Gov. Wolf Signs 7 New Laws, Vetoes COVID-19 Death Reporting Bill

HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Tom Wolf recently signed several bills into law, including those dealing with tax credits, the public school code, and healthcare.

He also vetoed a bill that would notify county coroners of any suspected deaths in their jurisdiction that may be related to COVID-19. Senate Bill 1164 was sponsored by Sen. Judy Ward.

Gov. Wolf, in a veto message, said it would have caused delays in the reporting of public health information, "which would jeopardize safety." Learn more about the COVID-19 death reporting bill here.

The following bills were signed Tuesday:

Click on the bill number to learn more

• Senate Bill 30 amends the Tax Reform Code to make changes to city revitalization and improvement zones and to establish the PA Housing Tax Credit.
• Senate Bill 94 revises the definition of “employee” in the Workers' Compensation Act to clarify coverage requirements of members of volunteer emergency service organizations.
• Senate Bill 395 amends the act entitled "An act granting to the Governor of the Commonwealth the sole authority for regulating the display of the flag of the United States from any public ground or building and from any ground or building of certain other institutions,” further providing for display of the POW/MIA flag.
• Senate Bill 530 amends the Public School Code regarding attendance for students convicted or adjudicated delinquent of sexual assault of another student.
• Senate Bill 976 allows the establishment of commerce courts and veterans’ courts.
• Senate Bill 1110 amends the Disease Prevention and Control Law, providing for reports from health care facilities and personal care homes when a patient or resident is suffering from a communicable disease related to a disaster emergency and for confidentiality of reports and records.
• Senate Bill 1195 amends the Insurance Company Law to adopt the Credit for Reinsurance Model Law and the Health and Life Insurance Guaranty Association Model Law.