Editor’s note: A look at legislation passed in Pennsylvania and how our local delegation voted.

Monday July 1

House of Representatives

Senate Bill 1173

The bill requires real estate salespersons conducting residential wholesale transactions in Pennsylvania to obtain a license under the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act. It also ensures that consumers are informed when engaging in wholesale transactions by receiving proper disclosures.

202 yes, 1 on leave.

Yes: Jamie Barton, Ryan Mackenzie, Zack Mako, Jack Rader, Doyle Heffley and Tim Twardzik.

Senate Bill 645

The bill establishes a ten-year limitation for acquiring title to vacant land specifically for gardens. This change would allow individuals and organizations that have restored blighted lots and maintained them as gardens for at least five years to pursue clear ownership.

102 yes, 100 no, 1 on leave

No: Barton, Mackenzie, Mako, Rader, Heffley and Twardzik.

Senate Bill 464

The bill provides for pension service credit for prior service with police departments. This means that uniformed police officers may have the option to purchase up to five years of pension service for their prior part- or full-time police service.

201 yes, 1 no, 1 on leave

Yes: Barton, Mackenzie, Mako, Rader, Heffley and Twardzik.

Senate Bill 149

The bill introduces a provision related to the sale of property, allowing for the establishment of a county demolition and rehabilitation fund. This fund would support the demolition or rehabilitation of blighted properties. Essentially, counties could levy fees upon the purchase of tax-delinquent or real estate-owned properties, directing those fees into this fund.

109 yes, 93 no, 1 leave.

Yes: Twardzik

No: Barton, Mackenzie, Mako, Rader and Heffley.

House Bill 2433

The bill provides for corporate political contributions and imposes penalties.

126 yes, 76 no, 1 leave.

Yes: Mackenzie and Mako.

No: Barton, Rader, Heffley and Twardzik.

House Bill 2429

The bill focuses on public assistance and provides further provisions for people eligible for medical assistance. Additionally, this bill authorizes the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to establish a medical assistance reentry program for incarcerated people who are scheduled to be released and returning to their community.

102 yes, 100 no and 1 leave.

Local votes: Jamie Barton, Ryan Mackenzie, Zack Mako, Jack Rader, Doyle Heffley and Tim Twardzik, no.

House Bill 2420

The bill establishes the Keystone Fresh Program which aims to enhance access to fresh, locally grown produce, provides grants to schools for promoting fresh food education, supports local producers in providing fresh produce, and assists eligible entities in distributing fresh food.

145 yes, 57 no, 1 leave.

Yes: Mackenzie, Mako, Rader

No: Barton, Heffley, Twardzik

House Bill 2378

The bill amends the State Lottery Law to adjust the financial eligibility criteria for seniors applying to the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly and the PACE Needs Enhancement Tier. Specifically, the bill excludes the total dollar amount, including face value and interest earned, of savings bonds from being counted as income. This change aims to prevent seniors from losing eligibility for these prescription assistance programs due to cashing in savings bonds to afford medications.

200 yes, no, 1 leave.

Yes: Barton, Mackenzie, Mako, Rader, Heffley and Twardzik.

Compiled by Jarrad Hedes and Jill Mack