Appropriations Committee

   

 

 

Appropriations Committee 07/02/10

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 7-2-10 and reported out the following bills:

 

SB 1318            This legislation establishes the State Military College Legislative Appointment Program. Under this program, each member of the General Assembly would be permitted to establish a committee to recommend a resident of the legislator’s district for appointment to a State military college.  The bill was reported 24-2.

 

HB 254 This bill amends the Public Welfare Code to provide for determining whether applicants are veterans; further explaining medical assistance payments to hospitals for institutional care prescribed by a physician; and providing for the Statewide Quality Care Assessment.  The bill was reported 26-0.

 

HB 1800    This legislation would amend Title75(Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for vehicles exempt from registration, for exemption of persons, entities and vehicles from fees and for general requirements for other vehicles transporting school children.  Sen. Pileggi offered A8413 that provides for automated red-light enforcement systems in cities of the 1st class, 2nd class, 2nd class A and 3rd class.  The amendment was adopted 24-2.  Sen. Boscola offered A8391 that provides for hauling permits for bulk oil, non-hazardous liquid glue and waste tires.  The amendment was adopted26-0.  Sen. Wozniak offered A8305 that reduces registration fees for vintage snowmobiles.  The amendment was adopted 26-0.  The was reported 26-0.

 

HB 2289            House Bill 2289 provides for the Capital Budget and Project Itemization Act of 2010-2011.   Sen. Costa offered A8373 that itemizes the capital projects requested by the governor and delegates the construction of a Nanotechnology Center to the Univ. of Pennsylvania. The amendment was adopted 26-0.  The bill was reported 25-1.

 

HB 2290            This bill amends the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act increasing the commonwealth’s general obligation borrowing authority for Redevelopment Capital Projects.  The bill was reported 22-4.

 

HB 2493            HB 2493 contains numerous technical amendments that address issues of omission, conflict with Internal Revenue Code (IRC) requirements, and deficiencies due to insufficient specificity. These changes are necessary for PMRS (Pa Municipal Retirement System) to remain a “tax qualified plan” and continue to allow for member contributions to be eligible for tax deferral.  Sen. Pileggi offered A8416 that was technical.  The amendment and bill were reported 26-0.

 

Appropriations Committee 07/01/10

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 7-1-10 and reported out the following bills:

 

SB 699        The legislation creates the Adult Protective Services Act.  Under this act, adults who lack the capacity to protect themselves and are at imminent risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment will have access to services necessary to protect their health, safety and welfare.   The bill was reported unanimously.

 

SB 1305      This bill amends the Vehicle Code to raise the weight limit exemptions for the regulation of farm vehicles.  The bill was reported unanimously.

 

HB 1186     The legislation amends the Administrative Code by making some department name changes as well as establishing the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.  Sen. Corman offered A8323 that reduces the composition of the PHEAA Board.  The amendment was agreed to and the bill was reported out 23-3.

 

HB 2246      This bill amends Title 75 as it pertains to drivers who seriously injure or kill an emergency responder worker.  Further it permits arguments as to the amount of damages when a motor vehicle accident occurs.  Sen. Baker offered A7788 that would remove provisions related to the ability to argue for economic and non-economic damages.  The amendment failed 9-17.  Sen. Boscola offered A8371 that deals with overweight and over size permits.  The amendment was reported unanimously.  The bill was reported 18-8.

 

Appropriations Committee 06/30/10

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-30-10 and reported out the following bills:

SB 971             This bill amends the Public School Code by adding a new section to address the requirements for school districts that use district employees to collect school district property taxes, setting forth bonding requirements and adding a new section to address the fair compensation for elected tax collectors.  The bill was reported 25-1.

 SB 1327            The bill increases the fees charged for river pilots operating out of the port of Philadelphia.  The bill was reported unanimously.  

SB 1340            This bill amends Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) by adding a definition for corrections managers and providing for salaries.  The bill was reported 25-1

HB 1251            This bill amends the Insurance Company Law of 1921 to provide for an appeal on an insurer’s determination that the benefit trigger is not met, for prompt payment of clean claims, for mini –Cobra  small employer group health policies, for investment and for applicability.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1332            The bill adds two new sections to Title 42, namely Section(s) 5950 and 5951, both of which provide for confidential communications between law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders and corrections officers and critical incident stress management team members.  Sen. Baker offered A6077 that adds the definition of “Critical Incident Stress management Network.”  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 2279            House Bill 2279 is the General Fund appropriations bill for FY 2010-11.  Sen. Corman offered A8277 that is the agreed to language for the FY 2010-11 budget.  The bill was reported 25-1.

HB 2280            This measure appropriates $1,061,000 to the Office of Small Business Advocate (OSBA) for its utility-related operations.  The Office is part of the Department of Community and Economic Development.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2281            House Bill 2281 appropriates funds from the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account to fund the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs in the Department of State.  The bill also appropriates funds for the State Board of Medicine, the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, the State Board of Podiatry and the State Athletic Commission.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2282            This bill appropriates $5.2 million to the Office of the Consumer Advocate (OCA) within the office of the Attorney General for the operation of the OCA for the 2011-2012 state fiscal year.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2283            House bill 2283 appropriates the Governor’s requested amount to fund the administrative costs of the Public School Retirement System (PSERS) for the 2010-11 fiscal year.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2284            House bill 2284 appropriates the Governor’s requested amount to fund the administrative costs of the State Employees Retirement System (SERS) for the 2010-11 fiscal year.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2285            This bill makes appropriations from the restricted revenue accounts within the State Gaming Fund and from the State Gaming Fund to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the Department of Revenue, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Attorney General for fiscal year 2010-11.   Sen. Corman offered A8238 that decreases amounts appropriated to the Gaming Control Board and the PA State Police.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously

HB 2286            House Bill 2286 provides for appropriations from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Community and Economic Development.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2287            This bill appropriates $56,003,000 in state funds and $4,257,000 in federal funds to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) for its operations for fiscal year 2010/11, and appropriates $1,068,000 in federal funds to the PUC for 2009/10 fiscal year.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2292 – 2296 House Bills 2292 through 2296 make appropriations for 2010/2011 to the Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Lincoln University and the University of Pennsylvania, including state funds and federal ARRA funds.  Sen. Corman offered A8267 to HB 2296 that makes changes to the appropriation.  The amendment and all bills were reported unanimously.

 

Appropriations Committee 06/21/10

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-21-10 and reported out the following bills:

HB 9                 This bill amends the Pennsylvania Conservation Corps Act to provide for the extension of the program as well as for health and supplemental benefits for crew leaders of the Pennsylvania Conservation Corps.  Sen. Corman offered A7681 that removes the health and supplemental benefits to crew leaders provisions from the bill.  The amendment was adopted along party lines 16-10 with Democrats voting against.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1609            This legislation amends the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code further defining “traditional neighborhood developments” (TNDs) and further providing for standards, designations, guidelines, and ordinances applicable to TNDs.   The bill was reported unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 06/14/10

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-14-10 and reported out the following bills:

SB 929             The legislation authorizes Pennsylvania colleges to implement policies and guidelines to minimize the cost of textbooks and to establish textbook rental pilot programs.  Sen. Farnese offered A7576 that makes technical changes to make language in the bill consistent with federal language.  The bill and amendment were reported unanimously.

HB 687             The bill would amend the Guaranteed Energy Savings Act to broaden the definition of “energy conservation measure” contained in the act and to revise certain contracting provisions for energy conservation improvements, including increasing the maximum term on such agreements.  Sen. Corman offered A7638 that provides that the contractual period for Guaranteed Energy savings Contract shall not exceed 20 years.  The bill and amendment were reported unanimously.

HB 2279            House Bill 2279 is the General Fund appropriations bill for FY 2010-11.  This bill appropriates a total of $25.57 billion for FY 2010-11 from the General Fund. It also includes appropriations of $3.45 billion from various other state funds for a total of $29.1 billion.  The total of these state funds reflects an increase of $1.07 billion over FY 2009-10, or 3.81%.  The bill was reported out of committee unanimously with a negative recommendation.

HB 2280            This measure appropriates $1,061,000 to the Office of Small Business Advocate (OSBA) for its utility-related operations.  The Office is part of the Department of Community and Economic Development.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2281            House Bill 2281 appropriates funds from the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account to fund the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs in the Department of State.  The bill also appropriates funds for the State Board of Medicine, the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, the State Board of Podiatry and the State Athletic Commission.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2282            This bill appropriates $5.2 million to the Office of the Consumer Advocate (OCA) within the office of the Attorney General for the operation of the OCA for the 2011-2012 state fiscal year.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2283            House bill 2283 appropriates the Governor’s requested amount to fund the administrative costs of the Public School Retirement System (PSERS) for the 2010-11 fiscal year.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2284            House bill 2284 appropriates the Governor’s requested amount to fund the administrative costs of the State Employees Retirement System (SERS) for the 2010-11 fiscal year.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2285            This bill makes appropriations from the restricted revenue accounts within the State Gaming Fund and from the State Gaming Fund to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the Department of Revenue, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Attorney General for fiscal year 2010-11.  The bill was reported unanimously.  

HB 2286            House Bill 2286 provides for appropriations from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Community and Economic Development.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2287            This bill appropriates $56,003,000 in state funds and $4,257,000 in federal funds to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) for its operations for fiscal year 2010/11, and appropriates $1,068,000 in federal funds to the PUC for 2009/10 fiscal year.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2289            House Bill 2289 provides for the Capital Budget and Project Itemization Act of 2010-2011.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2292- 2296   House Bills 2292 through 2296 make appropriations for 2010/2011 to the Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Lincoln University and the University of Pennsylvania, including state funds and federal ARRA funds.  The bills are the non-preferred appropriations for the universities.  The totals are equal to the amounts appropriated in 2009/10, with the exception of The University of Pennsylvania which would add $500,000 for the University’s Center for Infectious Disease.  The bills were reported unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 06/07/10

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-7-10 and reported out the following bills:

SB 104             This legislation creates a statutory policy for the use of state owned vehicles.  In order to be eligible for long-term assignment of a state owned vehicle, an employee must have a job that requires at least 1,200 miles of travel per month.  Sen. Corman offered A7354 that requires each department and state entity to maintain a registry of who is assigned a state vehicle.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 460             The legislation would create the Indoor Tanning Regulation Act in which a license to operate a tanning device is required among other aspects.   Sen. Browne offered 5248 that provides that a violation of the act is a misdemeanor.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 621             This bill would establish the “REAL ID and Biometric and Economic Privacy Act”.  It would exempt Pennsylvania from having to comply with the provisions of the Federal Real ID law.  Sen. Corman offered A4661 that is technical.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 900             Senate bill 900 provides more aggressive methods for local governments to get owners to fix abandoned or blighted properties.  Sen. Argall offered A7409 which is an omnibus amendment.  The amendment was reported 22-3 and the was reported unanimously.

SB 1057            The State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons consists of 17 members and currently four members of the general public with no connection to the vehicle business are on the board.  The bill removes one member of the general public and adds a mobility vehicle dealer who has been working in the business for five years.  The bill was reported unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 05/24/10

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 5-24-10 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1145            This bill amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes providing for the adoption of guidelines for sentencing and for the adoption of risk and needs assessment instrument by the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1161            This bill adds a new Section 3705 to Title 61 related to procedures for prerelease plans.  If an inmate is within 18 months of completing his minimum sentence when the inmate is committed to the supervision of the department and the inmate has no outstanding detainers, the inmate may be transferred to and confined in a prerelease center regardless of the length of time that the inmate has been under the supervision of the department.  While confined in the prerelease center, the inmate may complete any prescribed programming consistent with the inmate’s prerelease plan.  The bill was reported 25-1.

SB 1250            The bill would automatically transfer 25% of the fines and penalties received by the Clean Air Fund to the local government to provide for environmental projects.  Sen. Pileggi offered A6872 that establishes criteria which must be met for the return of 25% of the fines and penalties collected.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 1275            This bill adds a subsection to Section 6138 of Title 61 related to violations of the terms of parole by providing alternative sanctions for technical violators.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 47               The act requires the Department of Health to establish a Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Education and Prevention program to promote the awareness and education relating to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infants, focusing on the risk factors for newborns and infants related to sleeping habits.  Sen. Pippy offerd A6975  that states that a hospital, birthing center or health care practitioner shall not be liable for the actions or inactions of a parent.  The amendment was adopted unanimously and the bill was reported 25-1.


 

Appropriations Committee 05/04/10

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 5-3-10 and reported out the following bills:

SB 620             The legislation amends the Vital Statistics Law of 1953 by requiring an issuance of certificate of stillbirth for any fetal death upon the request of a parent.  The bill was reported 26-0.

SB 928             This bill requires the State Treasurer and the pension funds to divest from companies doing business in Iran or with the Government of Sudan.  The bill was reported 22-4.

SB 1011            This bill amends the Public School Code to create a new avenue for mid-career professionals to join the teaching ranks through the use of “residency” teaching certificates. The residency teaching programs will create a streamlined process for professionals with expertise in key fields to earn a teaching certificate.  Sen. Costa offered A6744  that provides for clarifying language.  The amendment and bill were reported 26-0.

HB 1859            This bill Title 34 (Game) to increase fines, imprisonment, license revocations, and grading of offenses for serious game law violations.  The bill was reported 26-0.


 

Appropriations Committee 04/19/10

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 4-19-10 and reported out the following bills:

SB 288             This bill establishes the State Board of Plumbing Contractors within the Department of Labor and Industry and creates the Plumbing Contractors Licensure Account in Treasury.  Sen. Corman offered A6098 that extends the period for licensure from one year to 18 months.  The amendment was adopted and the bill was reported 25-1.

SB 507             The act would create a nonprofit legal entity to be known as the Pennsylvania High-Risk Health Insurance Pool together with the Pennsylvania High-Risk Health Insurance Pool Fund established in the State Treasury and a governing board to be known as the State Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool Board.  Sen. Pileggi offered A6383 that clarifies the funding shall be provided by the federal government and removes the provision that alows the board to borrow money.  The amendment and bill were reported 26-0.

SB 1176            This bill changes the authority to adjust the permit filing fee for a coal mine reclamation plan from DEP to the Environmental Quality Board.  The bill was reported 26-0.

SB 1196            This bill changes the authority to adjust the filing fees for a bituminous coal mine operation from DEP to the Environmental Quality Board.  The bill was reported 26-0.

SB 1197            This bill changes the authority to adjust the filing fees for the work involved to issue a permit for a coal refuse disposal site from DEP to the Environmental Quality Board.  The bill was reported 26-0.

HB 961              The bill reauthorizes the state recycling fee that is currently slated to sunset at the end of 2012 until 2015.  Sen. White offered A6264 that further extends the sunset until 2020 and transfers funds from the Recycling Fund to the Used Tire Pile Remediation Restricted account.  The amendment and bill were reported 26-0.   

HB 1041            This bill will provide for drug therapy management in a setting other than an institutional setting.  A licensed pharmacist will be permitted to enter into a written collaborative agreement with a licensed physician to perform the management of drug therapy.  Sen. Corman offered A6298 which is technical.  The amendment and bill were reported 26-0.


 

Appropriations Committee 04/12/10

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 4-12-10 and reported out the following bills:

SB 629             This bill amends the Public School Code to add school social workers to the term “professional employe.”  Sen. Corman offered A6294 that provides for the certification of social workers and the development of a certification by the Dept. 

SB 918             This bill codifies the county assessment laws into a new chapter (88) in Title 53 of the consolidated statutes.  Counties of the first and second class are not included in this codification.

SB 1026            The bill provides that the Game Commission shall transfer one bull elk tag annually to a newly created “Elk Tag Conservation Advisory Committee”, which may contract with a wildlife conservation organization to implement and conduct an auction of the tag.  Sen. Costa offered A6274 which is technical.

SB 1155            The bill would require counties to purchase indemnifying insurance for their employees who handle or receive tax revenue or fees.

SB 1186            This bill adds Washington Crossing National Cemetery as a cemetery in which the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has the power to arrange for burial details (honor guard) for veteran soldiers who are to be interred there.  Se. Corman offered A5901 which changes the effective date.

HB 975              This bill amends the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law, it would specify the value for each method of earning continuing education credits and allows for credits to be earned if relevant to professional practice.

All bills and amendments were reported from committee unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 03/15/10

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 3-22-10 and reported out the following bills:

SB 5                 The bill establishes the Community-Based Health Care Program (CHC) Act, which creates the Community-Based Health Care program in the Department of Health to provide grants to Community-Based Health Care Clinics. Sen. Corman offered A6070 that eliminates the funding mechanism in the bill.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously. 

SB 1059            This bill amends the First Class Township Code to limit the length of time for a contract between the commissioners and a township manager to correspond to the term of the commissioners.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1060            This bill amends the 2nd Class Township Code to limit the length of time for a contract between the board of supervisors and a town manager to correspond to the frequency of municipal elections.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1061            This bill amends the Township Code to limit the length of time for a contract between the town council and a town manager to correspond to the frequency of municipal elections.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1062            This bill  amends the Borough Code to limit the length of time for a contract between the borough council and a borough manager to correspond to the frequency of municipal elections.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1063            This bill amends the 3rd Class City Code to create the office of city administrator that will be filled by city council and to limit the length of time for a contract between the council and a city administrator to correspond to the frequency of municipal elections.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 67               This bill amends the Vehicle Code by placing certain restrictions on junior drivers.  Sen. Gordner offered A6065 that further restricts junior licesnses by allowing different passengers in different time frames.  The amendment was adopted 16-10 and the bill was reported 23-3.

 

 

Appropriations Committee 03/15/10

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 3-15-10 and reported out the following bills:

SB 85               This bill requires that DEP provide an independent counsel for the members of the environmental quality board when they are carrying out their duties including the review of rulemaking petitions and the drafting and development of amendments to proposed and final rulemaking.  Sen. Costa offered A292 that was technical.   The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 109             This bill  requires all advertising that is paid for with tax dollars specifically list that fact on the advertisement.  Sen. Corman offered A5749 that was technical.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 174             This legislation amends the Workforce Development Act by establishing the Pennsylvania Center for Health Careers within the Department of Labor and Industry to develop strategies to address the State’s short-term and long-term health care work force challenges.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 351             The bill amends Title 15 (Associations Code) and Title 54 (Names) to complete the codification of the Nonprofit Corporation Law and to revise laws relating to limited liability partnerships and limited liability companies.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1074            This bill amends Title 61 (Penal and Correctional Institutions) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to prohibit the restraint of pregnant women experiencing any pregnancy-related medical symptoms unless certain circumstances are present.  It also provides guidelines for recording incidents where restraints are necessary.  Sen. Costa offered A5985 that was technical.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 1200            This legislation would require Pennsylvania to participate in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, which is a multi-state agreement that recognizes suspension of hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses in member states.  The bill was reported unanimously.

 


Appropriations Committee 03/08/10

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 3-8-10 and reported out the following bills:

SB 87 - This bill allows community colleges, State-related or State-owned institutions to charge resident tuition rates to any military personnel, or their dependents, assigned to active duty in Pennsylvania, who are taking college courses or receiving education services through the internet or other electronic means.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1044 - This act would regulate the manner in which drugs dispensed for prisoners housed in a correctional facility are to be handled with respect to their return and re-dispensing by a vendor pharmacy so that they may be used to fill other prescriptions for other correctional facilities.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 526 This bill clarifies the existing statute regarding when a debt is terminated and a refund of credit life insurance or credit accident and health insurance is due to the debtor.  The bill was reported unanimously.

 


Appropriations Committee 02/08/10

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 2-8-10 and reported out the following bills:

SB 260             The bill adds language to Section 6312 establishing the authority of both the office of district attorney and Attorney General to investigate and initiate criminal actions with respect to violations involving the sexual abuse of children.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 766             This bill amends the Public School Code to establish the Science Technology Partnership Program.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1077            The legislation amends the Pennsylvania Construction Code by providing for the requirements of log walls. Furthermore, it requires the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and submit a report on its findings.  Sen. Corman offered A5599 that was technical.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

 


Appropriations Committee 02/01/10

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 2-1-10 and reported out the following bills:

SB 53               This bill makes omnibus amendments to Title 20(Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries) and provides conforming amendments to Title 15 (Corporations and Unincorporated Associations).  The bill contains recommendations made by the Joint State Government Commission Advisory Committee on Decedents’ Estate Laws.  Sen. Greenleaf offered A3730 that addresses the effect of divorce on the designation of a beneficiary, the removal of a trustee for cause, the duty of a trustee to respond to a request for information from the Dept. of Public Welfare and a limitation on certain claims.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 213             This bill establishes the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children Act.  Sen. Corman offered A5585 that is technical.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 432             This bill would establish the Sexual Violence Victim Protection Act.  The bill authorizes a victim of sexual violence to petition the court for relief requesting protection from a defendant.  A parent or guardian may file on behalf of the victim.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 642             This bill amends the Sign Language Interpreter and Transliterator State Registration Act to provide for the registration of a provisional sign language interpreter.  The bill was reported unanimously.



 

Appropriations Committee 12/15/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 12-15-09 and reported out the following bills:

HB 1418            The bill specifies the maximum principal amount of additional debt to be incurred during the 2009-2010 fiscal year for capital projects itemized in a capital projects itemization bill.  The bill was reported unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 10/19/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-19-09 and reported out the following bills:

HB 1418           The bill specifies the maximum principal amount of additional debt to be incurred during the 2009-2010 fiscal year for capital projects itemized in a capital projects itemization bill.  The bill was reported unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 10/09/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-9-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1088            This bill amends Title 4 (Amusements) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes related to the Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, it incorporates a number of legislative reform proposals introduced in the Senate and initially adopted in the body of Senate Bill 711 and further provides for a declaration of exemption from Federal laws prohibiting slot machines.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1033            The legislation provides the authorization licensed gaming entities to secure a table games operators certificate to conduct table games at licensed facilities in the Commonwealth.  Act 71 authorized the creation of 14 licensed slot venues in the Commonwealth.  This legislation authorizes those venues to conduct table games such as poker, blackjack, roulette and other such games.  It further provides for the powers and duties of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and authorizes table games license fees, state taxes and local share to host municipalities.  The bill was reported 14-12.

HB 1418            This bill provides for the Capital Budget and Project Itemization Act of 2009-2010.  The was reported unanimously.

HB 1768            This bill amends the recycling act to appropriate funds for tire remediation and to re-authorize $2 recycling fee through 2020.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1847            The bill would expand the list of sites that would be favored by DEP to issue a permit to create a waste coal disposal to include sites adjacent to a current coal waste pile.  Sen. M. White offered A4301 that establishes acoal bed methane dispute resolution process.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 10/08/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-8-09 and reported out the following bills:

HB 1614            This bill amends the Fiscal Code of 1929 to establish new limits for the maximum amount of assets in the State Workers’ Insurance Fund that can be invested in equities. It also provides that the provisions stipulated in this bill for the investment of monies in the fund will expire June 30, 2010.   Sen. Pileggi offered A4497 that is the omnibus Fiscal Code amendment.  The amendment is essentially the same as SB 1042 which passed a few days ago.  The amendment makes technical changes to the language as well as changes to the Marcellus Shale language.  The bill and amendment were reported out 22-5.


 

Appropriations Committee 10/05/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-5-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 922             This bill amends the Public Welfare Code by providing for lifetime limit; further defining "exempt hospital"; and further providing for administration.  Sen. Corman offered A4072 that provides for the addition of Temple University hospital to the hospital assessment program and eliminating the need for Senate confirmation of members to the County Board of Assistance.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 1085            Senate bill 1085 is another version of a 2009-10 general appropriations act which spends $23.731 billion of general fund monies.  Sen. Corman offered A4319 that will be the General Appropriation Act for the 2009-10 fiscal year.  The amendment and bill were reported 21-5.

HB 1607            This bill consolidates statutes relating to Constables into Title 44 (Law and Justice) Chapter 71 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and makes related repeals.  Sen. Corman offered A3983 that provides for fees and technical language.  The amendment and bill were reported 19-7.


 

Appropriations Committee 10/02/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-2-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1036 -1040   These bills are the non-preferred appropriations bills for the State Related Universities and the Univ. of PA Veterinary School for the 2009-10 fiscal year.  Sen. Corman offered an amendment for each bill that reflects the state and federal ARRA appropriation as well as technical changes based the budget agreement.  The amendments and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 1085            Senate bill 1085 is another version of a 2009-10 general appropriations act which spends $23.731 billion of general fund monies.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1607            This bill consolidates statutes relating to Constables into Title 44 (Law and Justice) Chapter 71 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and makes related repeals.  The bill was reported unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 09/24/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 9-24-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 212             This bill amends the Bingo Law to increase prizes that can be given each day from $4,000 to $8,000 and expands the information that must be provided on a license application.  Sen. Corman offered A3878 that is an omnibus amendment that includes training requirements for those who provide bingo games, allows for electronic bingo devices and adds clarifying language.  The bill and amendment were reported 22-4.

SB  1093-1108  These bill are the non-prefferred appropriation bills containing hospital funding totaling $5.9 million.  All bills but SB’s 1097-1099 were reported 25-1.  The three stipulated bills were reported 20-6.

HB 1531           This bill extends the sunset date for the Military Family Relief Assistance Program.  Sen. Corman offered A3893 that further provides for the Sales and Use Tax, PIT checkoffs, employer withholding and moves the provisions of the EITC from the school code to the tax reform code.  The amendment was adopted 25-1 and the bill was reported 24-2.


 

Appropriations Committee 09/23/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 9-23-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 211             This bill amends the Bingo Law by increasing prize limits and changing some of the rules of operation.  Sen. Pileggi offered A3871 that provide for training requirements for persons offering small games of chance.  The amendment was adopted 21-4.  The bill was reported 25-0.

HB 1531            This bill extends the sunset date for the Military Family Relief Assistance Program.  The bill was reported 25-0.


 

Appropriations Committee 09/09/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 9-9-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 122             This bill  would increase the amount of the credit per job created under the job creation tax credit to $3,000 from its current level of $1,000.

SB 639             This bill would provide a monthly payment to the heirs of an emergency responder killed in the line of duty equal to the responder’s salary.

SB 952             This bill would allow personal income tax payers to pay less in their estimated payments which would then require a larger payment in April when they send in the final returns.

SB 953             The bill provides for a surviving spouse to file a joint personal income tax (PIT) return in the year their spouse has died.  Currently they are required to file separate returns.

SB 1085            This bill is another version of a 2009-10 general appropriations act which spends $23.731 billion of general fund monies.  The bill is nearly identical to SB 850 which was the budget that was sent to the Governor in August.  One significant change from SB 850 is that the amount slated for Veterans’ Homes is increased to the Governor’s revised amount of $82.039 million.  Federal funds are increased by $458 million to $22.342 billion.

The bills were reported from committee unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 08/26/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 8-26-09 and reported out the following bills:

HB 1828            This bill amends the Municipal Pension Plan Funding Standard and Recovery Act.  It includes language that allows Philadelphia to implement an additional 1% sales tax that can be used to pay the city’s minimum municipal obligation.  It also provides for statutory guidelines for standards for municipal pension systems.  The bill was reported 24-2.


 

Appropriations Committee 08/11/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 8-11-09 and reported out the following bills:

HB 1663            This bill makes appropriations from the restricted revenue accounts within the State Gaming Fund and from the State Gaming Fund to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the Department of Revenue, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Attorney General for fiscal year 2009-10.  Sen. Corman offered A3445 which is a 5% reduction in operating costs as suggested by the Governor.  The amendment was adopted 16-9, with Democrats voting against and the bill was reported 25-1.


 

Appropriations Committee 08/10/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 8-10-09 and reported out the following bills:

HB 1419            This bill appropriates the Governor’s requested amount to fund the administrative costs of the Public School Retirement System (PSERS) for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

HB 1420            This bill appropriates the Governor’s requested amount to fund the administrative costs of the State Employees Retirement System (SERS) for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

HB 1421            This bill makes appropriations from the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account and from restricted revenue accounts within the General Fund to the Department of State for use by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs in support of the professional licensure boards assigned thereto. 

HB 1422            This bill appropriates funds from the Workmen’s Compensation Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry (L&I). It also appropriates funds from a restricted account within the Workmen’s Compensation Administration Fund to the Office of the Small Business Advocate under the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

HB 1423            This bill makes an appropriation of $52.581 million from the Restricted Revenue Account within the General Fund for the operation and administration of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and its Commissioners.

HB 1424            This bill would appropriate funds through the Office of Attorney General to the Office of Consumer Advocate in the 2009-10 fiscal year.

HB 1425            This bill appropriates funds from a restricted revenue account in the General Fund to the Office of Small Business Advocate (OSBA) within the Department of Community and Economic Development.

These bills were reported unanimously.

HB 1663            This bill makes appropriations from the restricted revenue accounts within the State Gaming Fund and from the State Gaming Fund to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the Department of Revenue, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Attorney General for fiscal year 2009-10.  This bill was reported 25-1.


 

Appropriations Committee 07/28/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 7-28-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 168             This bill amends the Borough Code to enable interested Pennsylvania boroughs to participate in electric generation projects and power supply arrangements.  Sen. Brubaker offered A3132 that clarifies the definition of non-profit membership corporation and replaces the term municipality with political subdivision.  The amendment and bill were reported 25-1. 

SB 369             The bill amends the Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act by adding a paid firefighter, ambulance service member, rescue squad member or law enforcement officer to those individuals who surviving spouse, minor children or surviving parents receive $100,000 as well as the monthly salary of the individual once the Commonwealth receives a death certificate.  The bill was reported unanimously. 

SB 535             This legislation provides an exemption from the standard licensing requirement for those individuals participating in an adult mentored hunting program.  The bill was reported unanimously. 

SB 899             This legislation the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program and provide for tax credit limitations.  The bill was reported unanimously. 

SB 1042            This bill amends the Fiscal Code to read that the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency shall provide semiannual reports of all grants awarded from federal assistance or relief funds, homeland security and defense funds, avian flu/pandemic preparedness or other public health emergency funds to the Appropriations Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives.  The bill was reported unanimously. 

HB 1770            This bill amends the Unemployment Compensation Law by adding a temporary triggering mechanism that would provide the state’s current unemployment compensation an additional seven weeks of extended benefits for eligible individuals.  The bill was reported unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 07/20/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 7-20-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1036-SB 1040          These bills are the non-preferred appropriation bills for the 2009-10 fiscal year.  Included are the state-related universities.  The bills were reported 16-10 with Democratic members voting in the negative.

HB 1648            The bill would create the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice made up of 11 members to investigate and analyze the events practices, processes and procedures of the juvenile justice system in Luzerne County.  The bill was reported unanimously. 

HB 1654            This bill conforms the treatment of mortgage professionals to the recently passed federal reform of the mortgage industry called SAFE.  The bill was reported unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 07/18/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 7-18-09 and reported out the following bills:

HB 1416            This bill would provide from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010, for certain institutions and organizations, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.  Sen. Pileggi made a motion to report the bill with a negative recommendation.  Sen. Costa made a motion to amend the Pileggi motion and recommend that the bill be reported with a neutral recommendation.  The Costa motion failed 9-16.  The Pileggi motion was agreed to 25-0.


 

Appropriations Committee 07/14/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 7-14-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1                 Senate Bill 1 creates the Legislative Fiscal Office Act which provides for a new office to report on tax revenues, budget projections, and executive department performance.  Sen. Browne offered A2787 that further provides for the duties of the selection committee and provides that6 the provisions relating to the committee shall be effective 11-30-2009.  The amendment was adopted unanimously and the bill was reported 15-9 with Democratic members voting in the negative.

SB 107             This bill requires the Treasurer to post the salaries of certain governmental employees on the Internet and to update the information each month.  Sen. Pileggi offered A2788 that requires data to be submitted to the Treasurer monthly and requires quarterly updates of information by local governments.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 282             The bill amends Title 53 by allowing municipal authorities to participate in intergovernmental agreements with municipalities.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 284             This legislation would amend the “Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code” (MPC) to grant local officials the clear authority to amend an intergovernmental cooperative agreement to extend the time available to enact conforming ordinances required to implement a multi-municipal comprehensive plan.  Sen. Corman offered A1056 that establishes a 5 year time limit for the enactment of ordinances necessary to implement a multi-municipal comprehensive plan.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously. 

SB 441             This bill would  add certified registered nurse practitioner as qualified authorities to certify the physical and mental fitness of an applicant for a teaching certificate.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 607             This bill amends the Rural Pennsylvania Revitalization Act adding the University of Pittsburgh to the list of colleges and universities eligible for grants and raising the maximum grant amount.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 693             This bill is designed to amend Title 74 (Transportation) to provide for Public Private Partnerships (P3s or PPP) as defined by the federal government.  The bill refers to Public Private Partnerships as a contractual agreement(s) formed between a public agency and private entity that allows for greater private sector participation in the delivery of transportation projects.  There are critical needs in Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure in order to reduce congestion, increase capacity, improve safety and enhance economic efficiency of transportation facilities.  The development of P3s will provide a tool for alternative funding mechanisms and strategies to address the needs of the public.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 896             The legislation amends Title 65 (Public Officers) by requiring the Department of State to post on its internet website the filing of registration and reporting forms within seven days once they are received.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 954             This bill permits the Approved Private Schools and Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind the authority to apply for emergency permits. Currently, these schools are required by the Department of Education to apply to their local school district superintendents for these permits.  This oftentimes leads to delays in hiring for the Approved Private Schools and Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 372             The bill amends the Health Care Facilities Act by requiring that the department initiate investigations of complaints at a long-term nursing home within 24 hours of receipt of the complaint if the complaint is a priority and 48 hours if it is a general complaint.  The bill was reported unanimously. 

HB 602             This bill amends the Dental Law to further expand the functions of dental assistants under direct supervision of a licensed dentist or dental hygienist.  The bill was reported unanimously.



 

Appropriations Committee 07/08/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 7-8-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 917             The proposed legislation will increase the County Records Committee membership from 15 to 16 members.  There is no change in Committee duties and responsibilities.  The Governor has appointed a clerk of orphan’s court as one of his four appointments.  This legislation would make that a required appointment. 

SB 925             This bill amends the Massage Therapy Law (Act 118 of 2008) to further provide for qualification for licensure.  

HB 703             This bill amends the Landscape Architects Registration Law (Act 24 of 1984) to further provide for application for license, qualifications and experience.

All the bill were reported unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 07/01/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 7-1-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 711             This bill incorporates a number of legislative reform proposals introduced in the Senate that have been proposed to offer clarification and to make changes to the Gaming Act in Pennsylvania. The following components are included as part of the Omnibus amendment represented by this bill.  Sen. Tomlinson offered A2346 that clarified immunity language.  The bill and amendment were reported unanimously.

SB 973             Text Box:  
The bill amends the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act to further provide for procedures for registration as a contractor and for prohibited acts.  Sen. Tomlinson offered A2340 that is technical.  The bill and amendment were reported unanimously.

HB 262                This bill creates the “Prescribed Burning Practices Act”.  The purpose of the legislation is to encourage the continued use of prescribed burning as a land management tool.  A “prescribed burn” is defined as the planned and controlled application of fire under specified environmental conditions and conducted in accordance with a prescribed burn plan.  The bill was reported unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 06/29/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-29-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 628             The bill amends Title 42 (Judicial Code) to prohibit the imposition of the death penalty on a person with mental retardation.  The bill was reported 26-0.

SB 949             This bill would establish the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice Act to review and study recent issues experienced within the Luzerne County juvenile justice system, to ascertain how the system failed, to help restore public confidence in the administration of justice and to prevent similar events from occurring in the future.  Sen. Corman offered A2258 that is technical.  The amendment and bill were reported 26-0.


 

Appropriations Committee 06/24/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-24-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 936             This bill conforms the treatment of mortgage professionals to the recently passed federal reform of the mortgage industry called SAFE.  Sen. Browne offered A2036 that reduces surety bond mounts required for certain mortgage loan originators.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 06/22/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-22-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 88               The bill provides that a child who lives outside of the Commonwealth as a result of one or both parents being called or ordered to active military duty will continue to be a resident of the school district that was the child’s resident school district immediately prior to the parent being stationed outside of Pennsylvania, as long as the parent maintains the Pennsylvania residence.  This legislation affects students attending Pennsylvania cyber charter schools.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 624             The bill states that public school boards shall provide for the inclusion in extracurricular activities and athletics for any student who lives within the school district but attends a private or non-public school.  Students participating in such activities shall be subject to the same rules and regulations as a public school student.  Sen. Gordner offered A1692 that clarifies criteria for private school students to qualify for public school extracurricular activities and restricts school districts from establishing requirements to exclude private school students.  The amendment and bill were reported 25-1.

SB 901             The bill would not require small diesel refineries that use crude oil produced from Pennsylvania wells to comply with the Biofuel Development and In-state Production Incentive Act which was passed last year. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 92               This bill amends Title 34 (Game) by capping the fee for the operation of the computerized licensing system by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.    This legislation sets a $1.00 cap on the transaction fee for each license and stamp that is purchased using the new computerized sales system.  That transaction fee is paid to the vender of the system and covers the actual cost per transaction, as set through contractual negotiations.  The cost to the license buyer per transaction for the current contract agreement is 70 cents.  Thebill was reported 24-2.

HB 718                The bill amends the Public Safety Emergency Telephone Act by sunsetting the wireless E-911 surcharge fee to June 30, 2014.  It is currently set to expire on June 30, 2009.  The bill was reported unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 06/10/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-10-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 281             The bill prohibits the development of statewide graduation requirements, including the expenditure of funds to do so, prior to the General Assembly specifically granting the authority to develop such requirement and specifically appropriating funds for this purpose. 

SB 893             Under Senate Bill 893, state-aid to libraries will be distributed by dividing the sum of the amount of funding that the library received in fiscal year 2008-2009 by the total state-aid subsidy for fiscal year 2008-2009, and then multiplying the quotient by the total state-aid subsidy for 2009-2010.  After the distribution of state-aid to libraries under this section, any remaining unallocated funds may be distributed at the discretion of the State Librarian.  Sen. Corman offered A1604 that is technical.

Both bills and the amendment were reported unanimouisly.


 

Appropriations Committee 06/08/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-8-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 301             Under current law, an individual who within the past 24 months has been deployed oversees as a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Air Guard, Armed Forces or reserves for a period of more than 180 days qualifies for a reduced cost resident fishing license.  This legislation would amend Title 30 (Fish) to reduce the days deployed service requirement necessary to qualify for a one-dollar resident fishing license. 

SB 302             Under current law, an individual who within the past 24 months has been deployed oversees as a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Air Guard, Armed Forces or reserves for a period of more than 180 days qualifies for a reduced cost resident hunting license.  This legislation would reduce the amount of time spent deployed to 60 days in order to qualify for the reduced cost license.

SB 572            The legislation amends the Administrative Code by changing all references of “State Police Force” to “Pennsylvania State Police” and changes “men” to “enlisted members”. It also states that the Pennsylvania State Police shall consist of a Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and enlisted members.

All bills were reported unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 06/01/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-1-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 112             This bill codifies or consolidates into Title 61 all relevant acts relating to prisons, probation and parole by repealing acts that are obsolete and providing modernized terminology.  Sen.  Greenleaf offered A242, A412, and A237 which were all technical.  The amendments and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 138             This bill provides for the establishment of an automotive fuel testing and disclosure program to be implemented by the Department of Agriculture.   Sen. Greenleaf offererd A198 that clarifies certain violations.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 240             The bill amends Title 35 and Title 75 by updating the Emergency Medical Services System Act.  The Act defines the objectives of the Emergency Medical Services System, what the Department of Health is authorized to do, duties of the regional EMS council and requires the preparation of a Statewide EMS System Plan.  Sen. Baker offered A1054 that excludes Quick Response Services providers from certain registration requirements.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 241             This bill amends the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act to further provide for prohibited acts and for the handling of deposits and other escrows.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 287             This bill amends the Public School Code to require the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to establish a reporting standard for the annual financial report (AFR) for school districts and intermediate units.  Such reports shall conform to fund level reporting criteria only.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 297             This bill requires well production reports to be filed semi-annually with the Department of Environmental Protection if the well is producing gas from the Marcellus Shale formation.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 598             This bill amends the Public School Code to provide for liability for tuition and enforcement of payment for students educated in a rehabilitative institution, and to provide for determining the cost of tuition.  The bill was reported 22-2.

SB 687             This bill amends the Public School Code to exempt charter school facilities from the payment of real estate tax on property owned by the charter school; it also exempts the owner of property leased to a charter school from the payment of real estate tax.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 84               This bill would establish a new act entitled the Preventable Serious Adverse Events Act.  The bill would prevent health care providers from knowingly seeking payment from health payors, patients or the responsible party of a patient for a preventable serious adverse event required to correct or treat the problem created by an event when the event occurred under their care or control.  Sen. Pileggi offered A1336 and Sen. Costa offered A1343, both amendments are technical clarifying language.  The amendments and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 1089            This bill amends the Insurance Company Law of 1921 by adding a new section to authorize Mini-COBRA Small Employer Group Health Policies. It allows employees or dependents of employees of small employers (2-19 employees) who lose health care coverage through a qualifying event to continue the group health insurance coverage at cost. The continuation of coverage includes coverage for the employees’ dependents.  The bill was reported unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 05/05/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 5-5-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 6                 This bill would create the Pennsylvania Commission on Stimulus Accountability.  Sen. Brubaker Offered A1031 that clarifies duties of the Treasury Department.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 81               This bill  amends the Liquor Code by further defining eligible entity, providing for general powers of the board, for wine marketing, for Sunday sales and for interlocking business prohibition.  Sen. Rafferty offered A 1023 that is technical.  Theamendment was adopted unanimously and the bill was reported 24-2.

SB 383             The legislation provides for the establishment of problem-solving courts with specialized jurisdiction in the Courts of Common Pleas and the Municipal Court of Philadelphia. The bill was reported unanimously.


 

Appropriations Committee 05/04/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 5-4-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 850             This bill is the proposed budget from the Senate republicans.  It is a $27.3 billion budget including federal stimulus funds used to supplement state programs.  This represents a $1.7 billion cut from Governor’s proposed budget.  The bill was reported out along party lines with all Democrats voting against the measure, 16-10.


 

Appropriations Committee 04/27/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 4-27-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 59               The legislation amends the Public Welfare Code by requiring proof of general liability insurance when applying for a registration certificate as well as the posting and providing in writing certain records at a family day care home.  The bill also provides for emergency closure of family day care homes.

SB 446             This bill would amend the Vital Statistics Law of 1953 to allow death and fetal death registration with the state registrar of vital statistics and would allow the state registrar to issue permits for disposal of dead bodies and fetal remains.

SB 531             The legislation authorizes the sharing of records and information by various county agencies, subject to all relevant federal law, relating to juveniles who have been accepted for service by a county agency, alleged to be or found to be dependent or delinquent.

All bills were reported from committee 26-0.


 

Appropriations Committee 04/20/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 4-20-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 45               This bill amends the Landscape Architects Registration Law to enhance the continuing education requirement for licensed landscape architects.  The bill was reported 26-0.

SB 48               The legislation provides for the operations of the Horsham Joint Interagency Installation.   The bill was reported 24-2.

SB 105             This bill requires the Budget Office to build a searchable data base for citizens to acquire budget and spending information on the internet.  The bill was reported 26-0.

SB 115             This bill requires the agency proposing a change to the state implementation plan to inform the environmental committees of the Legislature of the changes at the same time that the changes are submitted to the Environmental Hearing Board.  The bill was reported 26-0.

SB 116             This bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection to compile a report detailing all the fines received by the various funds.  The bill was reported 26-0.

SB 117             The bill amends the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund Act (Act 50 of 1993) to provide for additional reporting requirements.  Sen. M white offered A291 which was technical.  The bill and amendment were reported 26-0.

SB 118             The bill requires that all civil penalties collected under the HSCA law are to be placed in the HSCA fund for environmental cleanup.  That is the way that HASC civil penalties have been treated but it is not specified in the law.  This bill would codify current practice. 

SB 275             The bill would establish a 3 member Coal Methane Review Board that would conduct mediation conferences between the business that wishes to drill for coal bed methane and the owner of the surface land.  The bill was reported 26-0.


 

Appropriations Committee 03/30/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 3-30-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 9                 This bill requires that individuals prove that they are legal residents of the United States before receiving public benefits.  The bill was reported 23-2.

SB 123             This bill would create an act prohibiting the deceptive installation of spyware, providing for criminal and civil enforcement, and providing for civil immunity.  The bill was reported 23-2.

SB 142             This bill provides that the Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs can impose a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation on any licensee, registrant, certificate holder, permit holder or unlicensed person who violates a lawful disciplinary order.  Sen. Tomlinson offered A511 that further provides for the confidentiality of documents and other materials utilized in investigations.  The bill and amendment were reported 25-0. 

SB 155             This bill requires a State agency or political subdivision to notify subjects of breaches of security of their system within seven days of discovery of said breach and to notify the Attorney General’s Office within three days.  The bill was reported 25-0.


 

Appropriations Committee 03/23/09

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 3-23-09 and reported out the following bills:

SB 89               This bill Senate  would re-enact and amend the Health Care Cost Containment Act, extend the sunset date of the act to June 30, 2013, and establish a Health Care Cost Containment Council Act Review Committee. 

SB 189             This bill allows for dependent children to receive health insurance coverage through their parent’s policy up to 30 years of age.  Sen. Corman offered A294 and Sen. Stack offered A337, both amendments are technical.

SB 237             This bill seeks to regulate and provide for the consumer protection on the sale of annuities.  This legislation will ensure that those who are selling annuities in Pennsylvania are making sure that the product is right or “suitable” for the individual based upon their financial status, tax status, and investment objectives.  Sen. Corman offered A345 which is technical.

SB 442             This bill amends the Insurance Company Law of 1921 by adding a new section to authorize Mini-COBRA Small Employer Group Health Policies.  It allows employees or dependents of employees of small employers (2-19 employees) who lose health care coverage through a qualifying event to continue the group health insurance coverage at cost.  The continuation of coverage includes coverage for the employees’ dependents.   Sen. Corman offered A344 which is technical.

SB 443             The bill would prevent health care providers from knowingly seeking payment from health payors, patients or the responsible party of a patient for a preventable serious adverse event or services required to correct or treat the problem created by an event when the event occurred under their care or control.  Sen. Corman offered A454 which is technical.

SB 490      This bill amends Act 256 of 1955, which provides for the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, to appropriate monies from the fund to the General Fund for various environmental and conservation programs and projects.  Sen. MJ White offered A 442 which revises appropriation amounts.

All bills and amendments were reported unanimously, 26-0.

 

   
 
 

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