Ward submitted comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission.
WESTMORELAND – Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) today alerted Pennsylvanians of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s recently introduced Pennsylvania Department of Health’s (DOH) regulations to dramatically expand state authority by allowing the DOH — among other things— greater ability to enter homes, businesses, schools and doctors’ offices without a warrant. These regulations are being advanced unilaterally by the Shapiro administration, limiting the voice of both the people and the General Assembly unless Pennsylvanians make their voices heard.
“The proposed regulations represent executive-branch overreach reminiscent of what we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic — but this time, the rules would be permanent,” said Ward. “Every Pennsylvanian should understand these regulations and how they could impact their lives.”
The regulations would infringe upon the constitutional rights of Pennsylvanians and carry significant economic and social consequences. They would grant the DOH expanded access to private citizens’ health records and require schools to allow DOH officials or other individuals to privately question students about contact tracing without parental consent.
“It’s essential that we put Pennsylvanians first. Our health and safety can be protected without sacrificing our privacy or personal freedoms,” said Ward. “I have reviewed all 502 pages of these regulations, and I urge every Pennsylvanian to do the same and submit comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission by Sept. 21.”
You can read the proposed regulations here. To join Ward in voicing your concerns, submit your comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission.
CONTACT: Erica Clayton Wright; 412-334-4856