Jumping into the New Year: Six New Laws Signed in Harrisburg Last Week

This week, Governor Josh Shapiro signed six new Pennsylvania laws in Harrisburg. From unemployment to alcohol laws, Shapiro has been busy uniting the divided Pennsylvania Legislature to add new laws to the state’s legal fabric. It is important to stay updated on what is going on in your state so you know what to expect. 

At Sutton & Lovette, we want to help you stay informed on the legal happenings in your area and how they might affect you now or in the future. Read this week’s blog to learn about the advancements being made in the capitol recently. 

Law #1: Unemployment & Domestic Abuse

The first law signed updates the unemployment laws in the state to assist victims of domestic violence. It changed the law to now allow victims to submit confidential evidence of abuse to speed up unemployment claims. This allows people to gain unemployment benefits quicker than they would’ve been able to before. This law makes things easier for people who have experienced domestic abuse to take more control of their life and help support their families.

The law requires self-affirmation from victims that themselves or their family members’ safety would be immediately and directly jeopardized by employment. Following this affirmation, they have 120 days to provide additional evidence and documentation.

Law #2: DUI Charge Updates

Under the next law, someone arrested and charged with a DUI (driving under the influence) may be given the option of ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition). This is an assistance program that allows those charged with a DUI to get treatment they may need and provide community service in order to then expunge the violation from the record. Expungement removes arrest or criminal conviction data from your criminal record and provides you with a clean slate, as long as the petition is approved by the court. Further, the Supreme Court ruled that if someone has previously been provided ARD, it cannot be considered as a prior offense in new arrests. Because of this, prosecutors are unlikely to pursue ARD, even with the new law. 

Law #3: Nicotine

The third law to be signed in Pennsylvania creates a directory of legal electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Legislators propose that this system will provide more clarity within the market that is flooded with possibly dangerous products. This benefits consumers of these products, helping to ensure they are getting what is benign advertised to them and not something else. This also protects businesses that sell these products from selling something they are unaware of. The directory is the same as the one already in place for existing tobacco products. 

Law #4: Liquor Laws

The next law that Shapiro entered into the Pennsylvania Commonwealth is one that alters liquor permits. Under the new law, funerals and memorial services that employ catering businesses who serve liquor are able to obtain permits in 24 hours rather than the previous seven-day wait system.

Law #5: Township Code

The fifth bill signed into law last week is a clarification on the Second Class Township Code in the state that states, “if a majority of seats on a township’s board of supervisors are vacant, the Court of Common Pleas shall fill the vacancies upon petition by either the remaining supervisors or fifteen registered electors of the township.”

This clarification may seem technical, but it addresses a real governance concern. Township boards occasionally face unexpected vacancies due to resignations, deaths, or supervisors moving out of the municipality. When too many seats become empty at once, the remaining supervisors may not have enough members to legally conduct business or appoint replacements on their own. Without a clear process, a township could be left in a state of administrative paralysis, unable to pass budgets, approve contracts, or respond to local issues.

Law #6: Capitol Flare

Finally, on a bit of a lighter note, a bill to add a semiquincentennial flare to the PA Capitol building was signed into law. The state will obtain a commemorative bell at the PA State Capitol which will be displayed for citizens and tourists to see. 

Staying Up to Date on Pennsylvania Laws

The attorneys at Sutton & Lovette Law Offices encourage everyone to stay informed on the laws in our state. By staying knowledgeable, you are able to better protect yourself and your loved ones. Contact us today for help with all of your legal needs!