Wrapping up by the June 30 deadline with time to spare, the General Assembly sent the Governor all of the legislative pieces necessary for a balanced 2019-2020 state spending plan. This year included all possible “Code bills:” Administrative Code, Fiscal Code, Human Services Code, Public School Code and Tax Code. Below is a summary of this year’s Administrative Code Omnibus Bill, H.B. 1461. The bill passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of Y:181/N:16 and in the Senate by a vote of Y:29/N:21.

  • Repeals previous language and adds new language relating to criminal history background checks of employees and contractors with access to federal tax information. This would align the Commonwealth with new federal standards.
  • Adds two additional members, a representative from the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College and a representative from the Pennsylvania College of Technology, to the Central for Rural Pennsylvania board of directors.
  • Gives the State Inspector General the power to inspect, evaluate, investigate and review all contracts entered into by the Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network after June 30, 1996. A report of their findings shall be submitted to the General Assembly within one year.
  • Gives the State Inspector General the authority to file criminal charges for a violation of certain crimes and offenses relating to the administration of benefits by the Department of Human Services.
  • Requires the Administration to submit a written statement of need when requesting a supplemental appropriation.
  • Increases the maximum documentary fee for processing imposed for vehicle dealer licensing.
  • Requires the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) to submit an initial revenue estimate for the next fiscal year to the General Assembly by May 20 of each year. The IFO shall also submit an official revenue estimate for the next fiscal year by June 20 of each year.
  • Establishes the Joint Underwriting Association as a Commonwealth agency.
  • Transfers $10 million of the fees collected from Department of Labor and Industry to the Bureau of Occupational and Industry Safety, and any excess amount shall be deposited in the General Fund.
  • Moves the enabling legislation for the  Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing from Title 42 to the Administrative Code.