Senate Acts to Reduce Regulatory Burdens on Small Businesses, Reform Workers' Comp, Ban Price Gouging During Emergencies

Harrisburg – This Pennsylvania Senate this week took action to reduce the regulatory burdens on small businesses, reform the workers' compensation system, and ban price gouging during disaster emergencies, Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) reported today.

The Senate approved legislation that would provide regulatory flexibility for small businesses in Pennsylvania. House Bill 236 will be sent to the Governor for final approval. The bill is a companion measure of Senate Bill 842, co-sponsored by Sen. Robbins, and is a part of a package of bills designed to re-establish Pennsylvania as a competitor for jobs and job opportunities.

Robbins said the legislation would require state agencies to consider the impact on small businesses before imposing regulatory mandates. It would also require state agencies to examine alternatives for small businesses that would achieve the desired regulation, ensuring the protection of important public policy goals without sacrificing jobs.

"This common-sense legislation is long overdue. The last thing government should be doing is throwing roadblocks in front of the very businesses that drive the economy and create most of our jobs," said Robbins.

Another measure designed to ease the burden on job creators passed by the Senate this week was House Bill 2738, which incorporates lawsuit reform measures into Pennsylvania's Worker's Compensation system. Robbins said the measure would establish "resolution courts" to avoid litigation through compromise. The bill would also encourage mediation conferences when possible and prohibit awarding attorney fees that exceed 20 percent of the amount of worker compensation.

"Compensation for workers injured on the job is important, but the system must be set up to discourage lawsuits and resolve disputes in a manner that doesn't just benefit lawyers. This reform legislation will help do that," said Robbins.

The Senate also approved legislation to protect Pennsylvania consumers from price gouging during and after a state of disaster emergency. House Bill 2001 is identical to Senate legislation co-sponsored by Sen. Robbins (Senate Bill 450) and approved by the Senate last year. House Bill 2001 will be sent to the Governor to be signed into law.

Robbins said the legislation would prohibit "unconscionably excessive" pricing during a declared state of disaster emergency and 30 days after within the geographic region that is the subject of the declared emergency. The measure gives the state Attorney General the authority to investigate possible price gouging and imposes penalties on violators.

"Disasters are a time for unity and assistance, not exploitation and profiteering," said Robbins. "If an investigation verifies price gouging, the business would face civil penalties of up to $10,000."

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-1322