New Laws in 2024

January 24, 2024


As we approach the start of the legislative session, now is a good time to remind you that several new laws took effect January 1 addressing key issues including early voting, health and mental health, as well as online privacy and data protection.

The minimum wage increased from 15.00 to $15.69 made possible through legislation passed in 2019, which implemented five incremental increases in the minimum wage followed by future adjustments that are tied to the percentage change in the federal employment cost index.

Although extensive, below I share some highlights and a link to the complete list of new laws. Please share and reach out to my office if you would like more detail on any of this legislation.
EARLY VOTING (PA 23-5)

 Establishes a framework for early, in-person voting requiring a 14-day early voting period for general elections, a seven-day period for most primaries, and a four-day early voting period for special elections and presidential preference primaries. 

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE (PA 23-174)
 

Includes the creation of a Hospice Hospital at Home pilot program to provide in-home hospice care to patients through in-person visits and telehealth.
 

PROTECTING MATERNAL HEALTH (PA 23-147)
 

Establishes a new license category for freestanding birth centers, an Infant Mortality Relief Program to review medical records and other data on infant deaths and a midwifery working group to study and make recommendations on advancing choices for community birth care.
 

ONLINE PRIVACY, DATA AND SAFETY PROTECTIONS (PA 23-56)
 

Makes various changes to laws on data privacy and related issues, including provisions on consumer health data, minors’ social media accounts and online services, online dating operators, and a task force on internet crimes against children.
 

RESOURCES FOR PERSONS WITH AN INTELLECTUAL 
OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY (PA 23-137)
 

Among many supportive measures, creates a plan to establish a Transitional Life Skills College program to support certain people with IDD who are transitioning out of high school or to independent living.
 

WORKERS' COMPENSATION FOR POST-TRAUMATIC
STRESS INJURIES (PA 23-35)
 

Expands eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress injuries to all employees covered by the workers’ compensation law.
New Laws Effective January 1, 2024
Your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings during the legislative session had a direct influence on these new laws. Thank you for your input, and please continue sharing your views and making your voice heard during our legislative process.