By: David G. Greineder, IOM, ABC Pennsylvania Director of Government Affairs
We are now “on the other side” of the budget hearings and filing deadline of nomination petitions to run for office. On the later, in the next few weeks, ABC of Pennsylvania will be issuing a voter guide that lists the candidates running for statewide office and U. S. Congress. On the former, the legislature begins the spring session this week, which includes negotiating a 2022-23 state budget along with accompanying bills destined for the governor’s desk.
Regarding the spring session, ABC of Pennsylvania has been tracking various bills of interest, providing comments and feedback as they advance. Some notable bills to mention include:
- House Bill 591 (Brett Miller, R-Lancaster): Aligns Pennsylvania to federal rules that waives the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit on a land disturbance less than 5 acres. The bill passed the House by a vote of 115-84 on September 28, 2021. It has been referred to the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. ABC of Pennsylvania supports.
- House Bill 2324 (Carrie Lewis DelRosso, R-Allegheny): Requires contractors tied to the construction industry to register with the Department of Labor & Industry. The bill was referred to the House Labor & Industry Committee. ABC of Pennsylvania opposes.
- House Bill 536 (Barb Gleim, R-Cumberland): Sets the “default” journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio to a 3:1 and establishes parity between joint and non-joint programs. The House Labor & Industry Committee adopted an amendment to the bill on June 22, 2021. ABC of Pennsylvania supports.
- House Bill 424 (Todd Stephens, R-Montgomery): Prohibits indemnity clauses in construction contracts. The House Commerce Committee passed the bill on June 9, 2021, by a vote of 23-1. ABC of Pennsylvania supports.
- House Bill 1104 (Eric Davanzo, R-Westmoreland): Requires contractors and subcontractors working on a project to be listed on a building permit, if required by the building code official. ABC of Pennsylvania opposes.
- Senate Bill 119 (Joe Pittman, R-Indiana): Requires legislative approval before Pennsylvania enters a multi-state carbon tax program called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The bill passed the Senate on June 14, 2021, by a vote of 35-15. It has been referred to the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. ABC of Pennsylvania supports.
The spring session is expected to be full of activity, so please stay on top of news, information, and action alerts!
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Posted March 29, 2022
