4/6/2021


PBA Supports House Bill 37

Distracted driving and cell-phone-related crashes are at an all-time high – our state law should require more responsible driver behavior when utilizing a cell phone while driving.  
 
PA State Reps. Rosemary Brown and Steve Malagari have introduced House Bill 37, a reasonable public safety measure aimed to strengthen our roadway laws. This bill allows drivers to realistically use their communication device; however, the device must be “hands-free” with use of Bluetooth or docking station. Drivers would not be permitted to physically hold their communication device while operating a vehicle.
 
If enacted into law, House Bill 37 would: 

  • Make driving a vehicle while holding or supporting any electronic wireless device, regardless of the driver’s age a primary offense that carries a $100 fine (with no points on a license).
  • Increase the fine for texting while driving from $50 to $100.
  • Clarify that no person can be cited for both texting while driving and driving while supporting or holding an electronic wireless device at the same time.
  • Create a five-year optional sentence enhancement for those guilty of homicide by vehicle, as well as a violation of the hand-held prohibition during the same incident (mirrors the current texting ban).
  • Ensure a person under the age of 18 prior to taking a driver’s exam view educational materials provided on PennDOT’s site on the dangers of distracted driving.
  • Require the portion of the examination on traffic laws to contain at least one question on distracted driving.
 
Help this legislation get to the Governor’s desk by calling your PA state legislator and requesting their YES vote for House Bill 37 to protect you and your families on our roadways! Find your state legislator here..
Pennsylvanians in Phase 1B Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine

Pennsylvanians in Phase 1B of the state’s vaccination plan are now eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment to become protected against the virus. Phase 1B eligible Pennsylvanians include:

  • People in congregate settings not otherwise specified as long-term care facilities, and persons receiving home and community-based services.
  • U.S. Postal Service workers
  • Manufacturing workers
  • Clergy and other essential support for houses of worship
  • Public transit workers
  • Education workers

Teachers and school staff for pre-K through 12 were vaccinated under a special initiative that concluded April 2 and that resulted in more than 112,500 vaccinations. Vaccinations continue for child care workers who are also part of that special initiative. All other education workers, including those in higher education, are now eligible for vaccination as part of 1B. Last week, Acting Secretary Alison Beam also announced that targeted frontline industries were eligible on March 31.

“Our revised vaccination eligibility plan means more Pennsylvanians now have access to the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine as vaccine supply increases and providers and counties establish easier access to appointments,” Gov. Wolf said.

The remainder of the accelerated plan includes eligibility as follows:

  • April 12 all residents in Phase 1C will be eligible to start scheduling vaccination appointments.
  • April 19, all residents will be eligible to start scheduling vaccination appointments.

Pennsylvania’s vaccination plan can be found here.

Those eligible for an appointment can access the provider map available here. People without internet access can contact the Health Hotline by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).
Sincerely,

Patricia Cowley
Executive Director
(717) 236-9042