Wolf approves new Broadband Development Authority, signs a series of bills into law 

Gov. Tom Wolf signed a bill Tuesday approving the creation of a state authority tasked with investing federal dollars in programs to expand broadband internet access across the state. 

The PA Broadband Development Authority, established by House Bill 2071, will oversee and support broadband development, managing at least $100 million in federal aid given to the state to support the construction of new towers, lines and broadband equipment.  

In other business, Wolf vetoed House Bill 1332, which required public school districts to publish the curriculum that will be taught for each grade and for each subject area. Wolf called the legislation a “thinly veiled attempt to restrict truthful instruction.” 

“Under the guise of transparency, this legislation politicizes what is being taught in our public schools,” said Wolf. “The onerous requirements of this bill fall on educators who should be focused on critical issues such as addressing learning loss, managing the impact of the pandemic on students and working through staffing shortages.” 

Other bills signed by Wolf include: 

• House Bills 291 and 1260, which amend the State Lottery Law to ensure that older adults in the state continue to have access to savings through PACENET, Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance program for older adults. 
• House Bill 1255, providing a five-year statute of limitations to recover damages against real estate appraisers when there is no evidence of fraud or intentional misrepresentation. 

• House Bill 1837, amending the Workers’ Compensation Act to streamline the compromise and release agreement process. 
• Senate Bill 208, which amends the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in subdivision and land development, further providing for completion of improvements or guaranteeing prerequisite to final plat approval. 
• Senate Bill 772, amending the Insurance Company Law related to model laws on annuities. 
• Senate Bill 729, authorizing virtual instruction for certain components of nurse aid training programs. 
• Senate Bill 829, authorizing licensing boards and licensing commissions to conduct virtual public meetings.