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The Weekly Roundup
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#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Supporting Victims of Childhood Sex Abuse
This week, the Legislature demonstrated its support for victims of childhood sexual abuse by passing bills to aid them. Gov. Tom Wolf has indicated he will sign the legislation into law.
House Bill 962 would allow childhood victims to file civil and criminal lawsuits until they reach age 55. That age is currently 30 under the statute of limitations. The bill would also remove the statute of limitations altogether for criminal cases. Young adult victims would have until the age of 30 to file civil claims and 20 years to file criminal prosecutions.
House Bill 963 would provide a two-year window to submit claims in civil court if the statute of limitations has already expired for that victim. The change would require a constitutional amendment. For that to happen, the bill would need to be approved again in the next legislative session and then go before voters as a ballot question, which could happen as early as Spring 2021.
The two bills, together known as the Hidden Predator Act, were recommendations that came out of the Grand Jury investigation into clergy sex assaults in Pennsylvania.
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Task Force Releases Transportation Funding Report
This week, a House task force investigating how to better fund transportation infrastructure in Pennsylvania released its report during a Capitol news conference I attended.
The task force concluded that shortfalls in funding for highway and bridge improvements is linked, in part, to the spending of PennDOT Motor License Fund money on non-transportation-related projects.
I commend the task force for making some really good suggestions for speeding up the permitting process and freeing up additional funding for transportation infrastructure projects without raising taxes. Learn more here.
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Working Toward a Healthier PA
Continuing our commitment to delivering affordable and accessible health care options for Pennsylvania families regardless of where they live, the House advanced several health-related initiatives this week, including a bill I am sponsoring. House Bill 941 would bring much-needed transparency to the pricing practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
I heard from pharmacies in my district about how they are being negatively impacted by the severe cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates determined by PBMs. This legislation will help to ensure these community pharmacies are able to survive and serve their customers of all ages, especially in rural areas of the state.
Other measures adopted by the House include additions to the state’s newborn screening procedures and requiring patients being prescribed opioids to have a treatment agreement with a prescriber to ensure they understand the risk of addiction, dangers of overdose and their responsibility regarding treatment.
Learn more about the #HealthierPA initiative here.
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Sunday Hunting Bill Advances to Governor’s Desk
After years of debate, a Sunday hunting bill was sent to the governor’s desk this week after the Senate passed amendments made by the House. Senate Bill 147 would legalize hunting on three Sundays a year, guaranteeing one during the deer rifle season and another one during deer archery season. The third Sunday would be designated during a hunting season by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
The bill includes a provision that requires Sunday hunters get written permission from a landowner to hunt on their property. Violators would face a fine of up to $500.
If the bill is signed into law by the governor, the changes would take effect next year. Pennsylvania is currently one of only three states that does not allow Sunday hunting.
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Internships Available to Local College Students
Local college students with an interest in state government are encouraged to apply for unpaid internships at my district offices in Weissport and Albrightsville.
These internships provide students the opportunity to learn more about state government, the legislative process and the responsibilities of a Pennsylvania state representative. They will get a hands-on learning experience that cannot be taught through a textbook.
Applicants must be Carbon County residents. They can call our Weisssport office for details at 610-377-6363, or apply in person at 204B Bridge St.
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Wishing You and Your Family a Very Happy Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope that you and your family will have the opportunity to spend this holiday together and enjoy the comforts of good food and make great memories together. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!
My district offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29, in observance of the holiday.
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| Office Locations |
| 204B Bridge St., Weissport, PA 18235 | (610) 377-6363 |
| 2681 State Route 903, Unit 3, Albrightsville, PA 18210 | (570) 722-8700 |
| Room 420 Irvis Office Building, PO Box 202122, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2122 | (717) 260-6139 |
| Email: dheffley@pahousegop.com |
| TTY: 855-282-0614 |
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