Bernstine Receives Committee Assignments for Upcoming Session

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced he was assigned to serve on the House Commerce and Insurance committees during the 2019-20 legislative session. He also retained his seats on the House Health and Game and Fisheries committees.

The second-term lawmaker said the new assignments will allow him to combine his private sector experience with his legislative duties to protect consumers and businesses.

“Prior to running for office, I worked extensively with small businesses and large corporations while also building several of my own. I got to know the many issues they deal with daily,” said Bernstine. “Those experiences will give me good insight into what our entrepreneurs need and don’t need to grow and create jobs.”

“Insurance issues are important, but often very complex, especially when we start looking at the rapidly evolving health care industry models,” Bernstine said. “I look forward to looking at what can be done to ensure insurance regulations are up to date with today’s technology and fairly enforced, all while being mindful of the consumer.”

Responsibilities of the committees on which Bernstine will serve are as follows:

• The Commerce Committee is responsible for originating legislation and overseeing implementation of programs which affect Pennsylvania companies. The committee has primary jurisdiction over corporate governance through the business corporation law, as well as regulation of offers of sale and credit through such statutes as the Goods and Services Installment Sales Act, the Unfair Sales Act, and the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act.
• The Game and Fisheries Committee reviews legislation that deals with laws, licensing and other matters related to hunting, trapping, fishing and boating throughout the Commonwealth.
• The Health Committee deals with legislation regarding pharmaceutical issues, nursing home licensure, health savings accounts, telemedicine and many health problems.
• The Insurance Committee vets legislation pertaining to all types of insurance including homeowners, life, health, automobile and personal and commercial lines.

“In addition to my committee roles, I am prepared to hit the ground running this session with my own legislative agenda which focuses on increasing government transparency, protecting our constitutional liberties and keeping government out of the way of Pennsylvania’s progress,” Bernstine said.