Pennsylvania State Laws
✅ Law #1: “Paul Miller’s Law” — Hands-Free Driving
Statute / Bill: Senate Bill 37 — “Paul Miller’s Law” (Pennsylvania.gov)
Effective: June 5, 2025 (Pennsylvania.gov)
📝 What it does
Prohibits use of hand-held mobile devices while driving—including when the vehicle is stopped (red lights, traffic, etc.). (Pennsylvania.gov)
Drivers can still use GPS or make calls using hands-free technology, and emergency calls are excepted. (Pennsylvania.gov)
💰 Cost to taxpayers / State budget
Minimal for the state; costs mostly in enforcement, public education, signage. (Pennsylvania.gov)
Law enforcement agencies will need to update training / policies; small administrative costs.
👥 Who it helps / affects
Helps: All motorists, pedestrians — safer roads; victims of distracted-driving crashes.
Affects: Drivers used to using devices; law enforcement; mobile device users (e.g. drivers who use their phone a lot); businesses needing to ensure their staff comply.
⚙️ Who sponsored / who opposed
Sponsored by Sen. Rosemary Brown and others; advocates for road safety. (Pennsylvania.gov)
Some opposition from individuals concerned about enforcement fairness, possibly privacy or claims about overreach. Not huge public debate in summaries.
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
✅ Pros:
Reduces distracted driving, which is a major cause of crashes.
Clearer law: “no device in hand” even while stopped helps close loopholes.
May save lives and reduce injuries and property damage.
❌ Cons:
Enforcement may be challenging; drivers may dispute what counts as “hand-held” or “interacting.”
Some tech/apps/functions drivers may consider essential might be harder to use.
Penalties / warnings phase-in period could cause confusion.
🗳️ The Ballot Beacon Takeaway
As of June 5, 2025, Pennsylvania’s Paul Miller’s Law bans all use of hand-held devices while driving (even while stopped) unless hands-free or emergency — aimed at safer roads; drivers need to break the phone habit.
✅ Law #2: Expanding Workers’ Compensation for First Responders’ PTSD Injuries
Statute / Bill: Act correcting workers’ compensation eligibility for first responders in cases of PTSD (signed in 2024, takes effect October 19, 2025) (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)
📝 What it does
Clarifies that first responders (police, firefighters, EMS) do not need to show their post-traumatic stress disorder was caused by abnormal working conditions in order to qualify for workers’ compensation. (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)
💰 Cost to taxpayers / State budget
Some increased cost to municipalities / self-insured employers; state used in calculating benefits.
Possibly more claims; more costs for adjudicating claims.
👥 Who it helps / affects
Helps: First responders who suffer PTSD from their work — more access to compensation and mental health support.
Affects: Employers (municipal / state); insurance funds; claim adjudicators.
⚙️ Who sponsored / who opposed
Sponsored by a representative with a first responder background or interest; not sure of exact sponsor publicly in summary. (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)
Opposition minimal in public summaries; some concerns from employers about claim costs or overuse.
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
✅ Pros:
Recognizes the toll of PTSD on first responders without unfair burden of proof.
May improve mental health outcomes and reduce stigma.
❌ Cons:
Higher cost for employers / insurance; need for oversight.
Risk of more claims that are harder to evaluate; balancing between support vs. misuse.
🗳️ The Ballot Beacon Takeaway
Pennsylvania will, starting October 19, 2025, let first responders get workers’ comp for PTSD without having to prove abnormal working conditions — a win for those who risk their lives mentally & physically, with some cost and oversight trade-offs.
✅ Law #3: Health Insurance Required Coverage for Speech Therapy (Stuttering)
Statute / Bill: Legislation signed by Gov. Shapiro requiring health insurance plans to cover speech therapy for stuttering; took effect December 16, 2024 in some parts, but many effects roll out into 2025. (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)
📝 What it does
Requires that health insurance policies cover speech therapy services for people who stutter. (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)
💰 Cost to taxpayers / State budget
Cost borne largely through private insurers; may slightly increase premiums.
Administrative/regulatory oversight cost.
👥 Who it helps / affects
Helps: Those who stutter—improved access to treatment.
Affects: Insurers, policyholders (possible small premium increase), speech therapists.
⚙️ Who sponsored / who opposed
Supported by health-advocacy/guilder groups; families of those affected.
Opposition minimal in summaries; perhaps cost concerns from insurers.
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
✅ Pros:
Improves quality of life and supports speech health.
Removes barrier to treatment for a recognized speech disorder.
❌ Cons:
Insurance providers may adjust premiums slightly.
Some logistical or supply issues (finding enough speech therapists).
🗳️ The Ballot Beacon Takeaway
Pennsylvania now requires insurers to cover stuttering speech therapy (effective December 16, 2024, but impact felt in 2025) — helping people get therapy who need it, with some insurer cost impact.
✅ Law #4: House Bill 799 — Veterans’ Posting Act / Workplace Notice Requirement
Statute / Bill: House Bill 799 (2025) — Veterans’ Benefits and Services Workplace Posting Act. (HKM Employment Attorneys LLP)
Effective: Signed July 7, 2025; takes effect January 2026 for employers with more than 50 full-time employees. (HKM Employment Attorneys LLP)
📝 What it does
Requires employers with more than 50 full-time employees in Pennsylvania to post a uniform notice at their worksites (could be physical or digital) informing employees about federal and state veterans’ benefits, the VA Crisis Line, and contacts for county veterans’ affairs. (HKM Employment Attorneys LLP)
💰 Cost to taxpayers / State budget
Minimal direct cost: government will create/post the official notice template. (HKM Employment Attorneys LLP)
Employers will need to print or display the notice or post it online. Some administrative cost, but low overall.
👥 Who it helps / affects
Helps: Veterans working in big companies; employees who are or know veterans who need benefit information.
Affects: Employers with >50 full-time workers; HR / compliance departments; employees who see the notice.
⚙️ Who sponsored / who opposed
Sponsored via Pennsylvania Legislature and signed by Governor Shapiro. (HKM Employment Attorneys LLP)
Likely broadly supported (veterans groups, workforce advocates); opposition likely limited (some employers who must adjust notices, minor cost).
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
✅ Pros:
Makes it easier for veterans to know their benefits and resources.
Shows recognition and support for veterans in workplaces.
Low cost to implement.
❌ Cons:
Some employers (especially with many locations) may lag implementing or forget to post.
Notice alone doesn’t guarantee people will use benefits or understand them.
🗳️ The Ballot Beacon Takeaway
Starting January 2026, Pennsylvania companies with 50+ full-time employees must post veteran benefit resource notices on worksites — a small but meaningful step to ensure veterans know their rights, with minor compliance steps for employers.