The start of each two-year legislative session brings the chance to introduce and renew measures that shape Pennsylvania’s laws and policies. The journey from bill to law is detailed and involves significant input from constituents, community leaders, local officials, stakeholders and fellow legislators. I take pride in having worked to enact the following pieces of legislation.
Legislation Signed into Law
- Act 143 of 2024 – modernizing requirements for certification and expanding access to sign language interpreters in PA.
- Act 24 of 2024 – Established the Max Manufacturing Initiative Act, offering grants and loans to eligible applicants involved in advanced manufacturing. The act enables state universities to collaborate with engineering firms to enhance research, foster business partnerships, produce high-value products and create well-paying jobs.
- Act 61 of 2024 – Allows for the removal of doors on vehicles such as Jeeps and Broncos when operating on Pennsylvania roadways.
- Act 1 of 2023 – Eliminated all costs (including co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance) associated with screening breast MRI, breast ultrasounds and BRCA-related genetic testing and counseling for individuals at high risk for hereditary cancers who are insured under Pennsylvania law.
- Act 3 of 2023 – Corrected the effective date of Act 42 of 2022, which requires interconnected smoke alarms in family child care homes.
- Act 28 of 2022 – Aligned the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s boat registration period with the calendar year.
- Act 161 of 2022 – Updated the structure of the Port of Pittsburgh commission board.
- Act 55 of 2021 – Increased voluntary donation amounts to the Veterans’ Trust Fund when applying for or renewing a driver’s license, ID card or vehicle registration. The fund supports veterans and their families with housing, food, training, recovery and other needs.
- Act 89 of 2021 – Ensured more proper upkeep of veterans’ graves by providing for the placement, replacement and collection of flags.
House of Representatives Versions of Robinson’s Bills Signed into Law
- Act 103 of 2024 – Strengthens penalties for reckless driving and illegal racing on Pennsylvania’s roadways.
- Act 116 of 2024 – establishing an Ireland Trade Commission to strengthen educational, economic, governmental, and cultural connections between Pennsylvania and Ireland.
- Act 30 of 2024 – Allows stuffed toys sold in Pennsylvania to include recycled material.
- Act 39 of 2024 – Provides Pennsylvanians better access to personalized treatments following a diagnosis of cancer and other specific diseases through biomarker testing and precision medicine.
- Act 45 of 2024 – Establishes a fee structure for surplus lines insurance in personal transactions.
- Act 60 of 2024 – Allows recipients of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal to apply for a specialty license plate.
- Act 53 of 2023 – Allows state parole agents of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to wear body cameras for the protection of both the agents and the parolees.
- Act 32 of 2022 – Provides for updated confidentiality provisions for healthcare workers treating mental health patients.
- Act 33 of 2022 – Allows for healthcare professions to more easily share patient information while still abiding by HIPAA.
- Act 69 of 2022 – Created the Purple Star School Program to recognize and assist schools with providing services to military families and school-age children who frequently experience transitions in educational settings.
- Act 141 of 2022 – Increases penalties on public works contractors and subcontractors in Pennsylvania who fail to use the federal government’s E-Verify system to confirm that their employees are authorized to work in the United States.
- Act 112 of 2022 – Honors Pennsylvania veterans who have served in both Afghanistan and Iraq with the opportunity to apply for a special license plate.
Robinson Bill Language Included in State Budgets
- Extended the existing Pennsylvania Waterfront Development Tax Credit Program to encourage private investment in waterfront property that creates public access to the water, increase property values, restore ecology, and create jobs and economic growth.
- Established the Law Enforcement Recovery Grant Program to ensure that agencies across the commonwealth have the resources needed to properly serve communities and save lives.
- Increased the existing Film Tax Credit Program to encourage multi-year commitments from studios that choose to film in Pennsylvania.
- Allocated funds for a western Pennsylvania-based urban search and rescue task force. Other parts of the commonwealth will also have access to funding, all of which aim to complement Task Force One located in the southeastern part of the commonwealth.
- Expanded the Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to students pursuing post-secondary education.