A look at how our lawmakers voted on recent legislation.

Wednesday Oct. 23

House of Representatives

Senate Bill 1319

The bill establishes mandatory continuing education for architects to maintain their licensure, ensuring that professionals stay updated with current practices and technologies in architecture.

Vote: 130Y 72N 1LVE. No: Jamie Barton, Ryan Mackenzie, Tim Twardzik and Jack Rader; Yes, Zack Mako and Doyle Heffley.

Senate Bill 1134

The bill amends Title 8 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically regarding tax levies for boroughs and incorporated towns. This aims to provide clearer guidelines and authorities for local governments in managing their taxation processes.

Vote: 200Y 2N 1LVE. Yes: Barton, Mackenzie, Mako, Rader, Heffley and Twardzik.

Senate Bill 1133

The bill provides further guidelines for township and special tax levies, allowing for more flexibility in how townships can impose taxes to meet their financial needs. This includes adjustments to existing provisions that dictate how these levies can be structured and applied. It enhances the authority of townships to create special tax levies for specific purposes, enabling them to fund particular projects or services that are deemed necessary by local governance.

Vote: 200Y 2N 1LVE. Yes: Barton, Mackenzie, Mako, Rader, Heffley and Twardzik.

Senate Bill 1132

The bill provides local governments that have implemented a municipal Emergency Medical Services tax with the authority to determine whether providers in their coverage area can utilize a greater portion of these tax revenues for operational costs and enhancements.

Vote: 200Y 2N 1LVE. Yes: Barton, Heffley, Mackenzie, Mako, Rader, and Twardzik

Senate Bill 920

The bill mandates the creation of a tracking system for sexual assault evidence kits, allowing survivors to monitor the status of their evidence throughout the investigative process. This aims to enhance transparency and accountability in handling such sensitive cases. The legislation emphasizes empowering survivors by providing them with better access to information regarding their cases.

Vote: 202Y 0N 1LVE. Yes: Barton, Heffley, Mackenzie, Mako, Rader and Twardzik.

Senate Bill 867

The bill provides for city classification, which involves defining and categorizing cities within the state. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for repealing certain existing laws and making editorial changes to improve clarity and coherence in the legal text related to city governance and classification.

Vote: 199Y 3N 1LVE. Yes: Barton-, Heffley, Mackenzie, Mako, Rader and Twardzik.

Senate Bill 365

The bill allows first responders to receive compensation for post-traumatic stress injuries, provided that the injury is linked to a qualifying traumatic event experienced in the line of duty. Compensation for PTSI is limited to a maximum of 104 weeks.

Vote: 201Y 1N 1LVE. Yes: Barton, Heffley, Mackenzie, Mako, Rader, Twardzik

House Bill 2608

The bill seeks to enhance the regulatory framework governing the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, which oversees fishing and boating activities within the state.

Vote: 179Y 23N 1LVE Yes: Barton, Heffley, Mackenzie, Mako, Rader, Twardzik

House Bill 2583

The bill enhances the authority and responsibilities of Game Commission officers. This includes clarifying their powers in enforcing game laws and regulations, which may lead to more efficient management of wildlife resources.

Vote: 179Y 23N 1LVE. Yes: Barton, Heffley, Mackenzie, Mako, Rader, Twardzik

House Bill 2565

The bill is designed to enhance economic development in Pennsylvania by introducing tax credits related to semiconductor manufacturing and biomedical sectors.

119Y 83N 1LVE Yes: Mackenzie, Heffley. No: Barton, Mako, Rader and Twardzik

House Bill 2533

The bill amends Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to establish a framework for mental health crisis response. It also mandates the creation of a public education campaign aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of mental health resources, particularly the 988 hotline, which is a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.

202Y 0N 1LVE. Yes: Barton, Heffley, Mackenzie, Mako, Rader, Twardzik

House Bill 2481

The bill affirms residents’ rights to self-custody their digital assets, allowing individuals to manage their own cryptocurrency holdings without reliance on third-party custodians. It recognizes bitcoin as a legitimate payment method, facilitating its use in transactions across Pennsylvania. The legislation provides explicit guidelines for the taxation of bitcoin transactions, aiming to create a more predictable regulatory environment for crypto users and businesses. The bill also includes provisions that authorize the use of nodes, which are essential for maintaining blockchain networks.

Vote: 176Y 26N 1LVE. Yes: Barton, Heffley, Mackenzie, Mako, Rader, Twardzik

House Bill 2085

The bill seeks to provide clearer definitions and classifications concerning personal income tax.

Vote: 202Y 0N 1LVE. Yes: Barton, Heffley, Mackenzie, Mako, Rader, Twardzik

House Bill 1578

The bill sets forth standards that suppliers must meet to operate within the competitive natural gas market. It includes measures aimed at restructuring the electric utility sector to enhance competition and consumer choice.

Vote: 116Y 86N 1LVE. Yes: Mackenzie. No: Barton, Heffley, Mako, Rader and Twardzik

Compiled by Jarrad Hedes and Jill Mack