Rules and Executive Nominations
Committee 11/20/04
The Senate Rules
Committee met on 11-20-04 and reported out the following:
SB 72
The bill amends the Crimes Code to add public utility employees
and legal representatives of a county children and
youth social service agency to the list of officials and
employees enumerated under the aggravated assault law. A5513 Piccola
adopted 16-0. Bill reported 16-0.
SB 95
The legislation makes extensive amendments to the Domestic Relations
Code relating to divorce actions. Reported 16-0.
SB 109
The bill amends the Juvenile Act (Chapter 63 of Title 42) to specify
when law enforcement records and files concerning
a child may be disclosed to the public. A5310 Piccola adopted 15-1.
Bill reported 16-0.
SB 255
This bill creates the “Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Act.”
Reported 16-0.
SB 441
The bill amends the Domestic Relations Code to authorize certain
judicial officials, administrative law judges and
other former public officials to solemnize marriages. A3658 Conti
adopted 16-0. Bill reported 16-0.
SB 668
The bill would create the Uniform Crime Reporting Act. The act will
codify the College and University Security
Information Act, Act of May 26, 1988, P.L. 448, No. 73 with several
additions. Reported 16-0.
SB 677
This bill amends Title 66 (Public Utilities) to eliminate the Office of
Trial Staff within the Public Utility Commission.
It removes statutory requirements for the creation of specific bureaus
within the PUC. Instead, it gives the Commission the
statutory authority to establish bureaus, offices and positions at its
discretion. The bill also extends for one year the
sunsetting of Chapter 30 (broadband deployment) in Pennsylvania. A5542
Mellow, A5560 Hughes, A5523 Ferlo al failed 5-11.
Bill reported 16-0.
SB 856
The bill amends Pennsylvania’s “Fireworks Law” (Act 65 of 1939) to
further regulate the sale and use of fireworks
in Pennsylvania. Reported 16-0.
SB 892
This legislation would amend the “Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning
Code” by further providing for “professional
consultants, ” for review fees and inspection fees charged by
municipalities and the procedure to dispute such fees, including
arbitration. Reported 16-0.
SB 912
This bill amends Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes, providing for crop insurance premium
payments and for a report by the Department of Agriculture; and making a
repeal. Reported 16-0.
SB 959
The bill amends the Judicial Code pertaining to the Constables’
Education and Training Account,
information a county correctional facility gives to probation or parole
upon the release of an inmate, and
restricts eligibility of an offender for certain sentencing
alternatives. A5231 adopted 16-0. Bill reported 16-0.
SB 1041
The bill is a freestanding act that would provide for the continuation
of the Pennsylvania Senior
Environment Corps under the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection and the Department of Aging.
Reported 16-0.
SB 1099
The bill amends the Judicial Code to increase the number of judges in
certain courts of common pleas and further
provides for summary offense, informal adjustment, consent decrees,
compulsory arbitration, disposition of delinquent children,
and for sentences for offenses against infants. Reported 16-0.
HB 994
This measure would empower municipalities, counties and public
transportation agencies to work cooperatively to
establish Transit Revitalization Investment Districts (TRID), including
partnerships with the National Railroad Passenger Corporation
requiring planning studies, comprehensive plan and zoning amendments and
use of existing statutes and techniques to
achieve transit-oriented development, redevelopment, community
revitalization and enhanced community character through
TRID creation. Reported 16-0.
SB 705
This bill defines misleading statements regarding privacy on the
Internet as a fraudulent business practice.
Reported 16-0.
HB 2105 The bill amends the Liquor Code by allowing the sale of wine or liquor-scented candles and the sale of wine in
containers at stores. The legislation changes when state stores can be opened and how many stores can be open for
Sunday sales. The bill lowers the age that minors can work at a Continuing Care Retirement Community. A point system for
liquor license control is also established in this bill. The bill prohibits the use of pyrotechnics in buildings. Also, wineries can
sell wine by the glass if they sell that wine by the bottle under this bill. Finally, the bill allows the board to issue a license
to a distillery that had been established before January 1, 1875. This bill does not include Sunday beer sales. Reported 16-0.
HB 623 This bill amends Title 18 (Crimes Code) to add “Enron
style” accounting schemes to the list of deceptive or fraudulent
business practices. Reported 16-0.
HR 851 Concurrent Resolution memorializing the Congress of the United Statesto enact the Steel Industry National Historic
Site Act establishing certain sites and structures in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as National Heritage Areas.
Reported 16-0.
Rules and Executive Nominations
Committee 11/19/04
The Senate Rules
Committee met on 11-19-04 and reported out the following:
SB 72
The bill amends the Crimes Code to add public utility employees
and legal representatives of a county children and youth social service
agency to the list of officials and employees enumerated under
the aggravated assault law.
A5546 adopted 14-2.
Bill reported 16-0.
SB 79
Amends the Dual Party Relay Service and Telecommunications Device
Distribution Program Act, Act 34 of 1995, to allow blind individuals to
participate in the Print Media Access System Program. The program
allows individuals to access a telephone service that provides access to
national and local newspapers over the telephone. Bill reported 16-0.
SB 92
The legislation amends the Title 42 (Judicial Code) providing for
deficiency judgements. A5394 Piccola adopted 16-0. A5422 Wagner
failed 5-11. Bill reported 16-0.
SB 356
The bill exempts certain persons from paying the fee associated with
getting a criminal background check. It also exempts certain persons
from the fee associated with certifying whether they are on the central
registry of child abuse perpetrators. Reported 16-0.
SB 432
The bill amends the Public Safety Emergency Telephone Act to establish
an enhanced wireless E-911 emergency telephone system to allow county
911 centers to accurately pinpoint the location and phone number of a
person who is calling 911 for emergency assistance. Reported 16-0.
SB 673
This bill amends the Agriculture Education Loan Forgiveness Act by
expanding the program to include teachers of agriculture education.
Reported 16-0.
SB 844
This bill provides for the highway capital budget project for fiscal
2003-2004. Reported 16-0.
SB 931
The legislation amends the Police Officer, Firefighter, Corrections
Employee and National Guard Member Child Beneficiary Education Act to
extend eligibility for the postsecondary educational gratuity program to
children of sheriffs and deputy sheriffs. Reported 16-0.
SB 1102
This bill amends Title 12 (Commerce and Trade) and Title 64 (Public
Authorities and Quasi-Public Corporations) to provide for a Water Supply
and Wastewater Infrastructure Program as a result of the $250 million
bond referendum that was approved by the voters in April 2004. A5457
Brightbill adopted 16-0. A5164 Mellow/Ferlo (KIZ ) failed 5-11.
Reported 16-0.
SB 1167
The bill amends the State Lottery Law, with regard to the amount of
manufacturer rebates under PACE and PACENET. Reported 16-0.
HB 623
This bill amends Title 18 (Crimes Code) to authorize slots at 9
racetracks and 2 non-track facilities and to add “Enron style”
accounting schemes to the list of deceptive or fraudulent business
practices and creates Chapter 92 in Title 18 regarding Racetrack Gaming
and prohibits greyhound racing. A5435 16-0. Reported 16-0.
Rules and Executive Nominations
Committee 11/18/04
The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 11-18-04 and
reported out the following:
SB 133
The bill amends the Vehicle Code to increase the penalties
for multiple driving under the influence convictions and to revise the
DUI ignition interlock system. Sen. Piccola offered A4087 that
increases fines in school zones. The amendment and bill were reported
out 16-0.
SB 304
The legislation amends section 3392 of Title 20 to further provide for
the list of priority for the payment of debts from a decedent’s estate
when insufficient funds exist to satisfy all debts or claims.
The bill places the Commonwealth and its
political subdivisions sixth on the list for the payment of claims above
the general category “all other claims” that are not specifically
provided for in the list of preferred claims. Sen. Brightbill offered
A5351 that would remove grave markers from the bill. The amendment and
bill were reported out 16-0.
SB 938
The measure would amend Section 3742.1 of Title 75 by adding the
additional requirement that a person not only be properly licensed but
also have the proper endorsement for the vehicle being driven. By
making this change an individual could be prosecuted under this statute
who has caused a deadly accident while driving a commercial vehicle
without the proper training and licensing. The penalty structure
remains the same. Sen. Conti offered A5336 which was technical. The
bill and amendment were reported out 16-0.
SB 1096
This legislation amends the Insurance Company Law of 1921(P.L. 682 No.
284) to further provide for surplus notes, for lending of securities,
repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements; and further
defines “long-term care insurance and “prepaid home health or personal
care service policy”. Reported 16-0.
SB 1209
This bill as passed by the Senate amended the definition of “supplier”
to add language making it clear that the term does not include a person
who sells slot monitoring systems, casino management systems, player
tracking systems and wide-area progressive systems. A5214 Jubelirer
that removed distributorships was adopted 10-6. A5056 Fumo that defined
immediate family failed 5-11. A5099 Fumo increased property tax failed
5-11. A5103 Fumo requires licensees to pay 1% to firefighters fund
instead of the Commonwealth failed 5-11. The bill was reported out
10-6.
SR 326
The resolution proclaims the week of January 16 through 22, 2005 as
“Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week”. Reported 16-0
Rules and Executive Nominations
Committee 11/17/04
The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 11-17-04 and
reported out the following:
SB 871
This bill would create a Humane Society Police Officer Advisory Board
to advise the Secretary of Agriculture in the administration of Chapter
37, Humane Society Police Officers. Reported 16-0.
SB 1192
This bill amends the Fiscal Code to further define the powers and duties
of the Treasury Department. The Treasury Department shall now invest
and reinvest the moneys of any fund, including equity securities and
mutual funds consisting in whole or in part of equity securities. Sen.
Mellow offered A 4994 that changed the expiration date from 2005 to
2006. The amendment and bill were reported out 16-0.
HB 2105
The bill amends the definition of “public venue” to include a
convention center
with permanent seating or a convention center or trade show facility
that has at least 60,000 square feet or more in one building. Under
this legislation, the LCB is permitted to sell wine or liquor-scented
candles at state stores. The holder of a limited winery license is also
permitted to sell wine or liquor-scented candles. The bill also allows
the LCB to redeem coupons offered by a manufacturer or an agent of a
manufacturer at the time of purchase. Coupons offered by a manufacturer
cannot be redeemed without proof of purchase. Sen. Conti offered A 5187
that includes a variety of liquor code issues that are included in HB
2102 with the exception of Sunday beer sales and selling lottery tickets
in Liquor Stores. The amendment and bill were reported out 16-0.
HB 2405
This bill
designates a multitude of bridges and roadways throughout the
Commonwealth. Reported out 16-0.
Rules and Executive Nominations
Committee 11/15/04
The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 11-15-04 and
reported out the following:
SB 1052
This legislation would authorize the conveyance of land located in the
City of Erie to the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority. Sen.
Brightbill offered A 4746 that clarifies language in the conveyance.
The bill and amendment were reported from committee unanimously 17-0.
HB 2978
This bill
proposes an amendment to Title 42 (to change the manner in which mileage
for temporarily assigned district justices is calculated. This bill
proposes that district justices who are temporarily assigned to sit in
another magisterial district are to be paid, in addition to the current
$50 per day maximum allowance, based on accountable expenses, plus
mileage at rates established by the Administrative Office of
Pennsylvania Courts, but not in excess of the applicable maximum mileage
rate as authorized by the federal government. The bill was reported
unanimously 17-0.
Rules and Executive Nominations
Committee 11/10/04
The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 11-10-04 and
reported out the following:
SB 798
This bill establishes the Capitol Centennial
Commission.
SB 959
The bill amends the Judicial Code pertaining to
the Constables’ Education and Training Account, information a county
correctional facility gives to probation or parole upon the release of
an inmate, and restricts eligibility of an offender for certain
sentencing alternatives.
HB 2027 This bill amends the Urban Redevelopment Law, to provide for appointment
and qualifications of members of an authority. Specifically, the bill
provides that, in the case of a city of the third class, nonresidents
who own and operate businesses in the city in which the Authority
operates can be appointed and serve as members of the Authority, but a
majority of the five-member board must be citizens of the city.
All bills were
reported from committee unanimously 14-0.
Rules and Executive Nominations
Committee 11/9/04
The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 11-9-04 and
reported out the following:
SB 137
This bill amends the "Allowing Minors to Consent to Medical Care
Act of 1970" by clarifying the rights of minors and their parents to
consent to mental health treatment and by providing for a procedure to
resolve conflicts. Any minor 14 years of age or older may consent to an
outpatient mental health examination or treatment without parental
consent. Also, a parent or legal guardian of a minor under the age of 18
may consent to an outpatient examination or treatment for the minor
without the minor’s consent. Sen. Mowerey offered A4234 that is
clarifying technical language.
SB 1208
This bill would convey a tract of land in Venango County to Frenchcreek
Township, Venango County.
HB 2027
This bill amends the Urban Redevelopment Law, to provide for appointment
and qualifications of members of an authority. Specifically, the bill
provides that, in the case of a city of the third class, nonresidents
who own and operate businesses in the city in which the Authority
operates can be appointed and serve as members of the Authority, but a
majority of the five-member board must be citizens of the city.
All bills and
amendments were reported from committee unanimously 17-0
Rules and Executive Nominations
Committee 10/6/04
The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 10-6-04 and
reported out the following:
SB 1209
This bill amends the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Law
to prohibit public officials from having a financial interest relating
to slot machines or horse racing.
Sen. Piccola offered A3837 that would allows greater local zoning
control over gaming locations, requires state police background checks
for board members and prohibits board members and employees from holding
or campaigning for public office. The bill and amendment were reported
out unanimously 17-0. However, Sen. Fumo divided the question so a
separate vote can be taken on suppliers of gaming machines and local
zoning control. Both votes were defeated along party lines, 6-11.
SB 346
Currently, each person who files a nominating petition for such
positions shall pay for each petition at the time of filing. The filing
fee varies for various posts. This bill removes the $5 fee for any
positions within a borough, town or township of the first class. The
bill also mandates that an automatic recount take place when a statewide
candidate loses by 5% or less. The bill was reported out unanimously
17-0.
Rules and Executive
Nominations Committee 9/28/04
The Senate Rules and
Executive Nominations Committee met 9-28-04 and reported out the
following:
SB 1189
The legislation provides for dispute resolution procedures relating to
residential construction defects between contractors and homeowners or
member of associations. The bill was reported out 16-0.
Rules and Executive
Nominations Committee 7/4/04
The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 7-4-04 and
reported out the following:
SR 296
This resolution amends the financial operating
rules of the Senate. The resolution was reported out unanimously 17-0.
HB 1996 This bill amends the Procurement Code by adding provisions relating to
“collective purchasing contracts” and further provides for guaranteed
energy savings and contracts. The bill was reported out unanimously
17-0.
SB 1102 This bill amends Title 12 to provide for a Water Supply and Wastewater
Infrastructure Program as a result of the $250 million bond referendum
that was approved by the voters in April 2004. The bill was reported
out 16-1 with Sen. Fumo being the one negative vote.
Rules and Executive
Nominations Committee 7/3/04
The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 7-3-04 and
reported out the following:
SB 508
The legislation amends the Municipal Claim and Tax Lien Law
to reduce the redemption period for vacant property and for challenging
foreclosure sales.
SB 979
The bill amends
Title 42 to implement amendments to the Pennsylvania Constitution
adopted in respect to testimony by child victims and child material
witnesses. It also amends Title 42 to reduce the civil liability of
operators of off-road vehicle riding areas.
SB 1039 Adds new language to the definition of “Agency” in Title 65 (Public
Officers). The definition of “Agency” will include the governing board
of any nonprofit corporation which is affiliated with a State-aided,
State-owned or State-related institution of higher education including
community college, which governing board is granted supervisory and
advisory powers regarding the degree programs of the institution of
higher education.
SB 1139 This legislation amends the Pennsylvania Construction Code (P.L. 491,
No. 45), also referred to as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), to
further provide for both application and regulation of the Act, and for
project definitions.
HB 1130
The bill would allow an out-of-state driver 21 and over to
accompany a young driver who has a learner’s permit.
All bills were reported out unanimously 17-0.
Rules and Executive
Nominations Committee 7/2/04
The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 7-2-04 and
reported out the following:
SB 769
This Legislation creates the Elderly Immunization Act,
providing influenza vaccines for the elderly. This bill was reported
out unanimously17-0.
SB 100
The bill amends the Public School Code by adding a new
Article VI-A (Taxation by School Districts) to be known and cited as the
Taxpayer Choice Act. Sen. Brightbill offered A 3388 which implements
the property tax reform proposal. The amendment and bill were reported
out unanimously 17-0.
Rules and Executive
Nominations Committee 6/28/04
The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 6-28-04 and
reported out the following:
SB 157
This bill provides for firefighter and emergency service
training as creditable high school courses and for regulation of credit
card marketing on a college or university campus. Sen. Brightbill
offered A 2872 that cures erroneous amendments of the education
empowerment districts act.
SB 200
This bill would permit annuitants, who are certified
teachers or other personnel who hold instructional or administrative
certificates (including coaches, advisors, etc.), to return to service
without penalty against their annuity, for a period not to extend beyond
the school year during which the emergency or shortage occurs. Senator Brightbill offered A 2650 that clearly states athletic directors will
fall under the act.
SB 319
This bill is the enabling legislation for the Interstate
Compact for Juveniles. This measure also establishes The State Council
for Interstate Juvenile Supervision.
SB 751
This bill requires respiratory care practitioners
to obtain twenty hours of continuing education as a condition of
biennial renewal of respiratory care practitioner licenses.
SB 752
This bill provides for licensing of physician assistants,
for temporary respiratory care permits, and for continuing respiratory
care education.
All bills and
amendments were reported from committee unanimously 17-0.
Rules and Executive
Nominations Committee 6/16/04
The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 6-16-04 and
reported out the following:
SR 284
The resolution declares the week of July 12
through July 18, 2004 as Slovak Heritage Week in Pennsylvania.
SR 286
This resolution observes the third Saturday in
June 2004 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day.
Both resolutions
were reported from committee unanimously.
Rules and Executive
Nominations Committee 6/14/04
The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 6-14-04and
reported out the following:
SB 815
The legislation amends the Insurance Department
Act as it relates to large deductible insurance policies and exempts
certain collateral from qualifying as an asset of the estate of an
insolvent insurer. Large deductible policies are those that exceed
$250,000. Amendment A2114 adds a new subsection requiring the receiver
to make a good faith attempt to recover reimbursements or collateral
under the deductible reimbursement policy and requires any resulting
recoveries under the policy to be payable to the guaranty associations
to the extent the claims paid within the deductible. The amendment and
bill were reported out unanimously 16-0.
SB 989
This bill authorizes the Department of General Services to
grant and convey lands located in North Versailles Township, Allegheny
County to the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County. Also, this
bill grants and conveys land in Lock Haven, Clinton County. This bill
was reported out unanimously.
Rules and Executive
Nominations Committee 4/13/04
The Senate Rules and
Executive Nominations Committee met 4-13-04 and reported out the
following:
SR 221
This resolution recognizes May 6, 2004, as the "National Day of
Prayer."- The resolution was reported as committed unanimously.
Rules and Executive
Nominations Committee 3/31/04
The Senate Rules and
Executive Nominations Committee met 3-31-04 and reported out the
following:
SB 10 Amends Title 12 by adding a chapter called
the "Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Program" within DCED,
which would enhance the economic development of PA by providing
financial assistance in the form of multi-year grants to issuing
authorities toward payment of debt service on projects. An issuing
authority may submit an application to the Department requesting
financial assistance for a project. When requirements are met, the
Secretary of the Budget would establish a maximum amount for the grant
and would notify DCED and the Dept. of Revenue. The annual amount of the
grant would then be made after a review. If sufficient funds are not
appropriated to cover the cost of the grants, DCED would prorate
payments. Grants may not be used to pay debt service for projects
related to gaming. All acts and parts of acts are repealed that are
inconsistent with the Act. The Act will take effect July 1, 2004 or
immediately, whichever is later. The bill was reported as committed
unanimously 17-0.
SB 1026 Amends Title 64 (Public Authorities and
Quasi-Public Corporations) creating the Commonwealth Financing Authority
and providing for the composition and powers of the Authority, including
incurring debt through the issuance of bonds. The income from bonds
would be free from state and local taxation in PA. Indebtedness incurred
by the Authority would not exceed $300,000,000 for the newly created
Business in Our Sites Program and $150,000,000 for the newly created
First Industries Program. The programs would provide financial
assistance in the form of loans, grants and guarantees tourism,
agricultural and related projects located within the Commonwealth. The
legislation also states that money appropriated to DCED for the Base
Retention and Conversion Pennsylvania Action Committee would be used for
the development of a statewide strategy and for grants for economic
impact studies, environmental impact studies, encroachment studies,
community and regional interaction with military bases, infrastructure
needs at military bases and job training needs at or near military
bases. The bill was reported as committed 17-0.
Rules and Executive
Nominations Committee 3/29/04
The Senate Rules and
Executive Nominations Committee met 3-29-04 and reported out the
following:
HB 1206 Amends the Local Tax Enabling Act by making
the amendments in section two (as inserted by Act 166 of 2002)
applicable for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002 for
Second Class Cities (Pittsburgh). The legislation also adds that earned
income would not include, wages or compensation paid to individuals on
military service. The bill was reported as committed unanimously.
Rules and Executive
Nominations Committee 3/16/04
The Senate Rules and
Executive Nominations Committee met 3-16-04 and reported out the
following:
SR 215
This resolution proposes a temporary rule that
would rule out of order an amendment offered on the floor to any General
Appropriation Bill (including the 2004-2005 Budget) which increases
spending for the 2004-2005 fiscal year above the level contained in the
2004-2005 Budget reported from the Appropriations Committee, without a
line-item reduction to offset the increase. The resolution was reported
out unanimously 16-0.
Rules and Executive
Nominations Committee 2-10-04
