HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro authorized a series of legislative measures into law on Monday, signing seven bills that address a range of significant topics, from memorializing fallen heroes to enhancing consumer protections and modernizing local governance. Each new law signals progress in key areas affecting Pennsylvania residents, with far-reaching implications for public safety, economic activity, and civic recognition.
The legislation includes House Bills 71, 1210, 1304, 1850, 2177, 2426, and Senate Bill 155. These new Acts address issues like honoring Gold Star families, protecting victims of abuse, improving emergency services, revising municipal accounting practices, updating motorcycle inspection rules, banning license plate flipping devices, and expanding consumer protections for motorcyclists.
HB 71: Gold Star Families Memorial Monument
House Bill 71, now Act No. 145 of 2024, underscores Pennsylvania’s commitment to honoring military sacrifice. The law authorizes the construction of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on the State Capitol grounds. Sponsored by the Woody Williams Foundation, the monument will recognize Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in military service. Its design reflects core themes of homeland, family, patriotism, sacrifice, and legacy. By creating a space for memory and education, the monument offers a lasting tribute to fallen heroes and their families, while fostering greater public understanding of their sacrifice.
HB 1210: Expanded Protection From Abuse Act
Act No. 146 of 2024, originating from House Bill 1210, enhances protections for victims of domestic violence by allowing judges to explicitly prohibit defendants from harming the victim’s pets. This addition to Pennsylvania’s Protection From Abuse Act addresses an often-overlooked aspect of domestic abuse, where abusers harm pets as a tactic of intimidation. This law empowers courts to address this specific threat, ensuring victims can seek safety without fear for their animals. By recognizing the connection between pet welfare and victim safety, the bill represents a critical evolution in domestic violence protections.
HB 1304: Modernization of 911 Emergency Services
House Bill 1304, now Act No. 147 of 2024, brings sweeping updates to Pennsylvania’s emergency 911 communication system. The legislation promotes the transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911), which enables advanced digital capabilities like text, video, and data sharing. It outlines provisions for surcharge collection, fund distribution, and coordinated operations across counties. By modernizing the state’s emergency response infrastructure, Act 147 enhances public safety and creates a system better equipped to handle evolving technological needs and emergencies in real time.
HB 1850: Updates to Township Accounting Rules
House Bill 1850, signed as Act No. 148 of 2024, introduces changes to accounting practices in second-class townships. Specifically, it clarifies that advertisements are required only during the initial vote to replace elected auditors with certified public accountants (CPAs). Subsequent CPA reappointments no longer require additional public notices. This measure reduces administrative burdens while maintaining transparency, ensuring that municipalities can efficiently manage their transitions between accounting professionals without undue procedural hurdles.
HB 2177: Flexible Motorcycle Safety Inspections
Act No. 149 of 2024, stemming from HB 2177, simplifies safety inspection rules for motorcycles in Pennsylvania. Previously restricted to inspections between March and October, PennDOT-certified stations may now perform these inspections year-round. This change aligns safety protocols with motorcycle operation and sales, which occur throughout the calendar year. By eliminating this restriction, the law promotes road safety while offering greater convenience for motorcycle owners.
HB 2426: Ban on License Plate Flipping Devices
House Bill 2426, now Act No. 150 of 2024, closes a loophole in state vehicle laws by explicitly prohibiting license plate flipping devices. These mechanisms, which allow drivers to conceal or alter license plates, can enable illegal activities such as toll evasion and reckless driving. The new law ensures accountability on the road, making it clear that the use of such devices is unacceptable. This commonsense measure strengthens enforcement efforts and reinforces the principle that all drivers must adhere to traffic laws and identification requirements.
SB 155: Lemon Law Protections for Motorcycle Buyers
Senate Bill 155, enacted as Act No. 151 of 2024, expands Pennsylvania’s Automobile Lemon Law to include motorcycles. Previously covering only cars, the legislation ensures that motorcyclists receive the same consumer protections against defects that significantly impair use, value, or safety. These protections apply during the first year of ownership or the duration of the warranty, offering critical recourse for buyers. By addressing an oversight in existing consumer protections, this law aligns motorcycle purchasers with the safeguards already afforded to car buyers.
A Legislative Framework for Progress
The bills signed into law reflect a commitment to practical governance and the enhancement of public welfare. “These new laws address real needs in our communities, from public safety to consumer protection and more.” Gov. Shapiro’s administration repeatedly emphasized bipartisan collaboration in advancing these measures, reinforcing Pennsylvania’s ability to tackle diverse challenges.
With laws now in place to honor military families, safeguard victims of abuse, modernize emergency systems, improve local governance, and protect motorcycle buyers, Pennsylvania stands poised to implement these initiatives for the benefit of its citizens. These Acts collectively represent a step forward in fostering safer, stronger, and more equitable communities across the Commonwealth.
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