HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – Governor Shapiro signed four new laws into law across Pennsylvania on Wednesday

The bills (HB 156, HB 157, HB 735And SB 694) deal with fireworks, flood insurance, fertilizers and even buying organic food at the supermarket.

Retailers selling fireworks in the Commonwealth must adhere to regulations established in 2006 by the National Fire Protection Association. However, SB 694 repeals this.

“A natural or legal person who conducts, provides or supervises fireworks displays for consumers or exhibits fireworks displays or exhibitions for profit must annually file a complaint with the Attorney General in accordance with 37 pa. Code ch. 711 (relating to registration for fireworks displays). A certificate of this registration issued by the Attorney General shall be provided upon request by law enforcement officials.”

HB 156 amends errors implemented under SB 251 when it was passed and signed into law in July.

“An example of such an error can be found in Section 6813(b), which states that no person may apply fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus to lawns between December 15 and March 1 unless directed by one certified applicator,” said the state representative. Eddie Pashinski (D-Luzrene) wrote in his memo. “As there are no certified applicators, laws are needed to correct this error and allow citizens to apply fertilizer, but on a smaller scale.”

Since 2019, the PA Preferred® Organic Program has helped farmers by highlighting what products come from them at the grocery store, and HB 157 would help do that

“Under our legislation, the Pennsylvania Preferred Organic Program would be established into law in addition to the Pennsylvania Preferred Program,” said bill sponsors Pashinski and State Representative Maureen Madden (D-Monroe). “Consumers continue to increasingly demand local products, including organic products. The program would be voluntary for organic producers and any producers interested in converting to organic production. The program would not compete with other Pennsylvania producers, but instead would further strengthen and ensure Pennsylvania’s brand recognition. “The PA Preferred brand will be used fairly across all production methods.”

“Products that carry the PA Preferred Organic brand provide consumers with the assurance that they are receiving a quality product that meets the high standards they expect,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “The Shapiro Administration is working with the Legislature to increase consumer confidence in locally grown products so that Pennsylvania’s organic farmers can continue to grow their companies’ profits and keep Pennsylvania at the forefront.”

Flood insurance has become something that Pennsylvania homeowners are required to have, whereas it used to be optional. This has made it harder for some to make ends meet, but HB 735, introduced by state Rep. Perry Warren (D-Bucks), would attempt to provide some help by creating a task force to assist with flood insurance premiums.

“The task force would issue recommendations on potential programs that provide premium discounts, programs that incentivize local governments to support flood mitigation efforts, and implementation of any necessary changes to state laws or policies relating to the administration of flood insurance.”

For more information on the legislation Shapiro signed, click here found by clicking here.