Dear PAOLMA Members,

On Wednesday afternoon the Pennsylvania Senate passed HB 2388 (Mihalek-R-Allegheny County) by a 31-17 vote. The vote was largely supported by Republican members with a few Democrats also supporting the measure.

HB 2388 was sent to the House of Representatives for a concurrence vote by that body. The House leadership quickly called for a scheduled session for today (the House had not scheduled any voting sessions for this week until yesterday’s surprise announcement) and HB

2388 is on the calendar to be considered on concurrence vote this afternoon.

A vote on concurrence must occur when the opposite chamber adds amendments to a bill that originated in the other chamber. When the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee amended HB 2388 earlier this week, including adding language to give messenger services and agents an industry-wide “waiver” from the March 19, 2020 DCED Business Closure Order (along with other industry waivers), that immediately meant that the bill would be eventually be returned to the House for a vote on concurrence.

The House concurrence vote today is an up/down vote and amendments cannot be offered. We suspect the House will concur in the Senate amendments likely on a party-line vote with Republicans supporting the amendments and Democrats voting “No”. Upon passing on concurrence the bill will be sent to Governor Wolf for his signature (or veto).

I will keep you posted on the status of today’s vote.

Bob Taylor