Amid ongoing budget negotiations, the state Senate returned to session last week to advance a pair of transit-related bills and legislation to facilitate the electronic payment of wages.

 

Transit Safety and Stability (S.B. 713 and S.B. 952)

The Senate on Wednesday passed Senate Bill 713 and Senate Bill 952 by votes of 28-22 (S.B. 713) and 26-24 (S.B. 952), respectively. Both proposals would improve the safety and stability of public transit systems in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 713 would allow for innovative digital displays on transit vehicles that both improve safety and create a new revenue stream, while S.B. 952 would strengthen transparency by requiring regular financial and performance reporting.

The PA Chamber supported both measures (CLICK HERE for our memo), which now advance to the House of Representatives.

 

Electronic Payment of Wages (S.B. 581)

The Senate Appropriations Committee voted 17-2 last Monday to advance Senate Bill 581, following the Labor & Industry Committee’s unanimous vote to advance the bill earlier that day.

This legislation would permit employers to pay all wages by electronic means.

Employers in Pennsylvania are currently allowed to pay employees through payroll or direct deposit. And while the vast majority of employees agree to and prefer electronic payment, an employer is required to accommodate a request for a paper check if even a single employee requests it. This creates administrative challenges and inefficiencies for employers who must maintain systems and processes to prepare for and accommodate these requests.

The PA Chamber supported this proposal (CLICK HERE for an earlier memo we sent to the Senate Labor & Industry Committee in June), which now moves on to final consideration in the Senate.