Mullins consumer protection proposal signed into law

Rep. Kyle Mullins    July 5, 2024 | 12:17 PM

HARRISBURG, July 5 – Pennsylvania consumers will benefit from a new law sponsored and authored by state Rep. Kyle Mullins and recently signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro that reforms disciplinary hearings before Pennsylvania licensing boards and commissions by creating new guiderails for respondents and safeguards for victims.

“The Commonwealth has an obligation to the various licensed professions it regulates as well as the consumers that the profession serves, and these changes will ensure a more holistic process when addressing alleged wrongdoings,” said Mullins.

The original proposal was first introduced during the 2017-18 legislative session, sparked by a constituent of the then-sponsor, former state Sen. John Blake.

“When I shared my own story and how I felt the disciplinary hearing process could be made better, it resonated with policymakers,” said Mark DeStefano, who has been personally devoted to seeing these reforms through to completion.

Under the new law, a respondent may appear for a disciplinary hearing under the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania licensing boards and commissions in person or remotely, and there are clear guidelines for how to treat failure to appear. Additionally, individuals adversely affected by the actions of a respondent may submit a written impact statement.

The new law took effect on June 14 of this year.

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