Bill Dealing with Waived and Suspended Regulations Headed to Governor, Benninghoff Says

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) said Wednesday that House Bill 1861, legislation sponsored by Rep. Andrew Lewis (R-Dauphin) that deals with the nearly 500 regulations waived and suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, is heading to the governor.

Wednesday’s action follows an extension of the waivers and suspensions when the COVID-19 disaster emergency declaration expired in June until Sept. 30.

“Back in June, when these regulatory waivers and suspensions were continued, it was done so we could have additional time to review the impact of the waivers and suspensions, whether the regulations were still needed, and what—if any—needed to be modified. This bill reflects the first major effort at tackling this massive change,” Benninghoff said.

While a number of regulations were reinstated in the legislation, the bill does extend waivers and extensions in a number of areas for an additional six months, including for tele-health and medical care, while the General Assembly continues to review the waived and suspended regulations.

“When looking at a massive upset of our traditional regulatory scheme and forging a path forward, especially while still navigating a global pandemic, the priority must be: First, do no harm. While this bill does bring back online a number of needed waived and suspended regulations, it keeps in place critical waivers for tele-health, the provision of medical and mental health services, and important provisions to help government and business operate during the pandemic,” Benninghoff added.

“This bill takes several positive steps in reforming our regulatory framework, continuing to respond to and responsibly manage this pandemic, and keep an eye toward future reforms,” he concluded.

Representative Kerry Benninghoff
Pennsylvania House Majority Leader
171st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jason Gottesman
717-512-0620
jgottesman@pahousegop.com
KerryBenninghoff.com / Facebook.com/RepBenninghoff