State Senator Pat Stefano | Pennsylvania
State Senator Pat Stefano | Pennsylvania
On June 12, 2024, the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee voted in favor of two bills sponsored by committee chairman Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32). Senate Bill 1251 aims to align Pennsylvania Nursing Law with federal regulations. Currently, the law only recognizes regionally accredited educational institutions as eligible to offer registered nurse (RN) education programs. The proposed bill would allow both regionally and nationally accredited schools in Pennsylvania to offer RN programs.
“This small change would open a door and provide major opportunities for more schools to offer nursing programs,” said Stefano. “In light of the ongoing staffing crisis facing health care professionals, educating more nurses is critical. Making these programs more accessible to potential students is a great step in ensuring our health care providers are empowered to best serve our communities.”
The committee also passed Senate Bill 1250, which proposes the creation of stakeholder groups for each public utility service, including electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, and water/wastewater. These groups would identify laws, regulations, or policy statements related to their industry that should be repealed or amended to reduce ratepayer impact and enhance operational efficiency.
“Forming each stakeholder group generates discussions to reform the way each utility operates,” said Stefano. “We must continue to look for greater efficiencies to alleviate the financial burden ratepayers face.”
Senate Bill 1250 is part of a broader legislative package aimed at providing ratepayer relief and reducing utility bills.
Additional bills passed by the committee include House Bill 109, House Bill 327, House Bill 1490, and House Bill 1818. Each bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
CONTACT: Amanda Cuteri, 717-787-7175
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