Pa. Senate Passes 'Farming First' Bills

The Senate approved a package of bills May 7 to support Pennsylvania’s farm families, including two bills sponsored by state Sen. Judy Ward (R-30th) designed to ease restrictions on barn weddings and milk transportation.

Senate Bill 453, sponsored by Ward, would allow farmers to apply for an annual exemption to certain costly requirements that are included in the state’s Uniform Construction Code for buildings that host weddings, receptions and similar events.

The measure would make it easier for farms to host these events by relaxing requirements for onerous mandates, including sprinkl...