New laws signed for Pennsylvania motorcyclists, school districts

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Pennsylvania has new laws regarding how school districts report weapon offenses and regarding Bluetooth listening devices for motorcyclists.

The laws will be implemented in the next 60 days after being signed by Governor Josh Shapiro on Thursday.

Reporting school weapon offenses

Before Senate Bill 246 was signed, school districts did not have to let guardians or parents know if weapons were brought onto campus or to school-related events. The only time families were mandated to be told is when there was an expulsion for having the weapon.

Now, districts are required to be transparent when there is a weapons offense incident.

 “Our goal is to ensure and ensure that parents, guardians, and school employees are informed in a timely manner of any incidents with the potential to affect their children and the safety of the school,” SB 246’s prime sponsor is Senator Jarrett Coleman (R-Lehigh) wrote in his memo.

Senate Bill 971 from last session is also being reintroduced with the goal of making the reports timelier to families.

SB 246 passed the Senate in October after getting a 48-2 vote before being signed by Shapiro.

Bluetooth listening devices for motorcyclists

House Bill 646, primarily sponsored by State Rep. Zachary Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton), will allow motorcyclists to use helmets with built-in Bluetooth communication speakers or wireless headsets/earbuds.

In his memo, Mako said he thinks the law should be updated to reflect current times.

“I believe this law should be updated to better reflect the times, with the advent of wireless headsets, earbuds/earphones and Bluetooth communication/speakers built into helmets that a majority of riders use and should not be penalized for,” the memo reads.

With a 47-3 vote, the bill passed the Senate before being signed by Shapiro.