Governor Josh Shapiro Signs Key Bills Into Law, Including Modernization of Workers’ Compensation

Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania has been actively signing several bills into law in recent days, marking significant legislative milestones. As of October 31, 2024, Governor Shapiro has signed a total of 155 bills into law this year alone.

One of the notable bills signed by Governor Shapiro is S.B. 1232, which allows workers’ compensation benefits to be paid via direct deposit. This legislation, championed by State Rep. Nick Pisciottano, aims to streamline the payment process for injured workers, eliminating the delays and potential losses associated with paper checks. The bill received unanimous support and was signed into law as Act 126 of 2024.

Governor Shapiro, who took office in 2023, has a robust legislative and political background. Prior to his governorship, he served as the Attorney General of Pennsylvania from 2017 to 2023 and was a member of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners from 2012 to 2017. During his tenure as Attorney General, Shapiro was instrumental in releasing the findings of a statewide grand jury report on child abuse by priests and in negotiating a significant portion of the national opioid settlement for Pennsylvania.

Shapiro’s political career also includes his time in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he represented the 153rd district from 2005 to 2012. He has been a strong advocate for various social and administrative reforms, including his work on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which he chaired from 2015.