Legislative Update September 2019 Rick Schuettler Executive Director, Pennsylvania Municipal League Secretary/Treasurer, PennPRIME rschuettler@pml.org
Small cell facilities deployment House Bill 1400, House Consumer Affairs Committee, June 11 Preempts local zoning More restrictive than FCC Order Lower permit application fees Lower Rights of Way Management fees No authorization to charge higher fees Larger antennas and higher poles
Restore pa HB 1585/SB 725 - House/Sen. Env. Resource & Energy Com., June 6 Bond: 4-year, $4.5 billion infrastructure investment Bonds paid by natural gas extraction tax Broadband, disaster relief, blight & lead remediation, flood control, business development Grant funding through existing programs
USE of radar SB 607; HB 1686 - House Transportation Committee, June 25 Broad use: all police/departments Radar and LIDAR Local ordinance and signage required 90 day warning period Conviction: 10 mph over speed limit Fine revenue > 20% budgeted goes to Motor License Fund
Traumatic stress in first Responders HB 432 - House Veterans Affairs & Emerg. Preparedness Com. Feb 11 Amends Workers’ Compensation Act Occupational Disease – claimant’s injury presumed to be caused by employment Police, fire-fighters, ambulance and rescue personnel, emergency medical services personnel, State Police Claims can be made after 4-years of service Allows cumulative exposure claims
Traumatic stress in first Responders HB 1459 - House Veterans Affairs & Emerg. Preparedness Com. Feb 11 Establishes mental health & wellness protocol for first responders in Dept. of Health Peer to peer support, trauma awareness training, toll-free helpline, stress management Removing the stigma
Workers’ comp for volunteers Senate Bill 94 - Senate Appropriations Committee, June 19 Clarifies fire and ambulance volunteers eligible for Workers’ Comp coverage Active volunteers who respond to emergencies, fire police, officers, directors Members providing regular, annually-approved operational support Social Members not eligible
www.pml.org/advocacy www.legis.state.pa.gov rschuettler@pml.org Questions? www.pml.org/advocacy www.legis.state.pa.gov rschuettler@pml.org