Latest news with #AnitaKulik
CBS News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Pennsylvania bill would change how pet custody is decided in divorce cases
Divorce is a difficult time for partners, especially when it comes to child custody. And for couples who have pets, custody can cause just as many difficulties. Proposed legislation in Harrisburg would help the courts determine the issue. It may sound surprising, but a lot more custody cases aren't dealing with children; they're dealing with pets. A proposed bill would give judges guidelines to make decisions when it doesn't work out at home but someone wants to get the dog and cat. "I can see it. Nobody wants to part with one of their pets. I can see how it would definitely bring out a lot of issues," said dog owner Nathan Holland. Right now, there are no laws on the books to clarify who gets the family pet, but that may all soon change with House Bill 97. "There's no guidelines in the law right now for judges to do anything more with a pet than treat it as chattel, treat it the same way as 'well, we're going to divide up the furniture,'" said Rep. Anita Kulik. The bill's guidelines include: did the animal come into the marriage, who is really responsible for the pet's well-being, who feeds or walks the animal and who takes the animal to the vet? It also factors in who has primary custody of the children, if children are involved. There are exceptions, however, when it comes to certified service animals. Kulik, who spent 30 years as a practicing family law attorney, authored the bill and wants to make it clear. "I think some of my colleagues are worried that this bill is equating pet custody with child custody. That is not my intention, and that would never be my intention. There is nothing as important as our children," Kulik said. This isn't just cats or dogs. If it is seen as a family pet by both parties, the bills' guidelines will apply. The bill is in the House and is expected to go to the House for approval.
The Hill
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Pennsylvania governor signs eight more bills into law. See what they do
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) signed eight bills into law on Monday. All of the bills passed with bipartisan support. They include amendments that target abandoned boats, update the state's existing military and pharmaceutical laws and prepare for hosting the FIFA World Cup and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. House Bill 102, sponsored by Rep. Anita Kulik (D-Allegheny County), amends Title 30 (Fish) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to address and increase penalties for at-risk, derelict and abandoned boats. Under the legislation, local law enforcement can investigate abandoned boats in their jurisdiction. Additionally, boat owners are financially responsible for the removal of abandoned boats, have 30 days to claim ownership of an abandoned boat and face a summary offense for abandoning a boat. A first offense comes with a $500 fine, which increases after additional offenses. The legislation takes effect in 180 days. House Bill 309, sponsored by Rep. Frank Burns (D-Cambria County), prepares Pennsylvania for hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Countries from around the world will send their teams to Philadelphia next year, and this includes team physicians. The bill amends the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act to allow team doctors traveling internationally with their club or national team to treat their own players on site during games without needing a Pennsylvania medical license. Such protections previously only extended to out-of-state doctors. The legislation takes effect immediately. House bill 354, sponsored by Rep. Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia County), establishes guidelines for a program called 'What is Your Pennsylvania Story?' The legislation instructs the PA Department of Education to develop education materials ahead of the 250th anniversary of the United States that will encourage students to share their personal experiences and connections to both Pennsylvania and the United States. The act takes effect in 30 days. House Bill 799, sponsored by Rep. Daniel Deasy (D-Allegheny County), amends Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for veterans' benefits and services workplace posting; and making an editorial change. Under the legislation employers in Pennsylvania must display a poster stating: The legislation applies to employers with more than 50 full-time employees. It takes effect in 90 days. House Bill 865, sponsored by Rep. Arvind Venkat (D-Allegheny County), amends Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes in Educational Assistance Program. The amendments provide defections, eligibility requirements and recoupment of grant payments. In Military Family Education Program, it provides definitions, eligibility, limitations and recoupment of Military Family Education Program grant payments. A noticeable change is clarifying that a National Guard member is eligible for an additional MFEP assistance grant for additional dependents each time the member re-enlists. The legislation takes effect in 60 days. Senate Bill 90, sponsored by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin/Adams counties), amends Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Commonwealth services, further providing for curriculum, training and education certification management system. Specifically, the legislation allows firefighters to take an entry level test for each of the four required training modules fore firefighter certification. Currently, firefighters must complete all four modules before taking a cumulative test. This legislation keeps that as an option. This legislation takes effect in six months. Senate Bill 95, sponsored by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York County), amends the Pharmacy Act, further providing for definitions, for licensing of pharmacists and for unlawful acts; and providing for price disclosure. It permanently permits Emergency Medical Services providers to leave a dose package of life-saving naloxone with the on-scene caregiver of a patient who overdosed on opioids and was revived by the EMS, providing a standing prescription has been issued by the Department of Health. There is a current standing order for the Commonwealth. The bill exempts providers from liability or an obligation to stock or distribute naloxone to a family member, friend or individual. The legislation also requires pharmacists in Pennsylvania to provide: Parts of the legislation takes effect in 60 days while other parts take effect in one year. Senate Bill 649, sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Berks/Montgomery), amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in forgery and fraudulent practices, to establish an offense for digital forgery. Under the legislation, a person is guilty of digital forgery if they: A person who commits the crime is guilty of a first degree misdemeanor. They are guilty of a third degree felony if they break the law through involvement in a scheme to defraud, coerce or commit theft of monetary assets or property. The legislation goes into effect in 60 days. The governor has not yet signed House Bill 1431 into law, which passed last month. It would repeal Sunday hunting bans in the state. The governor's office said he plans to sign it in the coming days.
CBS News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
New bill in Harrisburg could bring harsher penalties to those who abandon boats
New bill in Harrisburg could bring harsher penalties to those who abandon boats New bill in Harrisburg could bring harsher penalties to those who abandon boats New bill in Harrisburg could bring harsher penalties to those who abandon boats A bill in Harrisburg is trying to eliminate the issue of abandoned boats. KDKA-TV has extensively reported on boats being left behind and no one claiming them. Then, after jumping through several hoops, organizations can get them away. Tied up to guide rails, sinking, and discolored are all signs that one abandoned boat has had better days sitting in the Ohio River and rotting away along Neville Island. "The rivers lose a lot of value when they fill up with abandoned boats," Three Rivers Waterkeeper Captain Evan Clark said. Capt. Clark said there are 26 abandoned boats in Allegheny County. He said the current process is time-consuming and expensive. Groups like his must become the new boat owners and then remove it. "It's a big problem. Everyone around here knows it," Rep. Anita Kulik, District 45 (D) said. Rep. Kulik introduced a bill that passed the House and is currently in the Senate to tackle this. It would allow municipalities to remove the boats and get restitution from the owners. It would also give definitions to abandoned boats, at-risk boats, and derelict boats. "What we're trying to do is make it so the owners of these abandoned or derelict boats are held accountable for it," Rep. Kulik said. The boats pose an environmental challenge as oil and fuel can leak into waterways, with the added danger of breaking loose and being a hazard to anyone on the water. Water advocates hope this can eliminate what they see as a constant problem. "It's great. It's going to be great if and when it passes," Capt. Clark said. Her bill also calls for an increase in penalties. If boats cost over $2,500 to remove, it will be a third-degree misdemeanor. It will remain a summary offense if it's less than $2,500. There is also a Senate companion bill to help get this into law if Rep. Kulik's bill stalls.
