Wednesday, December 26, 2012
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — New Pennsylvania laws that take effect in the coming days toughen penalties for underage drinking, mandate training for school workers on how to recognize and report child abuse, and require more humane methods of putting down animals.
Others increase worker and employee contributions to the state’s Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund; require contractors on public works projects to make sure through the federal E-Verify system that their employees are legal residents; and simplify voting rules for servicemen and women and others living overseas.
Under the new law on underage drinking, the maximum fine for someone under 18 caught drinking goes from $300 to $500, and the maximum is $1,000 on second offenses.