Gov. Wolf Signs 3 New Laws

HARRISBURG, PA — Three new laws are on the books in Pennsylvania, as Gov. Tom Wolf signed a flurry of bills on Friday, his office announced.

Among the new legislation is a law that is aimed at expanding the nursing workforce and providing more opporuntities to those wishing to enter the profession. The law comes as many hospitals and healthcare facilities remain understaffed in the wake of the pandemic.

"Now more than ever, we should work to alleviate needless burdens on those that are seeking to serve on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic," State Rep. Brett R. Miller, the co-sponsor of the bill in the House, wrote in a co-sponsorship memorandum.

Specifically, the bill amends the existing Professional Nursing Law to allow foreign residents who have graduated from a nursing or dietetics-nutrition program, but have not been licensed in their home country, to sit for a license in Pennsylvania. The educational requirements for the overseas degree ust be be equal to Pennsylvania's.

Previously, state law required nursing students to either go back to their home country or to another state for a license, before applying for a separate license in Pennsylvania.

"This does not make sense and is an unnecessary impediment to individuals seeking licensure," Miller argued.

Gov. Wolf signed two other laws Friday:

House Bill 1560

The legislation establishes 57 new memorial bridges and highways across the state. A full list of designees is online here.

House Bill 2051

The new law allows for the transfer of 12 pieces of state-owned land to individual counties and municipalities. The land varies from the West Pittston Armory in Luzerne County, which will be transferred to the borough of West Pittston, to giving prison property at State Correctional Institution Waymart to Wayne County. Details on these transfers is available online.