The Pennsylvania state legislature this week moved forward on two bills that would allow for RV dealers to resume operations selling vehicles to customers during the COVID-19 emergency declaration.
The Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee approved two bills Monday that would grant waivers allowing dealers, barbers, manufacturers, real estate operations and other industries to operate in Pennsylvania under the COVID-19 emergency declaration.
House Bills 2388 and 2412 will now go before the full Senate for consideration. The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association shared information about the two bills on Tuesday.
“The safe operation of big box stores across the commonwealth demonstrate that other industries can safely resume operations,” said Senator Tom Killion (R-Chester and Delaware), who chairs the Senate committee. “The waivers granted in these bills rectifies the arbitrariness of the governor’s decisions to shutter businesses and removes the veil of secrecy under the Department of Community and Economic Development granted waivers.”
House Bill 2388, sponsored by Representative Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny), provides a waiver for automobile dealers to operate, while House Bill 2412, sponsored by Representative Todd Polinchock (R-Bucks), provides the waiver for real estate services.
Amendments adopted to the legislation also provide waivers for manufacturing, barbers, hair stylists, animal groomers, lawn and garden centers, messenger and agent services and legal services. Killion noted all industries granted waivers in the legislation advanced this week are capable of operating safely under CDC guidelines.
“COVID-19 is much more than a public health emergency. It is an economic disaster of almost incomprehensible proportions. The longer we delay the safe reopening of our economy, the more difficult it will be for Pennsylvanians to get back on their feet,” Killion said.
The bills now head to the Senate for full consideration.
