Legislative Accomplishments

Senator Argall’s Legislative Accomplishments

Solving local constituent issues and working on legislation are the primary duties of a senator.  Below is a list of some of the laws Senator Argall has successfully authored:

SB 282
This legislation was initially introduced following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. According to the 2020 census, Schuylkill County has the highest percentage of people with Ukrainian ancestry in the United States.

Companies are now banned from receiving Pennsylvania state contracts, grants, or tax credits if they are owned or affiliated with the governments of Russia or Belarus.
Act No. 57 of 2023

SB 596
This legislation was introduced to increase penalties on organized retail crime theft which, according to the US Chamber of Commerce, has resulted in the loss of almost 700,000 jobs and over $125 billion in economic losses.

This law established the Office of Deputy Attorney General for Organized Retail Crime Theft to pursue the leaders of these criminal rings and also lowered the thresholds for the value of good to constitute third degree and second degree felonies while also creating the threshold for a new first degree felony.
Act No. 42 of 2023

SB 748
In 2018, Senator Argall was the sponsor of Act 86 to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities of highway construction workers and motorists by allowing the use of speed cameras in active work zones. In just five years, speeding in work zones dropped 20% while crashes dropped 19% and fatalities dropped 6%.

Speed cameras were also placed along Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia, one of the most dangerous roads in the country.  

SB 748 was introduced to make the program permanent (under Act 86, the program was offered for only five years). The premise of this bill was amended into a House bill which was also focused on road safety and was signed into law by the Governor on December 14, 2023.
Act No. 38 of 2023

SB 843
This legislation brought Pennsylvania into the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact to help certified teachers relocating to Pennsylvania to continue teaching.

teachers who hold a compact-eligible certification can apply for the closest equivalent certification without having to complete additional materials, exams or coursework. 

This bill also incorporated key provisions of the 2023 Education Code.
Act No. 35 of 2023

SB 900
Since 1970, 90 PennDOT workers have died while carrying out their duties. Senate Bill 900 was drafted to name ten local bridges in their memory. 

This bill was amended into similar legislation which was signed into law by the Governor on October 21, 2023.
Act No. 17 of 2023

SB 106
This constitutional amendment was introduced to allow gubernatorial candidates to select their own running mate in a manner similar to the process in which Presidential candidates select their running mates. This was done in order to provide greater trust in the executive branch to delegate duties while avoiding potential division and friction between the two office holders which has happened in the past.

The House and Senate later amended the bill to provide for additional ballot questions including a provision to limit executive orders/proclamations to 21 days unless further extended by the legislature, a provision which states that the legislature’s disapproval of a regulation would be required to be sent to the Governor, a provision that would require voters to present some sort of ID prior to voting, a provision clarifying that the State Constitution does not grant the right to a taxpayer-funded abortion, and a provision requiring the legislature to provide for the auditing of elections.

Because this bill is a constitutional amendment, SB 106 must pass both the Senate and the House of Representatives again during the 2023-2024 Session before it is presented to the voters for a final decision.

SB 763
The premise of this bill was included in the 2021-22 fiscal year budget and provided substantial funding support to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to be used to facilitate the development of housing to benefit Pennsylvanians who are priced out of the rental market – such the first responders, teachers and others who are such an integral part of our communities.

SB 439
This legislation provides a continuous source of funding for the County Demolition Funding Program which has successfully given counties additional revenue if they voluntarily join the program to demolish blighted properties. Since the program’s initial enactment in 2016 (authored by Senator Argall – Act 152) millions of dollars has been raised every year to tear down blighted buildings across the state.
Act No. 149 of 2022

SB 764
This bill was introduced following the Inspector General’s Report on the botched mishandling of a constitutional amendment which would have provided justice to victims of childhood sexual assault. Under former Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar, employees within the Department of State were found to have lacked the formal training needed to properly handle their responsibilities regarding legislation and constitutional amendments.

This legislation requires those employees to undergo the legislative training needed in order to carry out their jobs properly.
Act No. 86 of 2022

SB 1281
The premise of this bill was included in the Fiscal Code of 2022 and provided $150 million in federal funds to the PA Housing Finance Agency in order to provide additional funding to renovate/demolish properties that are blighted, abandoned, or decaying.
Act No. 54 of 2022

SB 1319
This bill was amended into Senator Baker’s SB 1083 and offers relief to those employers who saw a dramatic increase in their Unemployment Compensation (UC) rates as a result of the prolonged shutdown of businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Act No. 156 of 2022

SB 1241
This bill became the Administrate Code of 2020 and requires Executive, Independent and State-Affiliated agencies to report their space usage to the Department of General Services on an annual basis.
Act No. 137 of 2020

SB 1305
The premise of this bill was incorporated into the Fiscal Code of 2020 and limits participation in Tier II of the Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) program to energy sources originating in Pennsylvania in order to assist in-state producers.
Act No. 114 of 2020

SB 712
An Act to extend the sunset date of the State Treasurer’s authority to invest moneys in the State Treasury according to the prudent investor standard until 2024.
Act No. 20 of 2019

SB 521
The premise of this bill was incorporated into the 2019 School Code and allowed private schools to be eligible for the School Safety and Security Grant Program.
Act No. 18 of 2019

SB 618
The premise of this bill was incorporated into the 2019 Tax Code which increased the Coal Refuse Reclamation Tax Credit to $20 million annually and extended the credit to 2036.
Act No. 13 of 2019

SB 541
The premise of this bill was incorporated into the 2019 Tax Code which increased the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Tax Credit to $5 million annually and extended the credit to 2031.
Act No. 13 of 2019

SB 748
An Act providing for public safety facilities.
Act No. 133 of 2018

SB 172
An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in rules of the road in general, further providing for speed timing devices and providing for automated speed enforcement systems in active work zones and establishing a pilot program for automated speed enforcement system on designated highway.
Act No. 86 of 2018

SB 851
An Act amending the act of July 7, 1947 (P.L.1368, No.542), known as the Real Estate Tax Sale Law, in short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; and, in sale of property, further providing for repurchase by owner and providing for limitation on trusteeship and for ownership interests and responsibilities of delinquent property owner.
Act No. 38 of 2018

SR 34
A resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study of the long-term viability and sustainability of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).
Adopted April 20, 2017

SB 458
An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in contract carrier by motor vehicle and broker, further providing for declaration of policy and definitions; and, in violations and penalties, further providing for unauthorized operation by carriers and brokers.
Act No. 77 of 2017

SB 486
An Act amending the act of April 8, 1982 (P.L.310, No.87), referred to as the Recorder of Deeds Fee Law, authorizing an additional fee to be imposed and used for demolition; and making an editorial change.
Act No. 152 of 2016

HB 2241 (Argall sponsored the Senate version – SB 554)
An Act amending Title 40 (Insurance) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in regulation of insurers and related persons generally, providing for retroactive denial of reimbursements.
Act No. 146 of 2016

HB 1437 (Argall sponsored the Senate version – SB 942)
An Act amending the act of December 20, 2000 (P.L.724, No.99), known as the Municipal Code and Ordinance Compliance Act, further providing for compliance requirement.
Act No. 133 of 2016

SB 1022
An Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Department of Human Services and the Governor, to grant and convey to the Municipal Authority of the Township of South Heidelberg, Berks County, or its assigns, a permanent sanitary sewer easement and a temporary construction easement situate in South Heidelberg Township, Berks County.
Act No. 22 of 2016

SR 421
A Resolution urging the President and the Congress of the United States to review the changes to the Federal floodplain management regulations that negatively impact our blighted communities.
Adopted October 31, 2016

SR 405
A Resolution designating July 16, 2016, as “Anthracite Heritage Day” in Pennsylvania.
Adopted June 28, 2016

SR 263
A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study regarding overtime costs incurred by the Department of Corrections relating to staffing shortages.
Adopted April 14, 2016

SR 215
A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to complete a comprehensive review and study of the best practices used by private businesses and other public entities in the leasing, acquisition and management of office, warehouse and other types of space and to issue a report.
Adopted November 24, 2015

SB 748
An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for obedience to authorized persons directing traffic; and providing for drivers of certified escort vehicles; in other required equipment, further providing for identification of certain vehicles; and, in size, weight and load, further providing for scope and application of chapter and for conditions of permits and security for damages.
Act No. 55 of 2015

SR 171
A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study relating to the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of utilizing privately owned veterans care facilities to augment the Commonwealth’s six State-owned veterans care facilities.
Adopted October 14, 2015

SR 54
A Resolution urging the President and the Congress of the United States to consider imposing tariffs on imported anthracite coal that adversely affect American jobs.
Adopted September 21, 2015

HB 91 (Argall amendment allowed for boroughs and townships to be eligible to apply for City Revitalization and Improvement Zone program)
An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, further providing for educational improvement tax credit; and repealing provisions relating to educational opportunity scholarship tax credit; and, in city revitalization and improvement zones, further providing for definitions and for establishment of contracting authority.
Act No. 194 of 2014

HB 1558 (Argall amendment allows for cosmetology students to take an early, written test in order to obtain state licensure)
An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in preliminary provisions, providing for religious educational facilities.
Act No. 136 of 2014

SB 1187
An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing Pennsylvania veterans and current service members who earned the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) during their tour of duty with the opportunity to proudly display their achievement on their license plate.
Act No. 109 of 2014

SB 1077
An Act amending the act of October 9, 2008 (P.L.1408, No.113), known as the Scrap Material Theft Prevention Act, further providing for definitions, for commercial accounts and for restricted materials; providing for Statewide registry of scrap processors and recycling facilities and for duty to register and for criminal registry; and further providing for penalties.
Act No. 79 of 2014

SR 250
A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study relating to the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of merging public school district health care plans.
Adopted April 3, 2014

SB 1131
An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in weights and measures, further providing for potatoes.
Act No. 124 of 2013

SB 276
An Act amending the act of June 22, 2000 (P.L.318, No.32), known as the Downtown Location Law, further providing for powers and duties of the Department of General Services.
Act No. 72 of 2012

SB 1395
An Act designating State Routes 3035 and 3033 in Robesonia Borough, Heidelberg Township, North Heidelberg Township and Penn Township, Berks County, as the Captain David Eric Pannabecker POW-MIA Memorial Highway.
Act No. 57 of 2012

SR 216
A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct an economic impact study of the brewery industry in this Commonwealth.
Adopted February 9, 2012

SB 199
An Act designating a portion of Interstate 78 in Berks County as the CMSgt. Richard L. Etchberger Memorial Highway.
Act No. 4 of 2011

SB 900
An Act amending Titles 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, authorizing housing courts; in Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, providing for deteriorated real property education and training program for judges; and providing for neighborhood blight reclamation and revitalization.
Act No. 90 of 2010

SR 142
A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to complete a study and cost analysis of the implementation of a Statewide blighted property database and report its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the Senate.
Adopted July 14, 2009

SR 161
A Resolution establishing a commission of private and public sector cost-minded leaders of this Commonwealth to study the management of current government operations and to make recommendations of cost-cutting measures.
Adopted December 16, 2009

SB 852
An Act authorizing and directing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, to grant and convey to the Schuylkill YMCA certain lands and building situate in the City of Pottsville, Schuylkill County.
Act No. 35 of 2009

HR 538
A Resolution directing the Transportation Committee to conduct an investigation of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.
Adopted December 14, 2005

HB 2579
Act to provide from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and for the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2005.
Act No. 7A of 2004
As House Appropriations Chairman, Rep. Argall sponsored the 39 budget-related bills that were signed into law for the 2004-05 state budget.

HB 1406
An Act designating political subdivisions as rural areas for purposes of Medicare hospital service payments.
Act No. 7 of 2003

HB 648
An Act to provide from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and for the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2003, to June 30, 2004.
Act No. 1A of 2003
As House Appropriations Chairman, Rep. Argall sponsored 32 budget-related bills that were signed into law for the 2003-04 state budget.

HB 1237
An Act providing for the transferring of liquefied petroleum gas, for registration, for fees, for inspection, for records, for training, for permits and for appeal; establishing the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Advisory Board; providing for insurance, for prohibitions and for penalties; and making repeals.
Act No. 61 of 2002

HB 1118
An Act amending the act of October 28, 1966 (1st Sp.Sess., P.L.55, No.7), known as the Goods and Services Installment Sales Act, further providing for late fees.
Act No. 44 of 2001

HR 567
A Resolution designating the timing during which the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee shall complete its evaluation of the feasibility and advisability of establishing a voluntary water quality credits and trading program.
Adopted October 10, 2000

HB 728
An Act encouraging State agencies to locate facilities in a downtown area; and providing for report to General Assembly.
Act No. 32 of 2000

HB 689
An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for institutional sexual assault and for obstructing emergency services; further prohibiting live animals as prizes; and prohibiting the criminal use of communication facilities.
Act No. 157 of 1998

HB 1929
An Act relating to the recycling and reuse of waste tires; providing for the proper disposal of waste tires and the cleanup of stockpiled tires; authorizing investment tax credits for utilizing waste tires; providing remediation grants for the cleanup of tire piles and for pollution prevention programs for small business and households; establishing the Small Business and Household Pollution Prevention Program and management standards for small business hazardous waste; providing for a household hazardous waste program and for grant programs; making appropriations; and making repeals.
Act No. 190 of 1996

HR 31
A Concurrent Resolution urging members of the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation to meet periodically with the General Assembly regarding unfunded Federal mandates and other related issues.
Adopted December 12, 1995

HB 782
An Act amending the act of November 26, 1978 (P. L. 1415, No. 333), known as the “Schuylkill Scenic River Act,” relating to designation and classification.
Act No. 125 of 1992

HB 591
An Act amending the act of July 15, 1976 (P. L. 1036, No. 208), known as the “Volunteer Fire Company, Ambulance Service and Rescue Squad Assistance Act,” providing for an exception to loan limits and adjusting loan limits; providing for a referendum question on additional indebtedness; providing for contracts for services between the Commonwealth and volunteer fire, ambulance and rescue companies; and making appropriations.
Act No. 100 of 1991

SB 528 (Argall amendment bans the disposal of automotive lead acid batteries with municipal trash collection)
An Act providing for planning for the processing and disposal of municipal waste; requiring counties to submit plans for municipal waste management systems within their boundaries; authorizing grants to counties and municipalities for planning, resource recovery and recycling; imposing and collecting fees; establishing certain rights for host municipalities; requiring municipalities to implement recycling programs; requiring Commonwealth agencies to procure recycled materials; imposing duties; granting powers to counties and municipalities; authorizing the Environmental Quality Board to adopt regulations; authorizing the Department of Environmental Resources to implement this act; providing remedies; prescribing penalties; establishing a fund; and making repeals.
Act No. 101 of 1988

HB 1099
An Act amending the act of February 1, 1966 (1965 P. L. 1656, No. 581), known as “The Borough Code,” further providing for a decrease in the number of councilmen and for appropriations; and making an editorial change.
Act No. 40 of 1988

HB 482
An Act amending the act of November 26, 1978 (P. L. 1415, No. 333), known as the “Schuylkill Scenic River Act,” extending the designation to an additional portion of the Schuylkill River and to two of its tributaries.
Act No. 17 of 1988

 

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