Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It’s been a busy and energizing time in Harrisburg, in our district and across Pennsylvania. I’m proud to stand in solidarity with the hardworking members of DC33 as they fight for fair wages and dignity on the job Their strength and unity inspire us all. I am thrilled that they are receiving the contracts that they deserve!
I’m also excited to share that my bill, House Bill 1646 has officially passed the house this week! For more info on that bill, keep reading or click here.
As we continue working for you, we’re kicking off a new round of legislative door knocking, and I’d love for you to join us in getting the word out. Plus, we’ve got several upcoming events where I hope to connect with many of you in person. Read on for details—I look forward to seeing you out there!
Your Neighbor,
Rep. Andre D. Carroll
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Harrisburg News and Legislation
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My first bill (HB1646) Passes the House
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My house colleagues and I have passed my bill—HB 1646--this week. This bill would help keep Pennsylvania’s barbering profession running efficiently by updating rules for the State Board of Barber Examiners.
When the board cannot reach a quorum, it cannot function. Applications go unapproved, disciplinary cases stall, and the regulatory process breaks down. This legislation ensures the board can meet and conduct critical business, even if not all seats are currently filled.
The change will help avoid unnecessary delays for license applicants, schools of barbering, and licensed professionals across the Commonwealth.
Of the 29 state licensing boards and commissions under the PA Department of State, 19 already use the “majority” phrasing instead of a set number.
The bill now moves to the Senate for approval.
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Delivering for You in Harrisburg
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This week, my House colleagues and I passed important bills that will help our neighbors and improve our communities:
We're protecting consumers by requiring companies to provide notification before each automatic renewal, to be transparent about renewal terms, and to allow subscribers to cancel their subscription services exclusively online if they initially subscribed online (HB 1299).
We're protecting the safety of hotel workers by requiring hotel employers to provide devices that serve as “panic buttons” for employees working alone servicing guestrooms (HB 1358).
We're keeping campgrounds affordable by exempting privately-owned campgrounds from local amusement and admission taxes (HB 1424).
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HB 1506—Eliminating Costs for Communication for Incarcerated Individuals
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Research has shown that contact between incarcerated individuals and their families has positive outcomes for all involved, including reduced recidivism rates. However, prison phone contracts are often based on a commission model, where the phone service provider pays commission to the contracting government agency, such as a state prison or county jail. These commissions inflate the cost of phone calls, to the detriment of incarcerated individuals and their families. In 2019, these commissions amounted to over $3.47 million being paid by families in Pennsylvania for communications with their incarcerated family member.
In order to relieve families of incarcerated individuals of this financial burden, I introduced legislation that would require state prisons and county jails to provide voice communication services free to incarcerated individuals initiating or receiving communications.
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Are you interested in volunteering?
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- Do you need community service hours?
- Do you want to give back to your community?
- Do you want to learn more about legislative office operations and connect with your representative?
Our office is now accepting sign-ups for volunteers! We have lots of opportunities for volunteer efforts doing community outreach, office support, social media and communications, event assistance, and other miscellaneous efforts.
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If you see us out in the community, make sure to say hi!
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We will be in the community with Councilmember Isaiah Thomas’ team all summer long to help connect you with city and state assistance! Please be sure to leave any questions or concerns you might have with one of our members and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. If we miss you, we hope to see you at one of our upcoming community day events!
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