Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania House Passes Bill to Expedite Junk Titles for Abandoned Vehicles – MyChesCo
HARRISBURG, PA — On Monday, the Pennsylvania House passed legislation designed to speed up the processing of junk titles for abandoned vehicles. The bill, introduced by state Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, aims to relieve tow truck operators from the burden of storing abandoned vehicles for extended periods.
House Bill 2251 mandates the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to complete certain administrative steps more quickly, allowing for expedited receipt of junk titles. The bill amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, particularly focusing on procedures involving abandoned vehicles and cargos. It addresses notice requirements to owners and lienholders of abandoned vehicles, authorization for the disposal of unclaimed vehicles, and processing nonrepairable or salvage vehicles.
“Right now, it can take months for PennDOT to process junk titles, which leaves tow truck operators responsible for the non-working vehicle,” Neilson said. “Ensuring the reasonable processing and delivery of junk titles will greatly assist tow truck operators who don’t have the space or resources to store vehicles for an extended period of time.”
The bill received overwhelming support in the House, passing by a vote of 201-1. The next step is for the bill to move to the state Senate for consideration.
Clearing Junk Titles for a Cleaner, Safer Community
This legislation is important for several reasons. First, it alleviates a significant logistical and financial burden on tow truck operators. These operators often find themselves storing abandoned vehicles for months, taking up valuable space and resources. By expediting the processing of junk titles, these businesses can dispose of abandoned vehicles more quickly, freeing up space and reducing costs.
Second, the bill has broader implications for the community. Abandoned vehicles can become eyesores and safety hazards in neighborhoods. Faster processing of junk titles means these vehicles can be removed and disposed of sooner, improving the overall appearance and safety of public spaces.
Additionally, the legislation highlights the need for efficient government processes. Delays in administrative procedures can have real-world consequences, affecting small businesses and communities alike. By streamlining PennDOT’s operations, the bill demonstrates a commitment to improving government efficiency and responsiveness.
In summary, House Bill 2251 represents a practical solution to a common problem faced by tow truck operators and communities across Pennsylvania. By speeding up the processing of junk titles for abandoned vehicles, the legislation promises to reduce burdens on small businesses, improve neighborhood aesthetics, and enhance government efficiency. The overwhelming support for the bill in the House suggests broad recognition of its benefits, and attention now turns to the state Senate for further action.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and Microsoft Start.
Hersheypark in Pennsylvaniacould be forced to close this summer amid a dispute between the site’s operators and union employees, according to a report.
The amusement park is scheduled to open seven days a week starting May 21 in a shift from its weekend-only operation before the summer, despite a looming vote among employees about whether to go on strike.
Over 200 union maintenance employees at Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey and Giant Center rejected a contract offer from Hershey Entertainment & Resorts on May 7, according to Inside the Magic. The park’s operators described the proposal as their “last, best and final” offer.
Over a three-day period this week, employees will vote on whether to strike after rejecting the offer, which is the third from the park’s operators. A strike could close the park just in time for the start of the busy summer season when families head on vacation.
The list of employees considering going on strike includes ride mechanics, electricians, plumbers, welders, painters, machinists, utilities technicians, carpenters, garage auto mechanics and sign artists.
In mid-March, the union and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts agreed to extend a former contract for 60 days to allow for continued negotiations.
According to Inside the Magic, union workers are seeking fair wage increases, more affordable care plans and higher pay premiums for less-desirable shifts. The union has also said that it will reject new contract offers that lower professional standards, devalue skilled trades or open the door to lower wages in maintenance roles in the future.
The Independent has contacted Hershey Entertainment & Resorts for comment about the possible strike.
Hersheypark, located 15 miles east of Harrisburg, is the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1906, the 121-acre site boasts more than 70 rides, a water park with 17 water attractions and an 11-acre North American Wildlife Park, according to Hersheypark’s website.
It’s named for and themed in conjunction with the popular candy company.
However, a different park in the Keystone State was named as the top amusement park in the U.S. on TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best list.
It was Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, 42 miles north-northeast of Harrisburg, that topped the list. In doing so, the little-known park was ranked higher than Dollywood, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure that also made the top 5.
“It’s got it all: roller coasters, kid-friendly rides (bumper cars, a haunted mansion), swimming, camping, a mining museum, and even a championship 18-hole golf course,” TripAdvisor wrote. “The accommodating staff, clean facilities, and fun attractions make for a memorable family-friendly visit.”
Knoebels is the U.S.’s largest free-admission park, although tickets for individual rides cost a fee.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on cast vote records creates uncertainty for counties
NEW CASTLE, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Charles “Yami” Frederick Jamison, age 83, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, formerly of Warren, Ohio, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Haven Convalescent Home.
Mr. Jamison was born December 2, 1942, in New Castle, a son of the late Charles N. and Anna (Callihan) Jamison and was a 1960 graduate of New Castle High School.
Charles worked as an order checker clerk for Packard Electric Company, Warren, Ohio, for 31 years, until his retirement in 1999.
A proud veteran, he served his country in the United States Navy.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Warren, Ohio and also attended Mass at Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church.
Charles spent his free time hunting and playing Euchre.
He is survived by his four sisters, Margaret I. Klann, Mary E. DeMarco and Catherine “Kay” A. Houk (Robert), all of New Castle and Susan J. Olson (Donald), Winfield, Illinois; his brother, Richard Jamison (Linda) of New Castle; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the City Rescue Mission, 319 S. Croton Ave., New Castle, PA, 16101, and the Salvation Army, 240 W. Grant St., New Castle, PA, 16101.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the Haven Convalescent Home for the care and support that Charles received over the years.
Calling Hours will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on 10:30 a.m., Wednesday May 13, 2026, in Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church, 124 N. Beaver St., New Castle, with Rev. Aaron Kriss, as celebrant.
Interment: Castleview Memorial Gardens, Neshannock Twp.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles F. Jamison, please visit our flower store.
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