Switchblade decriminalization

In November, Wolf signed a law that legalized the possession of switchblade knives in Pennsylvania. The “automatic knives” had been classified as an offensive weapon in Pennsylvania. The law legalizing the knives goes into effect in January.

Crackdown on Pennsylvania Turnpike toll absconders

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has more power to crack down on thousands of drivers who don’t pay their turnpike tolls.

Starting in January, the Turnpike Commission will begin to notify registrants that their registrations will be suspended if they do not pay tolls worth more than $250. At least a month later, the toll agency can ask the Transportation Department to start the process, and PennDOT said it would give the owners six weeks’ notice.

The Turnpike Commission says they hope the new law will help them recover more than $100 million in uncollected tolls.

Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls increasing in 2023 Driverless vehicles

Governor Wolf signed a bill in November that allows for the regulation and operation of “highly automated vehicles with or without a driver.”

“This technology brings the potential for significant advancements in vehicle safety and mobility, and offers economic development benefits across Pennsylvania,” Wolf said in a signing letter.

Sex traffickers added to Megan’s Law

Those convicted of sex trafficking in Pennsylvania will now be required to register under Megan’s Law as registered sex offenders.

Data breach notification

Governor Wolf signed Senate Bill 696, which expands the definition of personal information to include medical and health insurance information. The bill also includes a username or e-mail address, in combination with a password or security question and answer that would permit access to an online account.

Pennsylvania not among states raising their minimum wages in 2023 The law also states that if a state agency determines that it is the subject of a breach of the security of the system affecting personal information maintained by the state agency or state agency contractor, the state agency needs to provide notice of the breach of the security of the system within seven business days following the determination of the breach.

The law goes into effect in May 2023.

Junior firefighter training

Minors are now able to enter a burning building in Pennsylvania if they are 17 years old and have permission from a fire chief or parent/guardian.

Senate Bill 1027 amended the Child Labor Act and will go into effect in January 2023.