STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 03/18/08

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 and took the following action:

Reported as Committed (unanimously):

SB 1103, PN 1427 (Fumo): This legislation authorizes the transfer of certain land in Philadelphia County to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.

SB 1308, PN 1832 (McIlhinney): This legislation authorizes the conveyance of two tracts of land to Solebury Township, Bucks County.

Reported as Amended (unanimously):

SB 1311, PN 1834 (Scarnati): This bill authorizes the conveyance of certain lands in the City of Warren, Warren County.

The State Government Committee also unanimously reported the nomination of Rudy N. Battle for the State Athletic Commission.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 03/10/08

The Senate State Government Committee met on Monday, March 10, 2008 and took the following action:

Executive Nominations (reported unanimously)

Harry G. Gamble, P.E., P.L.S., Board of Claims

Andrew Sislo, Board of Claims

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 02/12/08

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 and took as action as follows:

Reported as Amended (6-4)

SB 9, PN 1771 (Scarnati): This bill requires that individuals prove that they are legal residents of the United States before receiving public benefits.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 01/29/08

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 and took the following action:

Reported as amended (unanimously)

SB 820, PN 954 (Pileggi): This bill creates a definition for “automatic dialing-announcing device” and prohibits their use on behalf of a candidate or party in calling those on a separate do-not-call list.

Reported as committed (unanimously)

HB 1691 PN 2225 (W. Keller): This bill holds the United States Army Corp of Engineers harmless from any damages that occur during the Delaware River Main Channel Deepening Project.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 12/10/07

The Senate State Government Committee met on Monday, December 10, 2007 and took action as follows:

Reported as Amended (unanimously)

HB 1621, PN 2074 (M. O’Brien): This bill authorizes the lease of land with the bed of the Delaware River in the City of Philadelphia to VTE Philadelphia, LP.

Senator Tartaglione offered Amendment A05042, which affirms the exclusive authority of the General Assembly to consider and specifically authorize the conveyance of any title, easement, right-of-way or other interest in Commonwealth-owned lands. The amendment was adopted unanimously.

Senator Tartaglione offered Amendment A04618 that expands the current lease conditions as enumerated in the bill to include a minimum $1 per square foot charge based upon the development plan for any real improvements added to the site. This fee is payable when such improvements become occupied. The amendment was adopted unanimously.

HB 1627, PN 2080 (M. O’Brien): This bill authorizes the lease of land with the bed of the Delaware River in the City of Philadelphia to NCCB Associates, LP.

Senator Tartaglione offered Amendment A05043, which affirms the exclusive authority of the General Assembly to consider and specifically authorize the conveyance of any title, easement, right-of-way or other interest in Commonwealth-owned lands. The amendment was adopted unanimously.

Senator Tartaglione offered Amendment A04619 that expands the current lease conditions as enumerated in the bill to include a minimum $1 per square foot charge based upon the development plan for any real improvements added to the site. This fee is payable when such improvements become occupied. The amendment was adopted unanimously.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 11/20/07

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 and took action as follows:

Reported as amended (unanimous):

SB 428, PN 479 (Wonderling): This bill would amend Title 45 and allow for community paper of mass dissemination to be used for legal advertising.

On Wednesday, November 14, 2007 Senator Piccola offered Amendment A04118, which replaced the phrase “local community boundaries” with “a political subdivision” in the definition of ‘community paper of mass dissemination’.

House Bills 1621 and 1627 will be considered at a later date.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 11/14/07

The Senate State Government Committee met on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 and took the following action:

Reported as committed:

SB 776 PN 873 (Wondering): This bill allows for a county board of elections to be notified of the death of residents for the purpose of updating voter registration records.

SB 1122 PN 1503 (Piccola): This bill amends the Administrative Code to prohibit the furloughing of commonwealth employees during a budget impasse.

HB 419 PN 1269 (Clymer): This bill would require that all flags purchased by government agencies be manufactured in the United States.

Tabled as amended:

SB 428 PN 479 (Wonderling): This bill would amend Title 45 and allow for community newspapers to be used for legal advertising.

A hearing will be held on SB 428 next week and it will be brought up for consideration at that time.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 10/29/07

The Senate State Government Committee met on Monday, October 29, 2007 and took action as follows:

Reported as Amended (unanimously)

SB 1, PN 772 (Pileggi): This bill makes significant changes to the Act of June 21, 1957, referred to as the Right-to-Know Law. Senator Corman offered Amendment A03767, was an omnibus amendment and replaced the exiting language in its entirety.

Senator Piccola offered Amendments A03799, A03800, A03925 and A03940. Each of these amendments was tabled by a vote of 8-2. Senator Piccola withdrew Amendments A03955 and A03954.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 10/02/07

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday, October 02, 2007 and took the following action:

Reported as Committed

SB 920, PN 1145 (Rafferty): This bill adds to the list of Executive Appointments that need Senate confirmation.

HB 33 PN 1418 (George): This legislation authorizes the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to lease to Pine Township, Clearfield County a certain tract of land.

Reported as Amended

SB 903, PN 1434 (Orie): This legislation adds a chapter to Title 62 that deals with legal, bond or management consulting contracts. Amendment A03400 (A. Williams) changed the amount from $5,000 to $25,000.

SB 986, PN 1435: (Eichelberger): This legislation would ban bonuses provided to Commonwealth employees that are awarded outside of standard payroll procedures. Amendment A0 3368 (Piccola) changed definitions, created a penalty for the individual who violated the provision and changed the effective date from 60 days to 30 days.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 07/10/07

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday July 10, 2007 and took action as follows:

Reported as Committed (unanimously)

SB 917, PN 1106 (Wozniak): This legislation authorizes the conveyance of certain lands in Cambria Township, Cambria County to CDM Ebensburg, LLC.

SB 989, PN 1207 (Piccola): This bill authorizes a land conveyance to the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU) in Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County.

Reported as Amended (unanimously)

HB 1656, PN 2284 (Moyer): This legislation authorizes the conveyance of lands in Skippack Township, Montgomery County in exchange for lands in Evansburg State Park as well as the sale of one acre of land in Winslow Township, Jefferson County to Jefferson County.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 06/19/07

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 and took action as follows:

Reported out as committed (unanimously)

SB 916, PN 1105 (Fumo): This bill authorizes the Department of General Services to sell the Philadelphia State Office Building.

SB 962, PN 1156 (Fontana): This bill authorizes the Department of General Services to sell the Pittsburgh State Office Building.

Secretary James Creedon of the Department of General Services testified briefly and answered questions on the economic benefits of selling the two buildings.

Failed (4-7)

SR 32, PN 99 (Rafferty): This resolution directs the Senate of Pennsylvania to enter into a contract with the Fels Institute at the University of Pennsylvania to study the impact of reducing the size of the General Assembly.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 06/12/07

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 and took action as follows:

Reported out as committed (unanimously)

SB 648, PN 700 (D. White): This bill allows for the sale of the Ligonier Armory in Ligonier Borough, Westmoreland County.

SB 752, PN 828 (Erickson): This bill amends the act of June 25, 1982, which created the Independent Regulatory Review Commission by requiring empirical data be included with proposed regulations.

SB 810, PN 907 (Musto): This bill allows for the sale of land in the City of Pittston, Luzerne County to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Pittston.

Amended and tabled (unanimously)

The State Government Committee also heard testimony from Secretary James Creedon (General Services) about riparian rights and how they will relate to casinos in Philadelphia.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 05/08/07

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday, May 8, 2007, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed

Senate Bill 69 pn 91 (O’Pake) The bill proposes an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution requiring the Legislative Reapportionment Commission to provide for the redistricting of United States Congressional districts. Unanimous Vote

Senate Bill 248 pn 284 (Pippy) The bill proposes an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution to reduce the size of the General Assembly from 253 to 201 members. Senate districts would be reduced from 50 to 40 districts. House districts would be reduced from 203 to 161 districts. The bill also requires that upon the effective date, the Senate and House of Representatives shall reduce their budgets by 20% compared to the budgets of the prior year. Vote: 8-3

Senate Bill 468 pn 513 (Regola) The bill proposes an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution providing that the General Assembly may not convene a voting session from a time period beginning on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November through November 30^th in any even-numbered year (sine die legislation session). Unanimous Vote

Senate Bill 822 pn 956 (Corman) The bill proposes an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution to change the succession process for the Lt. Governor. Unanimous Vote.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 05/02/07

The Senate State Government Committee met on Wednesday May 2, 2007, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed

SB 317 pn 352 (Rafferty) The bill amends the Election Code, increasing the late filing fee for each report or statement of expenditures and contributions to twenty dollars for each day or part of a day that a report is overdue for the first ten 10 days. An additional fee of fifty dollars is due for each additional day that a report is overdue after the initial ten-day period. Unanimous

SB 431 pn 167 (Punt) The legislation provides for a land conveyance in Adams County. Unanimous

Reported Out as Amended

Senate Bill 740 pn 809 (Corman) The bill authorizes the Department of General Services to grant and convey to Centre County certain tracts of land. Technical amendment. Unanimous

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 04/24/07

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday, April 24, 2007, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed

House Bill 85 pn 109 (K. Smith) The legislation provides for the authorization of a land conveyance in the City of Scranton, Lackawanna County, to the Lackawanna Transit System Authority. In exchange for the transfer, the Authority will convey to the state 4.6 acres of land. Prior to the completion of the transfer, the Authority will construct a replacement parking lot for the Scranton Office Building on the land. Unanimous Vote

Senate Bill 467 pn 512 (Armstrong) Currently, a violation of the Sunshine Act is a summary offense and carries a fine not to exceed $100 plus costs of prosecution. This legislation increases the penalty to $1,000 for the first offense and $2,000 for a second offense and subsequent offenses plus the costs of prosecution. Unanimous Vote

Senate Bill 729 pn 797 (Pileggi) The bill would create the State Salary Information Act, requiring the State Treasurer to post on an official Internet website, salaries of the following: all Commonwealth officers and employees of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of government. Vote: 10-1

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 03/28/07

The Senate State Government Committee met on Wednesday, March 28, 2007, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed

Senate Resolution 41 pn 149 (Wonderling) The resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to investigate the Department of General Services strategic sourcing initiative for State and local government procurement and to examine the department’s development and implementation of strategic sourcing. Unanimous Vote.

Reported Out as Amended

Senate Bill 44 pn 112 (Piccola) The bill provides for the compensation of judges. Vote: 8-2 A00281 (A. Williams) Removed district attorney language from the bill. Amendment Vote: 10-3

Senate Bill 233 pn 270 (Kasunic) The bill provides for a land conveyance in Somerset County. Unanimous Vote. Technical Amendment: Unanimous Vote.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 02/13/07

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday, February 13, 2007, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed (Unanimously)

Senate Bill 21, pn 29 (Dinniman) The legislation authorizes the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to enter into an agreement with Chester County to alter use restrictions and reversionary covenants on real estate in Newlin and West Bradford Townships.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 09/26/06

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday, September 26, 2006, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed (Unanimously)

Senate Bill 983 pn 1325 (Wonderling) The bill amends the Vital Statistics Law to further require the local registrars to transmit, for a person who was at least eighteen years of age at the time of death, a copy of the death certificate to the county board of elections of the county in which the person resided at the time of death.

Senate Bill 1110 pn 1577 (LaValle) Unless a longer period of residency is required by the Constitution of Pennsylvania or by statute, each member of every independent administrative board and commission, every departmental administrative body, board and commission and every advisory board and commission, must have been a resident of this Commonwealth for a period of at least one year immediately preceding appointment.

Senate Bill 1216 pn 1849 (Erickson) Vacancies in election boards existing by reason of the disqualification, removal, resignation or death of an election officer, or from any other cause, occurring prior to the fifth day before any primary or election, shall, in all cases, be filled by appointment, by the county board of elections rather than by the court of the county.

Senate Bill 1297 pn 2033 (Kitchen) The legislation would designate and recognize the third Saturday in June as “Juneteenth National Freedom Day” in Pennsylvania. The day commemorates the impact of slavery, the abolition movement, and the African-American emancipation in the United States.

House Bill 236 pn 1949 (Pickett) The legislation amends the Independent Regulatory Review Act to improve State rulemaking by creating procedures to analyze the availability of more flexible regulatory approaches for small businesses. Consideration shall be given to the impact of regulatory mandates on small businesses before imposing such regulations and further to examine alternatives.

House Bill 632 pn 3824 (Hershey) The bill amends the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act of 1990 to require that every charitable organization which receives annual contributions of $300,000 or more will be subject to a mandatory audit by an independent certified public accountable.

House Bill 1479 pn 4367 (Pistella) The bill creates the Office for People with Disabilities within the Governor’s Office.

Reported Out as Amended (Unanimously)

House Bill 854 pn 1174 (Rubley) The legislation would create the Terrorism Infrastructure Disclosure Protection Act. A09438 (Lemmond) Deletes the language of the original bill and establishes the Public Utility Confidential Security Information Disclosure Protection Act, which would establish procedures identifying and protecting the confidential information relating to public utilities. Unanimous Amendment Vote

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 06/28/06

The Senate State Government Committee met on Wednesday, June 28, 2006, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Amended (Unanimous)

House Bill 700 pn 4350 (Maher) This bill is the Lobbying Accountability Act. It provides for the registration, regulation and disclosure of all lobbying activities.

A08669 (Jubelirer) The amendment removed all the language in the bill and replaced it with provisions of Senate Bill 1, which is the version of the lobbying bill that passed the Senate unanimously on April 20, 2005. Unanimous Amendment Vote.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 06/26/06

The Senate State Government Committee met on Monday, June 26, 2006, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Amended (Unanimous)

House Bill 28 pn 4142 (Lederer) Under the legislation, the Department of Transportation is authorized to grant and convey land in the City of Philadelphia to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. The property consists of approximately 0.32 acres. A08499 – Technical Amendment Unanimous Vote.

Reported Out as Committed (Unanimous)

Senate Bill 1181 pn 1693 (Jubelirer) The legislation amends Title 65 (Public Officers) to require that financial interest statements include a list of all official votes from which the person abstained due to receiving personal pecuniary benefit in those votes in excess of $1,300. Committee Vote:Unanimous

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 06/21/06

The Senate State Government Committee met on Wednesday, June 21, 2006, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed

Senate Bill 1230 pn 1819 (Orie) The bill amends the Gaming Code to delete provisions relating to supplier licenses. Committee Vote: 7-4 A8385 (Logan) Would change qualified majority to simple majority. Amendment Vote: 4-7

Senate Bill 1237 pn 1842 (Mellow) The bill authorizes the Department of General Services to grant and convey to the County of Lackawanna Transit System Authority certain lands in the City of Scranton in exchange for certain lands in the City of Scranton owned by the Transit Authority. Committee Vote: Unanimous

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 03/29/06

The Senate State Government Committee met on Wednesday, March 29, 2006, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Amended (unanimously)

HB 2054 pn 3333 (Grell) - Eminent Domain Legislation. An amendment was offered with unanimous approval, which gutted the legislation and inserted language identical to that of the version of SB 897 that passed the Senate earlier.

Reported Out as Committed (unanimously)

HB 105 pn 3028 (Payne) - Title 62 (Procurement) is amended to add a new section that would require the Department of General Services to enter into cooperative purchasing contracts, making approved supplies available to volunteer fire, rescue and ambulance companies.

HB 2215 pn 3089 (Hickernell) - The legislation authorizes the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, to sell a .3 acre parcel of state land and the motor vehicle building, located in Columbia Borough, Lancaster County, at a price to be determined by competitive sealed bidding.

SB 1068 pn 1467 (Piccola) - The measure authorizes the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Capital Self Storage Associates LLC, certain land in the City of Harrisburg and Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County. The property consists of .389 acres.

SB 1055 pn 1444 (Regola) - The legislation would authorize the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, to accept by donation from The Conservation Fund, a tract of land and any improvements in Penn Township, Westmoreland County. The property is a 34.43 acre parcel.

SB 238 pn 237 (Wenger) - Section 618-A of the Administrative Code is amended to provide for a $2 fee to be charged by the Department of State for authentication of a document for recognition by a foreign government (apostille) required in an international adoption proceeding.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 12/13/05

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday, December 13, 2005, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Amended:

House Bill 1318 pn 3022 (Lemmond) The bill amends the Election Code to provide changes relating to voter identification, qualifications of electors at primaries, voting procedures, applying to vote, canvassing of official absentee ballots, and for violations relating to absentee ballots and polling places. Committee Vote: 10-2

A5136 (Lemmond) - Removes the additional restrictions on felon voting, requires the polling places where alcoholic beverages are served to be accessible by an entrance that does not require passageway through the room were the alcohol is dispensed, and requires all voters to show a photo id or non-photo id when voting. Amendment Vote: 12-0

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 11/15/05

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday, November 15, 2005, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed

SB 170 pn 167 (Corman) The bill amends the Election Code to eliminate the office of Lieutenant Governor from primary elections. Vote: 6-5

SB 987 pn 1297 (Corman) The legislation would authorize the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Centre County Industrial Development Corporation, certain lands situate in Benner Township, Centre County, for $1. Vote: Unanimous

SB 999 pn 1327 (Lemmond) The legislation amends Act 98 of 2004 to include the standards adopted by the Voting Standards Development Board under Section 204 of the Election Code in the 2006 and 2007 elections. This would pertain to all primary, municipal, special and general elections in 2006 and 2007. Vote: Unanimous

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 11/01/05

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday, November 1, 2005, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed

SB 881 pn 1180 (Piccola) The bill prohibits the use of eminent domain by any condemnor to take private property in order to use it for private commercial purposes. Certain exceptions to this include: when the condemnee consents, when the property is transferred or leased to a common carrier, 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 description of “blight”. Vote: 7-4

SB 897 pn 1187 (Brightbill) The bill amends the Eminent Domain, Judicial and Military Affairs Codes to consolidate all the eminent domain law within the Eminent Domain Code, and makes several other changes to existing law. Vote: 7-4

HB 1509 pn 1843 (Tangretti) The legislation would authorize the Department of General Services to grant and convey an access and utility easement across certain lands in Westmoreland County. Vote: Unanimous

Reported Out as Amended

HB 1318 pn 2366 (Gergely) The bill amends the Election Code to provide changes relating to voter identification, qualifications of electors at primaries, restrictions on voting by convicted felons, voting procedures, applying to vote, canvassing of official absentee ballots, for violations relating to absentee ballots and for polling places.

A003744 (Lemmond) Substantive amendment including restrictions on polling places, liquor establishment penalties, voting age, absentee ballots, and photo id requirements after December 31, 2007. Amendment Vote: 8-3 Reporting Out: 8-3

HB 1967 pn 2885 (McIlhinney) Act 121 of 2004 is amended by the legislation to extend the final date of disposition for the land conveyance of the Doylestown Armory in Bucks County. The date is extended for another 18 months.

A03651 (Lemmond) Changed the extension date from 24 months to 18 months. Amendment Vote: Unanimous Reporting Out: Unanimous

HR 354 pn 2221 (Steil) The concurrent resolution would designate the Garden of Reflection in Lower Makefield Township, Bucks County, as the official state memorial to the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

A03490 (Lemmond) Technical Amendment Vote: Unanimous Reporting Out: Unanimous

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 10/19/05

The Senate State Government Committee met on Wednesday, October 19, 2005, and took action as follows:

Reported as Committed (Unanimous)

Senate Bill 193 pn 182 (Rafferty) The bill amends the Election Code to provide for the oath of part-day election workers.

Senate Bill 693 pn 830 (Pileggi) The bill amends the Election Code to eliminate the requirements that circulators of school board candidate petitions be of the same designated party as the candidate.

Senate Bill 875 pn 1130 (Rafferty) The bill amends Title 4 (Amusements) to prohibit emergency procurement by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Senate Bill 932 pn 1220 (Conti) The bill extends the final date of disposition for the conveyance of the Doylestown Armory in Bucks County.

Reported out as Amended (Unanimous)

Senate Bill 862 pn 1105 (Pippy) The bill amends Title 4 (Amusements) to prohibit executive level state employees, public officials or party officers, or their immediate family members from holding any financial interest in gaming venues, their holding companies, affiliates or associated businesses. A03165 (Lemmond/AWilliams)

The amendment clarifies language in the legislation, provides for definitions, and places certain requirements on board members, Ethics Commission, etc. (Unanimous Vote)

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 6/21/05

The Senate State Government Committee met Tuesday, June 21, 2005 and reported the flowing bills as amended:

Senate Bill 644 (Gordner): This bill authorizes the Department of Transportation to convey to Montour County two tracts of land situate in the Borough of Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania.

House Bill 1388 (Hickernell): This legislation would authorize and direct the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, to grant and convey to the Borough of Columbia, Lancaster County, certain lands situate in Columbia Borough, Lancaster County.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 6/7/05

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday June 7, 2005, and unanimously reported out the following bills as committed:

Senate Bill 216 (Greenleaf): This bill would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to require that individuals pass a certification examination before filing nomination petitions or being nominated to fill a vacancy on the traffic court of Philadelphia.

Senate Bill 217 (Greenleaf): This bill would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to provide for retention elections for Justices of the Peace (Magisterial District Justice).

Senate Resolution 124 (Wonderling): This resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study to determine the advantages and disadvantages of creating a separate cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs.

The following bills were reported as amended:

Senate Bill 210 (Greenleaf): This bill makes changes to the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act. Charitable organizations that raise more than $250,000 in a given year must submit to an audit and report those findings. Previously audits were required when these organizations raised more than $125,000. Audits shall be performed in accordance with the Statements on Auditing Standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Senate Bill 688 (Earll): This bill authorizes the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Department of Environmental Protection, to grant and convey to Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority certain lands situate in the City of Erie, County of Erie.

Senate Bill 697 (Stout): 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.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 5/11/05

The Senate State Government Committee met on Wednesday May 11, 2005, and unanimously reported out the following bills:

Senate Bill 600 (D. White) This bill authorizes the release of restrictions of the Project 70 Land Acquisition and Borrowing Act from the lands owned by Indiana County. This is in return for the imposition of Project 70 restrictions on land to be acquired by the Department of Transportation and deeded to Indiana County.

Senate Bill 636 (Wenger) This bill authorizes the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to grant and convey land to the Borough of Columbia, Lancaster County.

The committee also discussed the 2005 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Real Property Disposition Plan and removed two properties from consideration.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 4/12/05

The Senate State Government Committee met on Tuesday April12, 2005, and unanimously reported out the following bills:

Senate Bill 1 (Jubelirer) This bill is the Lobbying Accountability Act. It provides for the registration, regulation and disclosure of all lobbying activities. Individuals must register with the Department of State within ten days of acting in any capacity as a lobbyist. Registration will coincide with the terms of members of the House of Representatives. The Department of State will make available to the public, at cost, a directory of all registered lobbyists. The Department will also make available to the public all registration statements and expense reports filed by registered lobbyists. Nothing in this act shall be construed as restricting the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ability to discipline attorney’s acting as a lobbyist.

Senate Bill 596 (LaValle) This bill authorizes a land conveyance in Ambridge Borough, Beaver County. The land will be donated by Harmonie Associates, Inc. This bill will authorize the Department of General Services to accept the donation with the approval of the Governor and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

House Bill 486 (McGill) This bill authorizes the release of restrictions of the Project 70 Land Acquisition and Borrowing Act from the lands owned by the Township of Upper Dublin, Montgomery County being conveyed to John Wozniak. This is in exchange for the release of restrictions on land owned by John Wozniak and being conveyed to the Township of Upper Dublin.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 9/29/04

The Senate State Government Committee met on Wednesday, September 29, 2004, and reported
out the following bill:

As Committed (unanimously):

Senate Bill 1209 (PN 1811) (Pippy) This bill amends the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development
and Gaming Act to prohibit public officials from having a financial interest in any racing or gaming
entities.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 6/23/04

On Tuesday, June 23, 2004, the committee met to consider six bills.

SR 205 (ARMSTRONG) A Resolution urging the Governor, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum 
Commission, the Judiciary and all other agencies and authorities in this Commonwealth to exercise their
power and authorities accordingly to preserve the historic site known as Camp Security, located in Springettsbury 
Township, York County.

The bill was reported as committed unanimously.

SB 346 (LEMMOND) An Act amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the 
Pennsylvania Election Code, further providing for filing fees.  The bill was reported as committed unanimously.

SB 1184 (MELLOW) An Act authorizing the release of Project 70 restrictions imposed on certain lands owned 
by the City of Scranton, Lackawanna County, being conveyed by the city in return for the imposition of Project
70 restrictions on certain lands being conveyed to the city.  The bill was reported as committed unanimously.

HB 1965 (PAYNE) An Act repealing the act of June 4, 1945 (P.L.1191, No.413), entitled "An act to authorize the 
Pennsylvania Post-War Planning Commission under certain conditions to enter into agreements with political 
subdivisions of this Commonwealth for the financing of plans and specifications for public works; and making an 
appropriation."  The bill was reported as committed unanimously.

HB 2268 (HORSEY) An Act repealing provisions relating to a permanent centennial

exposition building in Philadelphia.  The bill was reported as committed unanimously.

HB 2433 (SAYLOR) An Act amending the act of July 31, 2003 (P.L.73, No.17), known as the Volunteer Fire 
Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Act, further providing for award of grants, for expenses
incurred by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency; and providing for allocation of appropriated funds.  
The bill was reported as committed unanimously.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 5/18/04

On Tuesday, May 18, 2004, the committee met to consider two bills.

SB 1052 (EARLL) - An Act authorizing and directing the Department of General Services, with the 
approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority certain lands
situate in the City of Erie, County of Erie.  The bill was reported as committed unanimously.

HB 2273 (ZUG) - An Act amending the act of August 5, 1941 (P.L.752, No.286), known as the Civil 
Service Act, further providing for examinations requisite for appointment and promotion. 
The bill was reported as committed unanimously.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 3/30/04

On Tuesday, March 30, 2004, the committee met to consider several bills and to hear an update on the implementation of the Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors (SURE) system from Secretary of State Pedro Cortés.

SB 1039 - (Mowery) Amends Title 65 (Public Officers) by adding that the term "agency" would include the governing board of any nonprofit corporation that is affiliated with a State-aided, State-owned or State-related institution of higher education and is granted supervisory or advisory powers regarding the degree programs of the institution. The intent of this legislation is to require the Penn State Dickinson School of Law's Board of Governors (and the Board of any public institution) meetings to be open to the public. The bill was reported as committed unanimously.

Senator Hal Mowery (R-Cumberland) explained that when Penn State began to consider moving the Law School to State College, the press sued to be allowed into the Board of Governor's meetings. The court agreed that the meetings should be open to the public, because the Board is an agent of the state system. The Law School appealed the decision, and a decision is expected this week. However, no matter what the decision, one side or the other will appeal it. Senator Mowery stated that this legislation would end the litigation and decide once and for all that the meetings must be open to the public. Counsel for the Committee reiterated that the legislation would codify the first court decision.

SB 1013 - (Lemmond) Amends Title 62 (Procurement) by deleting provisions relating to retainage and adding a clause that states that the Department of General Services may not withhold retainage. The bill was held over.

Chairman Charles Lemmond (R-Luzerne) noted that the Department of General Services (DGS), Penn State and Pitt have indicated support for the legislation but contractors and builders associations have expressed opposition, so the bill will be held in committee. Chairman Lemmond stated that he will have the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee look at the legislation. Additionally, he noted that DGS has agreed to conduct a pilot program on 3-5 projects.

SB 1047 - (Kasunic) Act authorizing the sale and transfer of ownership of Project 70 land located in Wharton Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania.The bill was reported as committed unanimously.

HB 1926 - (Pickett) Act authorizing the Department of Transportation to convey to Elkland Township a tract of land in Elkland Township, Sullivan County, PA. The bill would be effective immediately upon passage. (Prior Printer's Numbers: 2518) The bill was reported as committed unanimously.

HB 1993 - (Marsico) An act directing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, to convey certain land situate in East Hanover Township, Dauphin County, to Dr. Albert J. Zanetti and Mrs. Jeana M. Zanetti, his wife, in consideration for the grant and conveyance by the Zanetti's to the Department of General Services and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs of certain land situate in East and West Hanover Townships, Dauphin County. The bill was reported as committed unanimously.

Chairman Lemmond then explained that he invited Secretary Cortés to provide the Committee with an update on the implementation of SURE.

Secretary Cortés explained that PA is "ahead of the curve" with SURE, and currently 56 counties (representing 66% of voters) have "gone live." He expects 65 counties to be integrated into the system by the November General Election, and the last two counties, Philadelphia and Montgomery, will implement the system before the January 1, 2005 deadline. He noted that the implementation schedule was extended in February because an independent report indicated that the system should be implemented, but on a slower schedule. Originally, the Department planned to have all 67 counties on the system by the April 27 Primary Election. Secretary Cortés explained that the Department has provided all users of the system several rounds of training, has deployed high speed data lines, has set up a help desk, and has integrated the system with the Department of Health and PennDOT to update the registry due to death or change of address. He also noted that the Department has paid close attention to communication from the counties to ensure that their needs are being met.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 2/10/04

Reported as committed, unanimous vote (12-0):

HB 1996 (Adolph) Pn 2948- This bill amends the Guaranteed Energy Savings contracts provisions found in the Procurement Code.

More specifically this bill expands the types of "energy conservation measures" that can be included under a Guaranteed Energy Savings contract. These additional measures include a training program or facility alteration that reduces energy consumption or reduces operating costs; a facility alteration which includes expenditures that are required to properly implement other conservation measures; programs to reduce energy costs through rate adjustments, load shifting, and /or use of alternative energy suppliers; installation of control system that monitor consumption, redirect systems to optimal energy sources, and manage energy-using equipment; indoor air quality improvements; day lighting systems; and renewable and/or on-site distribution power generation systems.

The bill also changes the payback period for eligible energy conservation measures from ten to fifteen years.

The bill also adds a section stating that improvements that are not casually connected to an energy conservation measure may be included in a guaranteed energy savings if the total value of the improvement does not exceed 15% of the total contract and if either the improvement is needed to conform to law, a rule, or an ordinance or there is an economic advantage to implementing the improvement.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 9/30/03

The State Government Committee met on Tuesday, September 30, 2003, and took the following action:

Re-Referred the nomination (Unanimously) of William R. Lloyd as Small Business Advocate.

Withdrew from Consideration

HB 696 (Keller) An Act authorizing and directing the Department of General Services,

with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority certain lands situate in the 39th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

They plan on taking the bill up on a later date.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 2/11/03

The State Government Committee met on Tuesday February 11, 2003 and voted on the following nomination:

Unanimous vote (11-0) The nomination of Donald T. Cunningham, Jr. ,former mayor of Bethlehem, for the Secretary of General Services.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 11/25/02

The State Government Committee met on Monday November 25, 2002 and reported out the following bills:

As Committed (unanimously) All vote were 11-0

Hb 2163(Geist) This legislation amends the Administrative Code of 1929, and creates a Catastrophic Leave Pool for state employees. The bill also makes changes to list requirements pursuant to the Administrative Code. It also makes various title changes within PennDOT and creates a "Deputy Secretary for Transportation Security".

Hb 2411(Herman) This legislation amends Title 5 (Athletics and Sports) creating the "Uniform Athlete Agents Act"

Hb2898 (Staback) Authorizes a land conveyance in Cannan Township, Wayne County

Hb 2910 (Pippy) Authorizes a conveyance of land in Collier Township, Allegheny County

Hb 2923 (Ross)Authorizes a conveyance of land in West Bradford Township, Chester County

Hb 2924 (Ross) This bill amends Act 163 of 1986, a previously enacted land conveyance, removing certain restrictions. It also authorizes a conveyance of land in West Bradford Township, Chester County.

As Amended (Unanimously) 11-0

Hb 1974 ( Phillips) This legislation releases the Project 70 restrictions on certain lands owned by Northumberland County. It also places Project 70 restrictions on other lands owned by Northumberland County Development Company.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 11/20/02

The State Government Committee met on Wednesday November 20, 2002 and reported out the following bills and nominations:

Unanimous Nominations- all were 11-0 votes

James Martin- State Civil Service Commission

John DiSanto- State Athletic Commission

Jeffrey Smith- Board of Claims

Ronald L. Soder- Board of Claims

As Committed (Unanimously) 11-0

SB 1562 (Piccola) land conveyance in the City of Harrisburg

As Amended (Unanimously) 11-0

HB 2674 (Steil) This bill amends the Procurement Code both technically and substantively.

HB 851 (Clymer) This bill amends the Notary Public Law it makes many technical and substantive changes. One notable change is this bill will allow a notary to notarize thing electronically.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 11/18/02

The State Government Committee met on Monday November 18, 2002 and reported out the following bills:

As Committed:

SB 1580 (Gerlach) Vote 11-0 - Land conveyance in East Vincent Township, Chester County.

HB 2863 (DeWeese) Vote: 11-0- Renames the Keystone Building as the K. Leroy Irvis Office Building

SB 1559 (Piccola) Vote 11-0- Releases certain land in The Borough of Royaltion, Daudhin County from project 500 restrictions. It also places project 500 restrictions on other lands in the same area.

SB 1583 (Kasumic) Vote 11-0 land conveyance in Uniontown Fayette County

SB 806 (Conti) Vote 7-4 all democrats voted no This bill changes the required votes from a two thirds majority to a simple majority in the Senate for various nominations. Including the Game Commission, Fish Commission, PUC, Turnpike Commission, LCB The Secretary of Education, the Secretary of the commonwealth, the Adjutant General, the Insurance Commissioner, the Secretary of Banking, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Health, the Commissioner of the State Police, the Secretary of Corrections, the Secretary of Labor and Industry, the Secretary of Aging, the Secretary of Public Welfare, the Secretary of General Services, the Secretary of Revenue, the Secretary of Community and economic development, Secretary of Environmental Resources and Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources. Also the offices of the Attorney General, Auditor General and State Treasurer

As Amended

HB 1331 (DeWeese) Vote 7-4 all democrats voted no This bill amends the Administrative Code of 1929 by setting requiring the Dep. of Corrections, Board of Probation and Parole and the Pardons Board to supply the county of residence of persons supplied to the Auditor General, State Treasurer, Secretary of the Budget and the Legislative Data Processing Center pursuant to the Code. It also prohibits the publication of voting addresses of employees of the Dep. of Corrections, the Board of Probation, Parole, and Pardons. The bill also was amended to add a section which would prohibit more than three members from the PUC from being from the same political party. Currently all members of the PUC are Republican. This amendment was the reason all Dem Senators voted no.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 11/13/02

The State Government Committee met on Wednesday November 13, 2002 and reported out the following bills:

As Amended ( Unanimously) 10-0

SB 1576 (Corman) Land conveyance in Benner Township

SB 1569 (Tomlinson) provides for counterterrorism planning, preparedness and response; imposing powers and duties on the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

As Committed (Unanimously) 10-0

SB 1560 (Thompson) Land conveyance in West Bradford Township, Chester County

SB 1578 (D. White) Land conveyance in White Township, Indiana County

SB 1542 (Thompson) Land conveyance in West Bradford Township, Chester County

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 10/8/02

The State Government Committee met on Tuesday, October 8, 2002 and reported out the following bills:

As Amended ( Unanimously) 10-0

HB 1401 (Oliver)- This bill amends the Administrative Code of 1929, in that it would require that a list of individuals entitled to receive compensation from the Commonwealth be provided to administrative departments, boards and commissions and the Attorney General The list shall be furnished by the Department of Corrections. the Board of Probation and Parol and Pardons Board. The county of residence must be included on this list.

It also exempts individuals who have been convicted of a felony drug offense from the federal ban on cash assistance and food stamps.

The bill also requires that after an individual has been deemed eligible to receive benefit, the Department shall refer all affected individuals for drug and alcohol assessment and treatment.

As Committed (Unanimously) 10-0

SB 1554 ( Wenger) this bill amends the act which created the Independent Regulatory Review Commission making changes, additions and repeals.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 9/25/02

The State Government Committee met on Wednesday, September 25, 2002 and reported out the following bills:

As Amended ( Unanimously)

SB 1461 (C. Williams)- Conveys the Haverford State hospital and the grounds to Haverford Township, Delaware County.

SB 1505 (Robbins)- This bill creates the Uniform Athlete Agents Act. It provides for the registration of athlete agents and sets up general rules pertaining to the profession of athletic agents.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 6/19/02

The State Government Committee met on Wednesday, June 19, 2002 and reported out the following bills:

As Committed (unanimously)

Senate Bill 1485 (PN 2133) (Mellow) Redesignates the Northeast Veterans Center, located in Scranton, as the Gino J. Merli Northeast Veterans Center. Gino J. Merli received the Congressional Metal of Honor for his service during World War II.

Nominations (unanimously)

Recommended C. Michael Weaver as Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Reappointed Katherine E. Holtzinger Conner, Esq. to the Civil Service Commission.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 6/10/02

The State Government Committee met on Monday, June 10, 2002 and reported out the following bills

As Committed (unanimously):

Senate Bill 1187 (PN 1492) (Fumo) Allows for the conveyance of certain lands in Philadelphia and Philadelphia County to the Tolentine Community Center and Development Corporation

Senate Bill 1453 (PN 2028) (Thompson) Allows for the conveyance of land in West Goshen Township, Chester County by the West Chester Area School District

Senate Bill 1448 (PN 2022) (Lemmond) Allows for the conveyance of lands in Canaan Township, Wayne County, and Carbondale and Fell Townships in Lackawanna County by the Pennsylvania Suburban Water Company.

Senate Bill 1368 (PN 1828) (Musto) Allows the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, to acquire by settlement agreement three tracts of land in Foster Township, Luzerne County.

Senate Bill 1364 (PN 1820) (Kukovich) Allows the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, to accept by donation a tract of land situate in the Township of Penn, Westmoreland County.

Senate Bill 1459 (PN 2029) ( Kasunic) Allows for the conveyance of land situated in the Borough of California, Washington County, by the Student Association, Inc. in exchange for a certain tract of land.

House Bill 878 (PN 1991) ( Fairchild) An Act amending Title 62 (Procurement) further providing for supplies manufactured and services performed by persons with disabilities.

It was noted that there is some concern over HB 878 by the constituents of Senator Armstrong's District, and it is believed that he will amend it on the floor.

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE 5/7/02

The State Government Committee met on Tuesday, May 7, 2002 and reported out the following bills:

As Committed (unanimously):

Senate Bill 856 (PN 985) (Greenleaf) This bill amends the State Constitution and provides that Justices of the Peace will now comply with the retention provisions currently in place for justices and judges.

Senate Bill 1383 (PN 1880) (Scarnati) This bill authorizes the city of Warren, Warren County, to sell and convey certain project 70 lands free of restrictions imposed by the Project 70 Land Acquisition and Borrowing Act.

House Bill 529 (PN 572) (Bard) This Act will authorize the display of the Pennsylvania state flag over a memorial, a casket and at a funeral procession of a deceased individual who was a member or employee of a volunteer or municipal police department, fire department, ambulance service or rescue squad or a fire police organization.

House Bill 2131 (PN 2843) (Maitland) This bill amends Title 37 (Historical and Museums), in that it gives the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) certain privileges. It also removes various historic properties from the control of the PHMC.

As Amended (unanimously):

Senate Bill 857 (PN 1991) (Greenleaf) This bill proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, requiring an individual to pass a certification examination before filing a nominating petition to become a District Justice or Judge of Traffic Court in the city of Philadelphia.

House Bill 590 (PN 3851) (Clymer) This bill amends the Civil Service Act by changing the form of compensation the board members will receive. It also amends various things pertaining to the eligibility of an applicant and things pertaining to promotion, demotion, and probationary period.

House Bill 1995 (PN2969) (Daley) The bill establishes the William Penn Liberty Medal, which will be awarded each year by the governor on behalf of the Commonwealth to honor a resident or non resident of Pennsylvania who has exhibited a lifetime of great accomplishment, an act of heroism, or an outstanding contribution to the Commonwealth, United States, or the world.

House Bill 2100 (PN3852) (Maher) This bill amends the Right- to- Know Law in that all public records shall be accessible for inspection and duplication. It also provides that public records may be available electronically. It further provides for things like the rejection of a request for a record and it outlines punishment for not abiding by the act.