COVID-19 Updates & Resources

Provided by Capital Associates

May 22, 2020 Weekly Update:

• Last week, the House and Senate passed SB 327 which would have created a recovery taskforce that would have also empowered county governments to make decisions about reopening.  This bill was vetoed by the Governor this week, the bill on final passage did not have enough support to override the veto if it were put for another vote.
• House Bill 2412, was also vetoed by the Governor this week, however, the Governor did provide additional guidance for real estate transactions that was similar to the proposed bill.  Transactions can now occur in every county, while following certain guidelines: face to face interactions must be limited to 3 people, masks must be worn at all times, certain health screening questions must be asked before any face to face meeting, all meetings must document who was present and be kept as records.
• House Bill 2388, which would have allowed for Car Dealerships, lawn and garden centers, pet groomer, barbers, and salons to reopen, was vetoed by the Governor this week as well.  The House of Representatives attempted a veto override on Wednesday but it failed.
• House Bill 327 was signed into law by the Governor, and this bill would allow for a valid restaurant or hotel liquor license that lost more than 25 percent of average monthly total sales because of restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 disaster emergency may sell prepared beverages and mixed drinks for off- premises consumption. Provides exceptions and prohibits certain licensees from selling prepared beverages and mixed drinks for off-premise consumption.
• The House passed House Bill 2440 that would create the Hunting, Firearm, and Ammunition Life Sustaining Act, determining that gun or ammo manufacturers, sportsman’s clubs, and similarly related businesses will always be determined life sustaining during any future closure. This bill moves to the Senate for consideration.
• The House also passed HB 2506, which would allow for restaurants, bars, private clubs, or breweries to begin use of existing outdoor seating, or create temporary outside seating on the property.   It also requires establishments to follow the guidance issued by CDC, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and where applicable, the National Restaurant’s Association’s and U.S. Food and Drug Administration Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services During the COVID-19 pandemic.  Similarly, the House passed HB 2513 that would allow for indoor seating to be opened at all eating establishments, following all CDC guidance and, U.S. FDA best practices guidelines.
• On Thursday, during a call with select members of the media, the Governor revealed that he expects several other counties will be moving from “red” to “yellow”, in accordance with his reopening plan.  He also indicated that it is likely that there will be an announcement soon of certain counties in the “yellow” who will be transitioning to “green”.  There is still no official guidance on what the “green” tag means, however it is likely that this guidance will be released before any counties officially transition to the “green” phase.