Breast cancer screening extension<\/p>\n
Senate Bill 88 amends the Insurance Company Law of 1921 to give patients the ability to receive supplemental breast cancer screenings and exams without cost-sharing if they are at average or higher risk of breast cancer.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cBy removing cost sharing, we can ensure patients can get screened, abnormalities are identified earlier, and any necessary follow-up diagnostic tests take place,\u201d state Sens. Frank Farry, R-Bucks County, and Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland County, wrote in their sponsorship memo<\/a>. \u201cIn short, our proposal will ensure that state law bolsters and supports every method to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages and allows patients to obtain critical follow-up care without a significant financial burden.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Lawmakers first introduced<\/a> the bill on June 6. The Senate unanimously advanced the bill to the House on June 24. The lower chamber voted 196-7 to send the legislation to the governor. Shapiro signed the bill into law<\/a> on Nov. 24. The legislation takes effect on Jan. 23.\n<\/p>\n Park ranger body cameras<\/p>\n Senate Bill 520<\/a> amends the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to authorize officers and park rangers with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Game Commission and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to wear body cameras.\n <\/p>\n \u201cBody worn cameras are an invaluable tool for modern law enforcement,\u201d state Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20, wrote in the sponsorship memo<\/a>. \u201cThey provide an accurate and unbiased account of officer engagement, protecting the integrity of citizens and officers alike. In this case, the importance is amplified as law enforcement from these agencies work independently and in remote areas, oftentimes in locations that have poor radio and cellphone coverage, and frequently encounter individuals who are themselves armed.\u201d\n<\/p>\n The law is not a mandate, however. The decision to require the cameras will be left up to the agencies.\n<\/p>\n Baker and eight of her colleagues first introduced the bill on March 26. The Senate unanimously passed the bill down to the lower chamber on June 26. The House unanimously advanced the bill to the governor\u2019s desk on Nov. 19. Shapiro signed Senate Bill 520 into law<\/a> on Nov. 24. The legislation takes effect Jan. 23.\n<\/p>\n CROWN Act hair protections<\/p>\n House Bill 439<\/a>, also known as the CROWN Act, amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to outlaw discrimination based on an individual\u2019s hair texture, type or style.\n<\/p>\n CROWN stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair<\/a>. Nearly 30 states have adopted similar legislation to prohibit such discrimination.\n<\/p>\n