Bob Godfrey

It’s a long-standing tradition. October 1 of each year is when many new state laws go into effect. These laws are a result of the hard work, care, and compassion of my colleagues and me in the 2021 regular session, responding to constituents’ needs. I’m always committed to making sure you, your families, and our neighbors are healthy, safe, and prosperous. 

Here’s a few of these new laws: 

PA (Public Act) 21-28 expands pedestrian safety. If a pedestrian is crossing a street in a crosswalk where there is no light, drivers must slow down or stop for a pedestrian in the crosswalk or indicated that they are going to cross. We can step to the curb at the crosswalk, raise a hand or arm or cane to signal the intent to cross the street, and cars must stop to let us cross. Be careful if you’re driving or walking. 

Speaking of traffic safety, PA 21-20 requires drivers to slow or stop for ice cream trucks. The trucks will also need safety equipment to keep kids safe. This is Tristan’s law, named after a 10-year old who was struck and killed by a car after buying ice cream. 

Three new laws deal with discrimination employment. 

PA 21-30 requires employers to offer equal pay for "comparable” work regardless of sex. Employers must offer prospective applicants and employees with a scale of pay among those with similar tasks.

PA 21-69 prohibits employers to ask an applicant’s age, birth date, or graduation dates to counter age discrimination. PA 21-27 – Requires employers to provide a private room or location with an electrical outlet for women to express milk. Employers must also provide a refrigerated space to store the breastmilk. The law also protects breastfeeding employees from workplace discrimination. 

PA 21-78 expands the definition of domestic violence to include isolation, stalking, and coercive control. This covers actions like withholding food, and forced intercourse.  “The best interests of the child” will now include the child’s physical and emotional health. Access to assistance programs has been enhanced. “Smoking” now includes not only tobacco, but anything, including vaping and marijuana.

PA 21-1 not only legalized marijuana growing by people with prescriptions under the medical marijuana law (everyone else will be able to do so in July of 2023), but also restricted smoking in and near the doors of retail space, restaurants, of any building open to the public. 

Click here the complete list of laws that will go into effect on October 1.  And please stay in touch. I cannot do my job unless you and our neighbors take the opportunity to make your voice heard. Thanks!