Following is a listing of executive and legislative action for the week of June 26. The General Assembly was scheduled to remain in session through June 30 before taking a break for the July 4 holiday.
'Libre's Law'
Gov. Tom Wolf on June 28 signed into law an animal cruelty prevention bill.
HB 1238, popularly known as "Libre's Law" for a Boston Terrier puppy that survived abuse and was on hand for the signing, was introduced by state Rep. Todd Stephens, R-Montgomery. The measure, among other things, limits the amount of time a dog can be tethered, especially under extreme heat or sub-freezing conditions. It also stiffens penalties for cruelty and provides protection for veterinarians and humane society personnel who report animal abuse.
"Today is a day of celebration for all Pennsylvanians, and animal lovers everywhere and I am proud to be a part of the true collaboration that helped make this landmark legislation a reality," Wolf said at a signing ceremony. Stephens called "Libre's Law" "the most comprehensive animal protection bill" in state history.
The bill is now designated Act 10 of 2017.
Illicit Drugs
The Pennsylvania Senate on June 28 unanimously approved a bill that would increase penalties to dealers of illicit drugs that cause serious bodily injury to users. SB 662, sponsored by state Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Washington, targets drugs that cause harm such as a permanent disfigurement or the loss or impairment of a body part or organ.
Bartolotta said the measure was needed to combat "a troubling trend of drug dealers adding chemicals and other substances to their product in order to make it more potent and effective, but this process frequently leads to serious injuries and deaths."
The measure moved to the state House of Representatives for consideration.
Assisting Children
The House Judiciary Committee approved legislation on June 28 that would encourage Pennsylvanians to step in and assist children left alone in hot cars.
HB 1152 would provide civil immunity for property damage resulting from forcibly entering a vehicle in order to rescue an individual. The immunity only applies to persons acting responsibly under the circumstances, according to a statement on the House Republican caucus website, and persons must have a good-faith belief that the child is in imminent danger of harm.
"This legislation is vital to helping children that may be in real danger," said Ron Marsico, R-Dauphin, chairman of the committee. "All of us have heard of young children being left in a hot car and how devastating the result of that can be. This bill will give people a chance to help without worrying about the ramifications of their actions if they see a traumatic situation like this happening."