Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 11/21/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Tuesday, November 21, 2006 and reported out the following:

SB 514 - The bill amends the The Fourth to Eighth Class County Assessment Law by eliminating the office of elected assessor in townships of the second class and provides for the valuation of real property used for wind energy generation.  Reported 17-0.

SB 669 - The legislation directs the Court Administrator and the Department of Labor and Industry to establish a program for identifying certified and otherwise qualified interpreters for persons with limited English proficiency and persons who are deaf.  Further, the legislation will ensure that a listing of qualified and certified foreign language interpreters is available to litigants.  Reported 17-0.

SB 1025 - This bill would limit the authority of the Environmental Quality Board over the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program, abrogate current regulations, establish the program in statute, and impose duties and responsibilities on DEP and PennDOT.

SB 1054 - The legislation amends the Judicial Code, the Crimes Code and the Domestic Relations Code to further provide for assessments and for information concerning sex offenders that is provided on the Megan’s Law Internet website, and further provides for the endangerment of a child and for child protective services.  Reported 17-0.

SB 1139 - This bill amends the Tax Reform Code further providing, in personal income tax, for classes of income.  Reported 17-0.

SB 1166 - This bill provides for the Capital Budget Act of 2006-2007.  An amendment was offered that adds additional projects.  The amendment and bill were reported 17-0.  

SB 1330 - This bill makes several changes to the Vehicle Code, relating to “boot drives,” commercial drivers’ licensing, drivers’ insurance forms, and automated red light enforcement systems in Philadelphia.  This bill was amended in the House Transportation Committee to add provisions relating to CDL’s.

SR 381 - This resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee to study wrongful convictions.  Reported 17-0.

HB 471 - The bill amends the Administrative Code to provide for transfers between appropriations of state funds, the extension of the date for the Merchant Marine World War II Bonus, the establishment of the Cardiovascular Disease Advisory Committee and a statewide stroke database.  An amendment was offered that provides for biennial renewal of certain licenses for volunteer health services.  The amendment and bill were reported 17-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 11/20/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Monday, November 20, 2006 and reported out the following:

SB 180 - The bill creates the Credit Reporting Agency Law and provides for consumer report freezes.  Reported 16-0.

SB 439 - The bill is the Sexual Assault Testing and Evidence Collection Act that directs the Department of Health to administer a statewide sexual assault evidence collection program.  Reported 16-0.

SB 583 - The bill amends the Crimes Code by adding a provision to Section 3301 which forbids any person convicted of arson under any federal or state law from serving as a volunteer firefighter or a paid firefighter.  The bill also prohibits any such person from being certified as a firefighter under the State Fire Commissioner Act.  Reported 16-0.

SB 655 - This bill amends the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Law to provide for general powers of the Professional Engineer, Land Surveyors & Geologists Board to include establishing requirements for continuing education to be fulfilled by individuals licensed and registered under the act. Reported 15-1.

SB 770 - This legislation amends the Electronic Transactions Act by providing for electronic postmarks.  Reported 16-0.

SB 811 - This bill amends the County Pension Law by extending to June 30, 2007, the previous one year window that a county retirement board was authorized to adopt enhanced benefit class options. Reported 16-0.

SB 860 - This bill amends the Plain Language Consumer Contract Act to require under seal a signed statement which if omitted shall create an irrebuttable presumption that the parties did not intend to create an instrument in writing under seal.  Reported 16-0.

SB 944 - The legislation amends sections 3121 (relating to rape) and 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse) to increase the penalties for these offenses.  In both cases, a minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum sentence of 50 years shall be imposed for an offense that involves a child under the age 13.  Reported 16-0.

 SB 1054 - This bill amends Title 42, (Judicial Code) by adding to the duties of the State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board (“SOAB”) and by adding required information to be posted on the public Megan’s Law website.  Reported 16-0.

SB 1104 - This bill amends the Underground Utility Line Protection Law for the purpose of reestablishing the current law which is scheduled to sunset December 31, 2006.  Reported 16-0.

SB 1206 - This bill designates a several roads and bridges.  Sen. Madigan offered A10522 that adds two namings and eliminates the naming in Delaware County.  Sen. Logan offered A10532 that adds a naming.  The amendments and bill were reported 16-0.

SB 1285 - This bill amends Title 71 (State Government) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by further providing for credited State service in relation to creditable leaves of absences.  Sen. Brightbill offered A10513 that allows new officers to set salaries.  The amendment and bill were reported 16-0.

HB 854 - The bill would establish the provisions for the Public Utility Confidential Security Information Disclosure Protection Act, which act would limit the public disclosure of confidential security information relating to public utilities, including municipal or authority systems, and would protect such facilities against sabotage or criminal or terrorist acts.  Reported 16-0.

HB 2134 - This bill, to be known as the Social Security Number Privacy Act, would establish a general rule that in applying for a professional license or certification, occupational license or certification, or recreational license, applicants may provide their driver’s license number or non-driver ID card number as an alternative to providing their Social Security number.  Reported 16-0.

SR 382 - This resolution designates the Joint State Government Commission to study the issue of violent crime and establish an advisory committee to review proposals.  Reported 16-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 10/27/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Friday, October 27, 2006 and reported out the following:

SB 1237 - The bill authorizes the Department of General Services to grant and convey certain lands in Lackawanna County, Lancaster County, Tioga County, and to lease land in Philadelphia County.  Sen. Fumo offered an amendment that would eliminate sections regarding the sale of waterfront property in Philadelphia and allows for gaming establishments in certain areas of Philadelphia if the licenses are granted. The bill and amendment were reported 16-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 10/23/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Monday, October 23, 2006 and reported out the following:

All bills and amendments were reported 17-0.

SB 854 - This bill represents the House version of property tax reform. The main components involve an increase in the application of the sales tax upon certain items and an increase in the personal income tax.  Sen. Brightbill offered A10030 that guts the bill and places language  providing for Strategic Development Areas.

SB 862 - The legislation makes substantive changes to Title 4, the Pennsylvania Race Horse and Development and Gaming Act.  Sen. Brightbill offered A10327 that re-enacts the Senate version of SB 862 and makes several compromised changes.

HB 700 - This bill is the Lobbying Accountability Act.  It provides for the registration, regulation and disclosure of all lobbying activities.  Sen. Brightbill offered A10248 that is a hybrid of lobbyist disclosure bills passed earlier this session by the House and Senate.  This is an attempt to bridge the gap between the two versions.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 10/16/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Monday, October 16, 2006 and reported out the following:

SB 1242 - This bill would add the County of Blair to the port district comprising the Port of Pittsburgh Commission.  The bill was reported 13-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 09/26/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Tuesday, September 26, 2006 and reported out the following:

SB 862 - The legislation amends the Title 4 to make substantive changes to the slot gaming law.  Sen. Piccola offered A9484 that makes substantive compromised changes to the bill.  Sen. Fumo offered A9497 as an amendment to A9484 that puts a 50% cap on purchasing of machines from one company for a period of three years.  This amendment was adopted 13-4.  A9484 as amended was adopted 17-0.  The bill was reported out 17-0. 

HR 795 - The resolution designates December 19, 2006, as Coal Miner’s Day in Pennsylvania.  Sen. Brightbill offered A9443 that is clarifying language.  The amendment and resolution were reported 17-0.

SB 845 - This bill amends Section 4354 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations) by upgrading from a summary offense to a misdemeanor of the third degree an individual’s failure to comply with a support order of a court of this Commonwealth when an individual has the financial ability comply with a support order.   The bill also amends Title 23 by adding a Section 5315 regarding court-appointed child custody health care practitioners.  Sen. Conti offered A9191 that removes increased penalties for failure to pay child support.  The amendment and bill were reported 17-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 09/19/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Tuesday, September 19, 2006 and reported out the following:

SR 340 - This resolution recognizes September 2006 as Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness month.  The resolution was reported 16-0.

SR 344 - This resolution recognizes September 2006 as Youth Soccer Month.  The resolution was reported 16-0.

SB 862 - The legislation amends Title 4 (Amusements) and Title 18 (Crimes) to make substantive changes to the slot gaming law, including clarifying and expanding the prohibition that public officials, executive level public employees, and party officials and immediate families thereof, may not solicit or accept complimentary services or discounts on any "lodging, service, or item" from any gaming licensee or applicant or any affiliate thereof (except for those available to the general public).  Sen. Wenger offered 9351 that makes a variety of agreed to changes to the bill.  The plan was report the bill and re-refer it to Rules for further amendments.  The amendment and bill were reported 16-0.

HR 799 - This resolution memorializes the President and Congress to secure all borders and protect American citizens from illegal immigration.  Sen. Brightbill offered A9347 that adds clarifying language.  The amendment and resolution were reported 16-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 07/01/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Saturday, July 1, 2006 and reported out the following:

SB 63 - This bill requires that caseworkers at county Children and Youth agencies include photo identification of each child from a family that maintains a case record.  This photo must be included if the case record is transferred to another county.  This act shall be known and may be cited as Kristen’s Law.  Sen. Robbins offered A7089.  The bill and amendment were reported 14-0.

SB 157 - This bill amends the Local Tax Enabling Act to further provide for collection of the Emergency and Municipal Services (EMS) Tax which is now being cited as the Local Services Tax (LST) to avoid confusion with emergency fundraising efforts by fire and ambulance companies.  Sen. Piccola offered A9130.  The bill and amendment were reported 14-0..

SB 583 - The bill amends the Crimes Code by adding a provision to Section 3301 which forbids any person convicted of arson under any federal or state law from serving as a volunteer firefighter or a paid firefighter.  The bill also prohibits any such person from being certified as a firefighter under the State Fire Commissioner Act.  Sen. Piccola offered A9188 that adds offenses to the RICO statute.  The bill and amendment were reported 14-0. 

SB 599 - This measure designates several roads and a bridge.  Sen. Pileggi offered A5754 that names the Rosa Parks Hwy in Chester County.  The bill and amendment were reported 14-0.

SB 707 - This bill amends the Cosmetology Law to add definitions, provide various licensing requirements, and substitute the term “salon” for the term “shop” throughout the act. The bill was reported 14-0.

SB 1055 -  The bill authorizes a land donation in Westmoreland County.  Sen. Piccola offered A9139 that transfers land in Allentown and A9161 that is technical.  These amendments were reported 14-0.  Sen. Kasunic offered an amendment, this failed 3-11.  The bill was reported 14-0.  

SB 1169 - This bill designates a portion of State Route 279.  The bill was reported 14-0.

HB 2383 - The bill amends the Liquor Code by requiring the board's Bureau of Alcohol Education to prepare a report on alcohol drinking and high-risk college alcohol drinking in the Commonwealth.  The bill was reported 14-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 07/01/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Saturday, July 1, 2006 and reported out the following:

SB 300 - This legislation would exempt contributions to a health savings account (HSA) from the personal income tax; transfers all current state income tax exemptions applicable to HSAs and Archer Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) from their current acts to the Tax Reform Code; and repeals the tax-related sections of those current acts. Sen. Jubelirer offered A9159 and Sen. Earll offered A9160.  The amendments and bill were reported 16-0.

SB 660 - The bill amends the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code to codify the Uniform Trust Code and abolishes the rule against perpetuities.  The bill was reported 16-0.

SB 868 - The bill would increase the payment in lieu of taxes for forestlands owned by the Commonwealth.  Currently, the payment to counties, townships, and school districts is 40 cents an acre. This bill would increase the payment to $1.20 an acre.  The bill was reported 16-0.

SB 1222 - This bill designates sections of US Route 6 in Crawford County and Pike County.  The bill was reported 16-0 with the recommendation that the Senate non-concur in House amendments.

HR 354 - The bill is a concurrent resolution that designates the Garden of Reflection in Bucks County as the official state memorial to victims of  the terrorist attacks.  Sen. Conti offered A9089.  The bill and amendment was reported 16-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 06/29/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Thursday, June 29, 2006 and reported out the following:

SB 332 - The bill amends the Adoption Act to streamline the procedure for registering foreign adoptions in Pennsylvania.

SB 775 - The legislation amends the Interstate Compact for the Supervision of Adult Offenders Act by adding the Interstate Compact for the Supervision of Adult Offender Fee as a restricted receipts account in the state treasury.

SB 874 - The bill is an itemization for authorization of local and state bridges for repairs, rehabilitation, reconstruction and/or new construction.

SB 1043 - This bill allows the Adjutant General to approve issuance of Group Life Insurance to nonprofit membership associations for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard.

SB 809 - This bill would amend the Second Class Township Code to permit auditors to be compensated for up to 8 hours per day when attending a conference, institute, school, or convention.  The Code currently permits auditors to be compensated at these meeting for up to 5 hours per day.  Compensation is contingent upon authorization by the board of supervisors for the attendance.

HR 676 - The resolution memorializes the Pennsylvania congressional delegation to support legislation calling for federal approval of the extension of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

All bills were reported 16-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 06/21/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Wednesday, June 21, 2006 and reported out the following:

SB 243 - This bill would extend the payment of salary, medical and hospital expenses to sheriffs and deputy sheriffs who are injured or contract certain diseases in the performance of their duty.  The bill was reported 15-0.

SB 1150 - The legislation enacts § 7517 establishing a new offense under Title 18 (the Crimes Code).  The section provides that a person commits a misdemeanor of the third degree if a person engages in demonstration activities within five hundred (500) feet of any cemetery, mortuary, church or other location being used for a commemorative service within one hour before, during or after such service.  A misdemeanor of the third degree is punishable by a maximum fine of $5000 and a maximum term of imprisonment of one year.  The bill was reported 15-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 06/19/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Monday, June 19, 2006 and reported out the following:

SR 320 - This resolution condemns the decision by the municipal government of Saint-Denis, France, to name a street in honor of Mumia Abu-Jamal, the convicted murderer of Philadelphia Police Officer Danny Faulkner.  The resolution was reported unanimously.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 05/01/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Wednesday, June 14, 2006 and reported out the following:

SB 303 - The legislation revises the fee schedules and charges that may be levied by constables for services rendered to the judiciary.

SB 601 - This bill provides that no individual or entity (including state agencies) would be allowed to publicly post a person’s Social Security number, print it on an identification card, require its transmission over an unencrypted Internet connection, require its use for accessing an Internet site, or send it through the mail (except as required by state or federal law). 

SB 1056 - This bill would allow a Class C driver to be enlisted to drive School buses, School vehicles and other commercial vehicles during a declared Federal, State or Local emergency.  The exemption would apply when the person is directed by authorized emergency personnel.

SR 304 - This resolution designates the month of June 2006 as “Corrections Officers and Employees Month” in Pennsylvania.

SR 313 - This resolution declares the week of June 17 through 23, 2006 as Civil Air Patrol Cadet Week in Pennsylvania.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 05/01/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Monday, May 1, 2006 and reported out the following:

SB 723 - This bill amends the Agricultural Area Security Law to encourage financial partnerships between State and local governments with eligible nonprofit entities in order to increase the funds available for agricultural conservation easements purchases in the state’s Farmland Preservation Program.  Sen. Wenger offered A7603 that was technical.  The bill and amendment were reported unanimously.

SR 159 - This resolution provides for a temporary rule of the Senate dealing with amendments to general appropriation bills.  The resolution was reported unanimously.

HB 983 - This bill would amend Title 12 (Commerce and Trade) to make changes to the Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Program and create a Film Production Grant Program.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 04/25/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Tuesday, April 25, 2006 and reported out the following:

SB 713 - This bill, the Telephone Subscriber Directory Express Consent Act, would require cell phone companies to obtain a customer’s express consent before including the cell phone number in any directory or selling the contents of that directory. 

SB 881 - Under the measure, the use of eminent domain is prohibited by any condemnor to take private property in order to use it for private purposes.  Certain exceptions to this include: when the condemnee consents; when the property is transferred or leased to a common carrier, public utility, or railroad; when a private entity occupies an incidental area within a public project; when the property taken is a threat to public health or safety, when the property is abandoned, and when the property meets the requirements of “blight”, and certain agricultural properties.

SR 266 - This resolution recognizes May 4, 2006, as the “National Day of Prayer” in Pennsylvania.

The bills and resolution were reported unanimously.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 04/19/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Tuesday, April 19, 2006 and reported out the following:

SR 273 - This resolution designates the month of May 2006 as “Community Action Month” in Pennsylvania.  The resolution was reported unanimously.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 04/04/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Tuesday, April 4, 2006 and reported out the following:

HB 893 - The bill removes the provisions of Title 66 (Public Utilities Code) and establishes this as a freestanding act known as the Water Services Act. The bill requires state and local approval for terminations of transfers by municipal authorities.

SR 258 - This designates April as Alcohol Awareness month in PA.

The bill and resolution were reported out unanimously.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 04/03/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Monday, April 3, 2006 and reported out the following:

SR 251 - This resolution designates the week of April 23 through April 29 as PA One Call System Week.

SR 256 - This resolution designates the week of April 2 through the April 8 as Sleep Disorders Awareness Week.

The resolutions were reported out unanimously.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 03/27/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Monday, March 27, 2006 and reported out the following:

SB 386 - The bill amends the Crimes Code to clarify the definition of burglary and for criminal history record expungement.  Sen. Costa offered 2910 that removes the expungement language from the bill,  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 03/20/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Monday, March 20, 2006 and reported out the following:

SB 969 - The bill amends the Liquor Code by mandating Responsible Alcohol Management Program training for operators of a bar/restaurant who incur underage drinking liquor code violations, to expand the definition of “eligible entity” and to further provide for rights of municipalities.  The bill was reported 15-0.

SR 237 - This resolution designates the month of March 2006 as “Kidney Cancer Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.  The resolution was reported 15-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 03/13/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Monday, March 13, 2006 and reported out the following:

SR 234 - Declares MS Awareness week in PA.

SR 235 - Recognizes the plight and unjust prosecution of the Molly Maquires.

The resolutions were reported unanimously.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 02/15/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Wednesday, February 15, 2006 and reported out the following:

SR 222 - This resolution designates March 2006 as Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month in memory of journalist David Bloom.  An amendment was offered that would send a copy of the resolution to the Coalition to Prevent Deep-Vein Thrombosis.

SR 223 - This resolution recognizes March 25, 2006 as Dr. William S. Auriemma Day in Pennsylvania.

SR 224 - This resolution designates March 1 as St. David’s Day in Pennsylvania.

HB 1467 - This legislation would provide for an alternative dispute resolution procedure relating to residential construction defects between contractors and homeowners.

All bills and amendments were reported unanimously.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 02/13/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Monday, February 13, 2006 and reported out the following:

HB 1318 - The bill amends the Election Code to provide changes relating to voter identification, for powers and duties of county boards, for polling places, qualifications of electors at primaries, voting procedures, applying to vote, canvassing of official absentee ballots, for violations relating to absentee ballots, for restrictions on voting by convicted felons and for compensation of district election officers.  The bill was reported 14-0 with the intent to non-concur on the floor and send the bill to a conference committee.

SR 221 - This resolution designates March 6, 2006 as Lymphedema D-day in Pennsylvania.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 02/08/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Wednesday February 8, 2006 and reported out the following:

HB 599 - This bill establishes the Volunteer Fire Company and The Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Act.  Grants would be used to improve and enhance the capabilities of volunteer fire companies and ambulance services across the Commonwealth.  Sen. Brightbill offered A5887 that changes effective dates in the bill.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 02/07/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Tuesday, February 7, 2006 and reported out the following:

SR 216 - The resolution designates the week of February 12 through 18, 2006, as "Career and Technical Education Week" in Pennsylvania.  The resolution was reported unanimously.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 02/06/06

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Monday February 6, 2006 and reported out the following:

SB 640 - This bill amends the Municipal Claim and Tax Lien Law to further provide for the donation of property in lieu of taxes and providing for a public record of all properties against which taxes were levied and remain unpaid.  The bill was reported unanimously.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 12/15/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met December 15, 2005 and reported out the following:

SB 895 - The legislation amends section 5511.2 of the Crimes Code by allowing the police department at the Port Authority of Allegheny County and the Capitol Police to add dogs and horses used by the police department created by a metropolitan  transportation authority to the list of departments enumerated in this section.  The bill was reported 16-0.

HB 111 - The bill amends the Liquor Code to clarify considerations for an extension of existing license and defines “case” and “eligible entity.” The bill also further provides for breweries, for surrender of certain licenses and hours of operation relative to manufactures.  The bill was reported 16-0

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 12/14/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met December 14, 2005 and reported out the following:

SB 869 - This bill amends Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to provide for an extension of health insurance benefits for certain military personnel who were full-time students at the time of deployment.  The bill was reported 17-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 12/13/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met December 13, 2005 and reported out the following:

SB 157   This bill amends the Local Tax Enabling Act to further provide for collection of the Emergency and Municipal Services (EMS) Tax which as a result of House amendments is now being cited as the Local Services Tax to avoid confusion with emergency fundraising efforts by fire and ambulance companies.  Sen. Piccola offered A5230 that changes the effective date 1-1-07 for municipalities that reduce its real estate property tax by at least 25%.  The amendment and bill were reported 17-0.  

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 12/12/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met December 12, 2005 and reported out the following:

SB 712   This bill, the Breach of Personal Information Notification Act, would require any entity that maintains, stores, or manages computerized data to provide notice of any breach of security to Pennsylvania residents whose unencrypted personal information was accessed and acquired by an unauthorized person.  The bill was reported 17-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 12/7/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met December 7, 2005 and reported out the following:

SB 157   This bill amends the Local Tax Enabling Act to further provide for collection of the Emergency and Municipal Services (EMS) Tax which as a result of House amendments is now being cited as the Local Services Tax to avoid confusion with emergency fundraising efforts by fire and ambulance companies.  Sen. Brightbill offered A4974 that exempts municipalities that still opt into the $10 Occupational Privilege Tax .  The amendment and bill were reported 16-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 12/5/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met December 5, 2005 and reported out the following:

SB 573   This bill amends the Fourth to Eighth Class County Assessment Law to require local tax authorities to conduct a separate vote to raise property taxes following a countywide property reassessment.  The bill was reported out 16-0.

HB 515   The bill amends the Tax Reform Code by further providing for reductions in the personal income tax, reductions in the corporate net income tax, for increases in net operating loss caps, and for increased sales factors for apportionment of income.  The bill was reported 10-6 with the Democratic members voting against.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 11/14/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met November 14, 2005 and reported out the following:

HB 1956   This bill would repeal the pay raise for all Commonwealth officers, Legislators and the Judiciary.  The bill was reported 16-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 10/31/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met October 31, 2005 and reported out the following:

HB 761   The legislation amends the Crimes Code to address the use of electronic devices to record or depict the intimate parts of another person, without their knowledge, where they would have a reasonable expectation of privacy for the purpose of obtaining of sexual gratification. This is commonly referred to as “downblousing” or “upskirting.”  An amendment was added that provided technical language.  The amendment and bill were reported

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 10/24/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met October 24, 2005 and reported out the following:

HB 746   The legislation would amend §2910 of the Crimes Code relating to luring a child into a motor vehicle to also prohibit luring a child into a structure.  The bill was reported 16-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 10/18/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met Tuesday, October 18, 2005 and reported out the following:

SB 361   The legislation amends the Public School Code to require school districts to provide access to extracurricular activities for students enrolled in home education programs and for cyber charter school enrollment and notification.  Sen. Brightbill offered A3083 that further puts requirements on activities for students.  The amendment and bill were reported 12-5.

HB 1291   The bill amends the Public School Code to require all prospective employees of public and private schools, intermediate units, and vocational-technical schools to be subject to background checks beginning on April 1, 2006.  This requirement includes, but is not limited to, school teachers, substitutes, janitors, cafeteria workers and bus drivers.  The bill was reported 17-0.

SR 191   The resolution memorializes the Congress of the United States to appropriate supplemental funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  The amendment was reported 17-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 10/17/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 10-17-05 and reported out the following:

SR 168   The resolution designates the week of October 23 through 29, 2005 as “Respiratory Care Week” in Pennsylvania.

SR 170   The resolution designates the month of November 2005 as "Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

SR 187   The resolution designates the month of November 2005 as "Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

SR 189   The resolution designates the month of October 2005 as "William Penn's Charter of Privileges Month" in Pennsylvania.

The resolutions were reported 15-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 7/6/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 7-6-05 and reported out the following:

SB 86  This bill allows for the opening of a child abuse investigation in the child’s county of residence if the alleged abuse took place outside of Pennsylvania.  The bill was reported 17-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 7/4/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 7-4-05 and reported out the following:

SB 406   This measure designates a State Route in Allegheny County, a bridge in Allegheny County, a bridge in Dauphin County, a bridge in Lancaster County, a portion of Sproul State Forest in northwestern Clinton County, and a portion of a State Route in Mifflin County.

SB 462   The bill amends the Liquor Code by allowing distributors and importing distributors to be open on Sundays and removes the 30% food and non alcoholic beverage sales requirement for a Sunday sales permit everywhere in the Commonwealth except the City of Philadelphia.  The bill amends the Liquor Code by allowing distributors and importing distributors to be open on Sundays and removes the 30% food and non alcoholic beverage sales requirement for a Sunday sales permit

All the bills were reported 17-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 7/3/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 7-3-05 and reported out the following:

SB 511   The bill amends the Job Enhancement Act, further providing for approved courses and for eligible interns and in technology work experience, and further provides for family savings accounts.

SB 600   This bill authorizes the release of Project 70 restrictions on certain lands in Indiana County.

SB 697   This bill authorizes the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Basalt Trap Rock Company in Morgan and Franklin Townships, Greene County, Pennsylvania.

This bill was amended in the House of Representatives to authorize the Department of General Services with the concurrence of the Department of Environmental Protection, to lease to Pier 25 North Associates limited partnership land within the bed of the Delaware River in the City of Philadelphia; and authorizing the Department of Transportation to convey to Montour County two tracts of land in the Borough of Danville, Montour County.

SB 722   The bill amends the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act (act 32 of 1989), to provide for the continuation of an additional allocation for the Underground Storage Tank Environmental Cleanup Program.

SR 150   This resolution urges the President and the Congress of the United States to use all available trade remedy laws to prevent surges, dumping and subsidized imports of steel pipes, tubes and fittings. 

All the bills were reported 17-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 6/30/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 6-30-05 and reported out the following:

SB 584   This bill adds a section to the Crimes Code making it an offense to disarm a law enforcement officer or a corrections officer or to deprive such an officer of a weapon. The bill was reported from committee 16-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 6/27/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 6-27-05 and reported out the following:

HB 398 This bill adds the House Parliamentarian as a non-voting member of the Legislative Data Processing Committte.  The bill was reported from committee 16-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 5/14/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 6-14-05 and reported out the following:

SR 129  This resolution observes June 18, 2005 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day.

SR 130  This resolution urges the President, the Congress and all members of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission to remove the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove from the base-closing list.

Both resolutions were reported from committee 16-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 5/2/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 5-2-05 and reported out the following:

SR 84   The month of May 2005 will be designated as “School Retiree Appreciation Month” in Pennsylvania.

SR 101  This resolution congratulates “Rotary International” on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its founding.

SR 102  This resolution designates the week of May 1st through 7th 2005, as “Vietnam Veteran Remembrance Week” in Pennsylvania.

All the resolutions were reported from committee with a 16-0 vote.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 4/19/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 4-19-05 and reported out the following:

SR 82   This resolution declares May as Beef Month in Pennsylvania.

SR 83   This resolution designates May as Community Action Month in Pennsylvania. 

Both resolutions were reported as committed by a 12-0 vote.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 4/13/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 4-13-05 and reported out the following:

SR 74   The day of April 15, 2005 will be designated as “Pennsylvania YMCA Youth and Government Day” in Pennsylvania.  The resolution was reported out of committee unanimously 17-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 4/12/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 4-12-05 and reported out the following:

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 4/11/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 4-11-05 and reported out the following:

SR 42   This resolution declares the week of April 24 through 30 as Pennsylvania One Call System Week.  It was reported out of committee 15-0.

SR 56   This resolution recognizes May 5 as National Day of Prayer in Pennsylvania.  It was reported out 15-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 4/4/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 4-4-05 and reported out the following:

SR 55   This resolution designates the week of April 11 through April 16 as Community Banking Week.  The resolution was reported out of committee 16-0.

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 3/14/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 3-14-05 and reported out the following:

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 2/14/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 2-14-05 and reported out the following:

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 2/9/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 2-9-05 and reported out the following:

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 2/8/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 2-8-05 and reported out the following:

Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 2/1/05

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 2-1-05 and reported out the following: