New PA Laws Impact Domestic Violence Surivors, DUI Offenders & Others

HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed into law bills that impact domestic abuse survivors, DUI offenders, funeral caterers and the state's upcoming celebration of the nation's 250th birthday in 2026.

Here are details on the new laws:

• House Bill 274: Amends the existing unemployment compensation law to make it easier for domestic violence survivors to receive benefits if they are forced to quit working in situations where continued employment would jeopardize their safety.

• House Bill 467: Enables eligible Pennsylvania liquor licensees to cater an end-of-life memorial upon 24 hours notice to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Previously, seven days notice to the board was required, which created scheduling obstacles for grieving families.

• House Bill 1615: Amends the law governing the state Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition program for DUI offenders. Upon an offender’s successful completion of the program, the court now will oversee expungement of the DUI offense from the offender’s criminal record. Additionally, the courts can treat an offender’s participation in the program as a prior offense if the offender is subsequently charged with another DUI.

• Senate Bill 734: Authorizes a privately funded sesquincentennial bell to be placed at the state capitol complex next year to help commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary.

• House Bill 1425: Requires vapor manufacturers to annually certify that they have received marketing authorization from the Food and Drug Administration and establishes a publicly accessible website with information on their manufacturers and their products.

• House Bill 1651: Mandates that if a municipal supervisors board is unable to fill a vacancy within 30 days after it occurs, the vacancy board will fill the position within 15 additional days. That board will consist of supervisors and one registered voter of the municipality who cannot vote for themselves to fill the vacancy.