Lawmakers pass crucial safety bill to protect workers

In a significant legislative session, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed two key bills aimed at enhancing public safety and investment standards.

The first bill, Senate Bill 1237, reauthorizes the Pennsylvania 1 Call system, which mandates that individuals dial 811 before digging to prevent accidents involving underground utilities. This reauthorization includes critical updates such as requiring facility owners to mark their lines prior to construction, expanding the definition of excavation to include dredging, and mandating notification to 911 and facility owners in the event of damage that could lead to the escape of hazardous materials. Additionally, the bill introduces a 270-day limit on investigations related to such incidents and establishes a three-year statute of limitations for recovering penalties, with a seven-year sunset provision to assess the law's effectiveness.

Representative Mattze, the majority chair of the Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee, emphasized the bill's importance for worker safety and public protection, while Representative Marshall, the minority chair, echoed these sentiments, calling it a \"life-saving measure.\" The bill passed with overwhelming support, receiving 196 votes in favor and only 6 against.

The second piece of legislation, Senate Bill 1056, extends the prudent person investment standard, which is crucial for guiding investment decisions in a responsible manner. This bill also garnered significant support, passing with 107 votes in favor and 95 against.

Both bills now move to the Senate for concurrence, marking a proactive step by Pennsylvania lawmakers to enhance safety regulations and investment practices within the state.