HARRISBURG – The Senate Labor and Industry Committee, chaired by Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46), today advanced three bills including proposals addressing non-compete provisions in broadcast contracts and compensation claims for a post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI).
“Today’s meeting was a productive one as we supported bills to help workers by allowing them portability with their careers, providing care for the devastating effects of extreme stress and improving the workforce development system,” Bartolotta said.
Senate Bill 320, sponsored by Senator Bartolotta, would prohibit non-compete provisions in contracts of broadcast employees when a separating event occurs. It would allow individuals to seek the best opportunities locally, rather than being forced out of their geographic area to further their career. The legislation would not alter the agreed to, contractual requirements between employers and broadcast employees while the contract is in effect.
Senate Bill 775, also sponsored by Senator Bartolotta, would clarify the requirements under the Workers Compensation Act for a first responder to establish a post-traumatic stress injury sustained in the course of their employment. It provides reasonable standards for police, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel to receive the treatment they need and deserve.
House Bill 723, sponsored by Representative Lori Mizgorski (R-30), would amend the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Act to bring it into compliance with federal law as provided for in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). WIOA seeks to improve the workforce development system through innovation and alignment of employment, training and education. An amendment was adopted to require the Department of Labor and Industry to collect and disseminate forward-facing employment data to other state agencies and postsecondary education institutions to ensure Pennsylvanians are being trained for the jobs of the future.
All bills now move to the full Senate for consideration.
CONTACT: Eric Kratz, 717-787-1463