Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, August 19, 2024

August 19, 2024

Pennsylvania

What Happens if PA’s Governor Steps Down?

While we now know that he will remain in his current role for the time being, recent speculation about whether Governor Josh Shapiro would step down to become Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate raised questions about what would happen if he were to leave office. The Pennsylvania Constitution mandates that Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis would succeed him, with state Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward moving into the lieutenant governor role. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Drug Paraphernalia Laws Remain Obstacle for Opioid Settlement Distribution

Pennsylvania’s opioid settlement prioritizes expanding syringe services, but these programs remain mostly illegal in the state, creating a conflict between public health goals and existing drug paraphernalia laws. Spotlight PA has more.

Some PA School Districts Banning Cell Phone Use

The Somerset Area School District is considering stricter cell phone policies in response to a new Pennsylvania law tying school safety grants to implementing a student cell phone ban during the school day. Phillyburbs.com has more.

PHRC Releases New Monetary Damages Guidelines for Emotional Distress In Housing Discrimination

Pennsylvania’s Human Relations Commission (PHRC) has introduced new guidelines for calculating emotional distress damages in housing discrimination cases, offering clarity and protection for affected individuals. WPSU has more.

What Biden Admin’s New Title IX Regulations Mean for PA

The Biden Administration’s new Title IX regulations, which protect students from gender identity discrimination, went into effect on August 1, but 26 states and some schools are exempt due to a federal injunction, including parts of Pennsylvania where the state plans to update its own policies. WHYY has more.

 

Philadelphia

City Must Pay $25M, Boost Jails Staffing

A federal judge ordered Philadelphia to pay $25 million and take immediate action to address staffing shortages in its jails, following the City’s failure to comply with a 2022 settlement addressing inhumane conditions, including frequent inmate lockdowns and rampant contraband. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Who is Enforcing Philadelphia’s Business Curfews?

Despite having passed curfews for late-night nuisance businesses in several districts this spring, enforcement has yet to begin, with the City focusing on educating business owners before issuing citations. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Israel Boycott Ballot Question Appears to Have Been Withdrawn

An effort to place a boycott of businesses with ties to Israel on Pittsburgh’s November ballot appears to have been suspended due to insufficient signatures. Organizers claim the suspension was due to opposition efforts, while critics argue the measure would have disrupted City operations and legal proceedings. WESA has more.

 

Federal

VP Harris, Former President Trump Continue Campaigning in PA

As Vice President Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz continue their bus tour across Pennsylvania to energize Democratic supporters and build momentum before the national convention in Chicago, former President Donald Trump appeared in York, Pennsylvania, to discuss the state of the economy, while his running mate J.D. Vance spoke in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia to Host First Presidential Debate in September

The first presidential debate between Vice President Harris and former President Trump will be held at Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center on September 10, and will be moderated by Linsey Davis and David Muir. Meanwhile, Sen. Vance and Gov. Walz have each accepted a vice presidential debate invitation from CBS News for October 1 to take place in New York City.

Some 2020 “Fake Electors” Return to Serve on Trump’s 2024 Slate

Five Pennsylvania Republicans who participated as alternate electors for Donald Trump in 2020 will again serve as electors in the upcoming presidential election. Votebeat has more.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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