Through the program, rural hospitals would transition to a payment model that would provide a stable and steady stream of revenue, allowing these vital health care facilities to better plan the types of health services their communities need.

Changes to Special Education Teacher Certification Coming

Oct. 11, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Changes to the way current and future special education instructors are and will be certified are a signature away from becoming law in Pennsylvania. Wednesday’s unanimous passage of legislation authored by state Rep. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York Township) sends House Bill 1386 to the desk of Gov. Tom Wolf.

Pickett Applauds Effort to Give Flexibility for High School Graduation Requirements

Oct. 11, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) today applauded an effort to give greater flexibility to students in meeting high school graduation requirements. Senate Bill 1095, which passed the House this week, seeks to ensure that students have more than one option to meet proficiency standards to earn their diploma.

House Endorses Nesbit’s DNA Bills to Update State Law

Oct. 10, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Two pieces of legislation authored by Rep. Tedd Nesbit (R-Mercer/Butler) to update the state’s laws with respect to DNA collection and use in the criminal justice system have been forwarded to the state Senate after being approved by the state House on Wednesday.