TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 01/29/08

The Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Amended

SB 295 (Browne) The legislation provides for idling restrictions on diesel-powered commercial vehicles and imposes penalties.

SB 1096 (Gordner) The legislation amends Title 75 by increasing fines for trespassing while riding an ATV.

SB 1201 (Armstrong) The legislation requires that the department of transportation maintain a log of all persons using official Commonwealth aircraft for travel.

Reported Out as Committed

SB 976 (Baker) The legislation requires the Department of transportation to collaborate with transportation providers statewide to provide a 511 traveler advisory system.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 11/27/07

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, November 27, 2007, and unanimously reported out the following bills as committed:

Senate Bill 1114 (Kasunic) – This legislation would designate the scenic view on State Route 40 in Wharton Township, Fayette County, as the “Blue Star Point Lookout.”

Senate Bill 1121 (Baker) – This bill would amend the Vehicle Code to add to the definition of an “emergency vehicle” a vehicle used by a local emergency coordinator.

Senate Bill 1135 (Rafferty) – This legislation would amend the Vehicle Code to require that radar devices must be tested within one year of an alleged violation. Current law requires that electronic devices be tested every 60 days. Sen. Earll questioned how often these devices are tested and found to be defective. Sen. Madigan noted that most other states have a two- or three-year testing requirement and that it is rare that the State Police find a radar device to be faulty. This change to the inspection requirement would save the state approximately $850,000 annually.

Senate Bill 1159 (Rhoades) – This bill would designate a portion of Long Pond Road in Monroe County as “Dr. Joseph Mattioli and Dr. Rose Mattioli Drive.”

Senate Resolution 203 (Scarnati) – This resolution would urge the president and Congress to suspend funding for the Cross-Border Trucking Demonstration Project, which allows Mexican trucks free access to our nation’s roads.

House Bill 1604 (Harhart) – This legislation would designate a portion of State Route 145 in Northampton County as the “Battle of the Bulge Veterans Memorial Highway.”

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 10/16/07

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, October 16, 2007, and unanimously reported out the following bill as amended:

Senate Bill 1065 (Armstrong) – This legislation would designate a bridge in Lancaster County as the Edward Anthony Davis Memorial Bridge. Sen. Madigan offered amendment A3567, which was technical in nature.

The committee unanimously reported out the following bills as committed:

Senate Bill 1133 (Corman) – This bill would designate a portion of State Route 850 in Perry County as the Army Private David E. Dietrich Memorial Highway.

House Bill 1644 (Harris) – This bill would designate a portion of State Route 22/322 in Juniata County as the Dr. L.G. Guiser Memorial Highway.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 09/25/07

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, and unanimously reported out the following bills as committed:

Senate Bill 351 (Robbins) – This legislation would provide an exception for law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and other public safety officers to conduct roadside fundraisers (also known as “boot drives”). This bill was part of last session’s Senate Bill 1330, which stalled in the Senate Rules Committee after House amendments.

Senate Bill 999 (Corman) – This bill would designate a portion of State Route 26 in Centre County as the Marine Sergeant David “DJ” Emery, Jr. Highway.

House Bill 17 (Markosek) – This legislation would make several changes to the Vehicle Code to comply with the federal Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act.

House Bill 1166 (Shapiro) – This legislation would designate a portion of State Route 2024 in Montgomery County as the Sergeant James R. Miller Memorial Highway.

House Bill 1624 (Millard) – This bill would designate a bridge in Columbia County as the William F. Gittler, Sr. Memorial Bridge.

The committee unanimously reported out the following bill as amended:

House Bill 872 (Cappelli) – This bill would designate a bridge in Lycoming County as the John Gross Memorial Bridge. Sen. Madigan offered amendment A3213, which was technical.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 06/29/07

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Friday, June 29, 2007, and reported out the following bill as amended:

House Bill 1590 (Markosek) – This is the transportation funding bill. Sen. Madigan offered amendment A2521, which made the following changes:

• Permits Allegheny County to impose a 10 percent alcohol tax or a $2 car rental tax, but removes the other local taxation options

• Reduces local match requirements from 20 to 15 percent

• Requires the turnpike to raise fares one year earlier, in 2009

• Removes language changing membership of SEPTA’s board

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 06/28/07

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Thursday, June 28, 2007, and reported out the following bills unanimously as committed:

House Bill 1590 (Markosek) – This is the transportation funding bill. As currently proposed, it would bring in about $700 million in new state funding for roads, bridges, and transit next year, an amount that would rise to $1.05 billion by 2016-17. Tolls on I-80 would begin in 2010. In the first year, $450 million would go into highways and bridges, including $35 million for roads and bridges that local governments maintain. The remaining $250 million would go to mass transit, with approximately $100 million more for SEPTA and around $50 million for the Port Authority.

Counties would be authorized to impose a sales, use and hotel occupancy tax of either 0.25 percent or 0.5 percent; a room rental tax of up to 1 percent; and a car rental tax of up to $2 per day. Municipalities would also be given the authority to enact an earned income tax of either 0.25 percent or 0.5 percent, and to impose the $2-per-day car rental tax. Those new taxes would help fund an increase in the average local match for transit from 13 percent to 20 percent. (Another provision of the bill would double Philadelphia's representation on the SEPTA board.)

Senate Resolution 144 (Musto) – This Democratic-sponsored resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study and report on the economic impact of Hazleton’s proposed cargo airport.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 06/19/07

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, June 19, 2007, and reported out the following bills unanimously as committed:

Senate Bill 646 (Logan) – This Democratic-sponsored legislation would remove the $75 million cap on appropriations to mass transit funding from state sales tax revenues.

Senate Bill 857 (Orie) – This bill would require the Auditor General to conduct an annual audit of the Port Authority of Pittsburgh (currently only required every four years) and require an outside consultant to conduct a comprehensive management study of the authority’s operations every four years (currently only required every eight years). This bill would also give two appointments on the authority’s board to the governor, one to the Senate pro tempore, and one to the House Speaker.

House Bill 363 (Casorio) – This bill would designate a bridge in North Huntington Township, Westmoreland County, as the Veterans Bridge.

House Bill 781 (Wojnaroski) – This legislation would designate a bridge in Johnstown as the Colonel John Joseph Tominac Memorial Bridge.

House Bill 840 (Rapp) – This bill would designate a bridge in Sugar Grove as the AMVETS POW-MIA Memorial Bridge.

House Bill 892 (Keller) – This bill would designate a portion of State Route 74 in Perry County as the Marine Lance Corporal Jason L. Frye Memorial Highway.

House Bill 1169 (Dermody) – This bill would designate a bridge in Allegheny County as the Roger F. Duffy Viaduct.

House Bill 1228 (Surra) ­– This bill would re-designate a bridge in Elk County as the Rear Admiral Paul H. Speer Bridge.

The committee reported out the following bill unanimously as amended:

Senate Bill 972 (Corman) – This bill would designate a portion of U.S. Route 322 in Centre County as the Thomas D. Larson Highway. Larson served as Secretary of Transportation in the Thornburgh administration. Sen. Madigan offered amendment A1661, which was technical in nature.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 05/08/07

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, May 8, 2007, and unanimously reported out the following legislation as committed:

Senate Bill 152 (Greenleaf) – This bill would authorize the use of neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) on Pennsylvania roads with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or lower.

Senate Bill 779 (Armstrong) – This bill would designate a section of State Route 462 as the “Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Robert D. Lapp, Jr., Memorial Highway.”

House Bill 202 (Petrone) – This bill would apply abandoned vehicle rules and requirements currently in effect for Philadelphia to the city of Pittsburgh, as well.

Senate Resolution 102 (Tomlinson) – This resolution would designate May 19, 2007, as “Child Passenger Safety Day” in Pennsylvania.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 04/17/07

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, and unanimously reported out the following bills as committed:

Senate Bill 262 (Gordner) – This bill would permit the Department of Transportation to waive the driving skills test for commercial driver’s license applicants who are active-duty soldiers, reservists, or veterans.

Senate Bill 691 (Greenleaf) ­– This bill would change the requirements to obtain a disabled veteran registration plate.

Senate Bill 760 (Kasunic) – This Democratic-sponsored bill would designate the section of State Route 219 that is situated in Somerset County as the Flight 93 Memorial Highway.

House Bill 195 (Payne) – This bill would designate the bridge carrying State Route 441 over the Swatara Creek in the Borough of Royalton, Dauphin County, as the Sgt. Major Clarence Edward Mathias Bridge.

House Bill 294 (Scavello) – This bill would designate the Interboro Bridge on State Route 2012 in Monroe County as the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

The committee unanimously reported the following bill as amended:

Senate Bill 83 (Tomlinson) – This bill would designate State Route 132 as the Armed Forces and Veterans Memorial Highway. Sen. Madigan offered a technical amendment, to which the committee agreed.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 03/13/07

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, March 13, 2007, and unanimously reported out the re-nomination of Allen Biehler as Secretary of Transportation.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 10/03/06

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, October 03, 2006 and reported out the following:

HB 1631 - The bill amends the Vehicle Code to allow maintenance vehicles used by an institution of higher learning to be exempt from registration provided the vehicle does not travel on public roads in excess of one mile and the property on both sides of the public road is owned by the institution.  The bill was reported out 10-4.

HB 2133 - This bill amends Title 75 to provide for Special Registration plates, identification cards, unattended children in motor vehicles, requirements for headlights, flashing or revolving blue lights and the penalty for a violation of restrictions on a posted road or bridge.  Sen. Madigan offered A9553 that allows for permits to move whole or unprocessed grain.  Sen. LaValle offered 9565 that allows permits to be issued for moving multiple ingots on highways. The amendments and bill were reported 14-0.

SR 311 - The resolution recognizes the Federal Aviation Administration's plan to divert air traffic from the Philadelphia International Airport over Delaware County and calling on the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct public hearings to obtain additional input on the issue and to afford residents and local government officials an opportunity to comment on the proposed plan.  This resolution was reported 14-0.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 09/19/06

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, and unanimously reported out the following bills as committed:

House Bill 2498 (McIlhinney) – This bill would create the “Gold Star Family” specialty license plate, which would be available to any family member of a service member killed while serving on active duty.

Senate Bill 1330 (Robbins) – This bill would permit charitable organizations to hold roadside fundraising drives, subject to municipal approval.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 06/27/06

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, June 27, 2006, and unanimously reported out the following bills as committed:

Senate Resolution 326 (Madigan) – This resolution would extend the select committee to study innovative highway funding options established in Senate Resolution 116 until October 31, 2006.

House Bill 2295 (Sainato) – This bill would create a new specialty license plate for any person who has received the Korean Defense Service Medal. Authorized by Congress with Public Law 107-314, this medal is awarded to service members who have served in support of the defense of the Republic of Korea from 1954 to present. They must have flown sorties, been engaged in combat, or been wounded or injured in the line of duty.

House Bill 2633 (Roberts) – This bill would designate a bridge in Fayette County as the “Cpl. Victor Kozares, D.S.C., Bridge.”

House Bill 2740 (McIlhattan) – This bill would designate a bridge on State Route 68 as the “Sergeant Carl F. Curran II Memorial Bridge.”

The committee also voted unanimously in favor of the re-nominations of Pasquale T. Deon, Sr., and Mitchell Rubin to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 06/20/06

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, June 20, 2006, and unanimously reported out the following bills as committed:

Senate Bill 1175 (Rhoades) – This bill would establish the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) shared-ride program in statute, expand it statewide, and appropriate funds specifically for this program.

House Bill 901 (Benninghoff) – This bill would amend the Vehicle Code to expand the type and amount of lighting permitted on a motorcycle.

House Bill 2026 (Causer) – This bill would designate a bridge in Coudersport as the “Specialist Mike Franklin Memorial Bridge.”

House Bill 2457 (Sonney) – This bill would designate a bridge in Erie County as the “Sergeant Donald S. Oaks Memorial Bridge.”

The following bills were reported unanimously as amended:

House Bill 1928 (Harris) – This legislation would amend the Vehicle Code with regard to permits for the movement of modular housing undercarriages on the return trip.  Sen. Madigan offered amendment A8139, which removed redundant language regarding lighting requirements.  Sen. Stout offered amendment A8170, which would assist domestic steel producers by permitting a “hot box” to be hauled locally on state roads, provided it does not exceed current weight allowances.  The committee agreed to both amendments.

Senate Bill 924 (Greenleaf) – This legislation would permit the use of neighborhood electric vehicles on certain Pennsylvania roads.  Sen. Madigan offered amendment A7763, which would PennDOT and municipalities to open up more roads for such vehicles.  The committee agreed to the amendment.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 06/07/06

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, June 7, 2006, and reported out the following bills unanimously, as committed:

Senate Bill 1206 (Scarnati) - This bill would designate an access road from Interstate 80 to the Dubois-Jefferson County Airport as the “Francis H. ‘Bud’ Scherer Memorial Highway.”

Senate Bill 1222 (Robbins) – This bill would designate portions of U.S. Route 6 as the “Gateway to the East” and “Gateway to the West.”

House Bill 2210 (Santoni) – This bill would designate a portion of State Route 422 in Reading as the “Sergeant William V. Fernandez Highway.”

House Bill 2315 (Armstrong) – This bill would eliminate term limits for members of the state Aviation Advisory Committee.  Currently, members are limited to two three-year terms, but no other PennDOT advisory committee has such a requirement.

The following bills were reported out unanimously, as amended:

House Bill 804 (Maitland) – This bill would make several changes to the Vehicle Code with regard to penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and leaving an unattended child in a motor vehicle.  Sen. Madigan offered amendment A7798, which was technical in nature.

House Bill 2468 (Good) – This is the Highway Capital Budget itemization bill.  Sen. Madigan offered amendment A7755, which added several projects so that this bill mirrors the Senate-passed version (Senate Bill 873).

House Bill 248 (Hess) – This bill would provide additional funds to the State Highway Transfer Program, also known as the Turnback Program.  Sens. Madigan and Stout offered amendment A7719, which would increase the annual maintenance payment to $4,000 per mile.  The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors supports the amendment and the legislation generally.  According to comments by Sens. Madigan and Stout, the department believes that the additional revenues provided from the state Oil Franchise Tax will cover this increase in funds provided to local municipalities.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 05/02/06

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, May 2, 2006, and reported out the following bill unanimously as committed:

House Bill 2304 (Solobay) - This bill would designate the bridge carrying State Route 1025 over Interstate 79 in Washington County as the Canon-McMillan Alumni Bridge.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 03/22/06

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, March 22, 2006, and reported out the following bills unanimously as committed:

House Bill 15 (DiGirolamo) – This bill would amend the Crimes and Vehicle Codes to provide for the use of Victim Impact Panels in the DUI sentencing process and clarify the good-faith exception to the DUI law’s two-hour rule.  According to newspaper reports, defense lawyers in some parts of the state have argued that a DUI suspect’s blood must be tested within two hours of being drawn.  The District Attorneys Association has argued that the law was intended to require that blood be drawn within two hours, but can be tested much later.  The bill would conform state law to the argument advanced by prosecutors and close this legal loophole.

House Bill 137 (Fleagle) – This bill would amend the Vehicle Code to provide further for motorcycle lights and for restrictions on highway and bridge use.

House Bill 1014 (Geist) – This bill would amend the Vehicle Code to make the voluntary electronic titling program applicable for all lienholders conducting business in Pennsylvania.  The transition to a mandatory system is effective in two years.

House Bill 1834 (Cohen) – This bill would amend Title 20 to allow organ procurement organizations to have access to the Department of Transportation’s driver licensing database.

Senate Bill 703 (Erickson) – This bill would amend the Vehicle Code to require drivers to slow down and/or change lanes when passing a stopped emergency or police vehicle.  Fines for violations would range from $30 to $300.  In discussing the bill, Sen. Stout voiced some concerns with the bill’s application, and Sen. Madigan agreed that a statement of legislative intent would be drafted and offered, at a later date, as an amendment to the bill.

Senate Bill 758 (Robbins) – This bill would amend the Vehicle Code to require driver’s license, learner’s permit, and identification card applicants to comply with federal Selective Service requirements.

Senate Bill 1088 (Kasunic) – This bill would designate the section of State Route 219 in Somerset County as the Flight 93 Memorial Highway.

Senate Bill 1169 (Fontana) – This bill would designate a portion of State Route 279 in Allegheny County (Parkway West) as the State Police Cpl. Joseph R. Pokorny Memorial Highway.  Pokorny had been a 22-year veteran of the State Police when he was killed in the line of duty in December.

Senate Bill 1095 (Stout) – This bill would amend the Rail Freight Preservation and Improvement Act to allow the Department of Transportation to approve capital projects (up to $250,000) without going through the capital budget process.  The Rail Freight Assistance Program, which helps rehabilitate aging rail lines, would receive an additional $2 million in appropriations under the governor’s recently proposed budget.

The following bill was reported out unanimously as amended:

House Bill 601 (Phillips) – This bill would amend the Vehicle Code to specify who pays for the costs associated with chemical testing in DUI cases.  Sen. Madigan offered amendment A6911, which further clarifies the bill’s language.  The committee voted unanimously to approve the amendment.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 01/31/06

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, January 31, 2006, and reported out the following bills unanimously as committed:

Senate Bill 664 (Boscola) – This bill would amend the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Compact to give the governor veto powers over certain actions and give the auditor general the authority to conduct financial and management audits of the commission.

Senate Bill 1056 (Pippy) – This bill would exempt drivers operating a school bus or other commercial vehicle during a state of emergency from being prosecuted for an accident involving death or personal injury while not properly licensed.

House Bill 654 (McCall) – This bill would permit a person whose operating privilege has been suspended or revoked to request a “credit hearing” from the state Department of Transportation.  Such procedures are already provided for under current departmental regulations, which would be abrogated with passage of this bill.  This bill would also remove the 30-day requirement for petitioning the department for a credit hearing.

House Bill 1285 (McCall) – This bill would define and establish administrative law judges within the state Department of Transportation.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 01/25/06

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, January 25, 2006, and reported out the following bills unanimously:

Senate Bill 873 (Madigan/Stout) – This is the highway capital budget itemization bill.

Senate Bill 874 (Madigan/Stout) – This is the supplemental highway, bridge, and railroad capital budget itemization bill.  Sen. Madigan offered amendment A5537.  The bill was reported out as amended.

A vote of 11-2 was recorded for the following bill:

Senate Bill 1025 (Madigan) – This bill would prohibit the Environmental Quality Board from adopting the stricter “California car” standard under the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles program.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 01/23/06

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, January 24, 2006, and reported out the following bills unanimously:

House Bill 1281 (Harris) – This bill would designate State Route 104 as the “Timberwolves Memorial Highway – 104^th Infantry Division.”  Sen. Madigan offered amendment A3164, which made technical changes.  The bill was reported out as amended.

House Bill 1183 (Wojnaroski) – This bill would designate a bridge on State Route 271 in Cambria County as the “Sergeant Michael Strank Memorial Bridge.”

House Bill 1401 (Hanna) – This bill would designate the bridge over Beech Creek on State Route 150 in Clinton and Centre Counties as the “Beech Creek Veterans Memorial Bridge.”

House Bill 1455 (Wilt) – This bill would designate the intersection of State Route 18 and State Route 58 in Mercer County as the “Joseph J. Lininger Intersection.” 

House Bill 1955 (Pyle) – This bill would designate a bridge on State Route 66 in Armstrong County as the “1/112^th Infantry Alpha Company Bridge.”

House Bill 121 (Roebuck) – This bill would add a new section to the Vehicle Code to prohibit drivers from overtaking or passing streetcars.

Senate Bill 876 (Rafferty) – This bill would codify the practice currently used by the Department of Transportation making vehicle registration information confidential for judges, district attorneys, cabinet-level officials, and undercover law enforcement officers.  Sen. Madigan offered amendment A5518, which changes the effective date of the bill from 60 days to 180 days.  The bill was reported out as amended.

Senate Bill 1050 (Madigan) – This bill would require manufacturers to disclose if a vehicle is equipped with an electronic data recorder and provide for ownership of information created by those recorders.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 06/21/05

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, June 21, 2005, and unanimously reported out the following bills as committed:

House Bill 129 (Watson) – This bill would make it illegal to operate an aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Currently, Pennsylvania is one of three states that do not ban pilots from flying while impaired.  The Federal Aviation Administration can suspend a pilot’s license for an offense, but states are responsible for providing criminal penalties.  Last year, two cases of drunken pilots were thrown out of court because Pennsylvania judges have held that pilots cannot be charged under statutes prohibiting drunk driving.  A similar bill (House Bill 2664) passed the Senate unanimously last session, but Gov. Rendell vetoed the bill because it contained an amendment concerning mass transit funding.

Senate Bill 777 (Orie) – This bill would designate a portion of State Route 28 as the “28^th Signal Battalion Memorial Highway.”

Senate Bill 778 (Tomlinson) – This bill would designate a portion of State Route 132 as the “Armed Forces and Veterans Memorial Highway.”

The following bill was reported out unanimously, as amended:

House Bill 489 (R. Stevenson) – This bill would provide for new veterans license plates (a general veterans plate and one each for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom) and a special permit for the movement of containerized cargo from the Port of Philadelphia.   Sen. Stout expressed concern about the negative impact on state roads from overweight trucks (carrying 40-foot containers, weighing up to 107,500 pounds).  Representatives from the Philadelphia Port Authority stated that they were working with PennDOT to minimize impact by using special trucks and limiting movement to certain roads.  Sen. Madigan offered amendment A1898, which would provide for the efficient transfer of titles at wholesale vehicle auctions.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 7/7/05

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

Senate Bill 126 (Wenger), Senate Bill 141 (Erickson), Senate Bill 406 (Pippy), Senate Bill 599 (D. White), Senate Bill 677 (Pileggi), Senate Bill 706 (White), and House Bill 1110 (Stairs) – These bills would designate certain roads and bridges in the Commonwealth.

Senate Bill 174 (Corman) – This bill would provide for a state identification card for minors age 10 and older.

Senate Bill 721 (Lemmond) – This bill would amend the Transportation Code to designate a portion of State Route 6 in Wyoming County and a portion of State Route 92 in Susquehanna County as scenic byways.

Senate Bill 724 (Stout) – This bill would amend the Vehicle Code to bring Pennsylvania into compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999.  The federal law, which aims to road safety by ensuring only safe drivers operate commercial vehicles, requires states to maintain complete driving records that include any moving violation.  Also, a state must revoke or deny a commercial driver’s license when a driver has a high-risk violation in his own (non-commercial) vehicle.  If Pennsylvania does not bring its laws into compliance by September 30, 2005, the state could lose up to $40 million in federal highway dollars and the authority to issue and renew commercial driver’s licenses.

Reported out as amended unanimously:

House Bill 402 (Fabrizio) – This bill would designate a portion of a state road in Erie as “Michael A. Cannavino Way” and redesignate the Carey Avenue Bridge in Luzerne County as the “1^st Battalion, 109^th Field Artillery, PA Army National Guard Bridge.”  On the behalf of Sen. Orie, Sen. Madigan offered amendment A1307, which would add another project in Allegheny County for designation.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 2/15/05

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, February 15, 2005, and unanimously reported out the following bill as committed:

Senate Bill 158 (Earll) - This bill would transfer a portion of the Bayfront Parkway in Erie to the state, in exchange for transferring a portion of State Road 4018 to the city.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 2/8/05

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, February 8, 2005, and unanimously reported out the following bill as committed:

Senate Bill 199 (Thompson) - This bill, the “Supplemental Public Transportation Account Funding Act,” would provide for the temporary suspension of the $75 million cap on sales tax revenue transferred to the Supplemental Public Transportation Account.  This suspension would apply retroactively to July 1, 2004, and expire on June 30, 2005.  Sen. Stout inquired about this legislation’s impact on the General Fund, and Sen. Madigan answered that the Appropriations Committee would assess the fiscal impact, which was estimated at $22-$25 million in additional funds for mass transit.  This legislation may become a vehicle for additional public transit funding.

The committee also unanimously reported out the reappointment of Timothy Carson to the Turnpike Commission. 

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 11/9/04

The Transportation Committee met on Monday, November 9, 2004 and took the following action:

Reported Out as Committed (12-0) 

HB 310 Creighton (PN 356) -- An Act designating a portion of State Route 1040 known as Spur Road in East Cocalico Township, Lancaster County, as Colonel Howard Blvd. – The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 2306 Major (PN3215) -- Act designating a bridge on State Route 11 crossing the Susquehanna River between Great Bend Township and Hallstead Borough, Susquehanna County. Pennsylvania, as the Community Memorial Bridge. – The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 2409 Harhart – Amends the Act designating a certain bridge on PA Route 45 in Northumberland and Union Counties as the “Judge Herbert W. Cummings/Judge Harold M. McClure Memorial Bridge” and also further designating a second bridge as the “General Thomas R. Morgan U..M.C. Bridge”, and adds U.S.M.C. to the name of the bridge. – The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 2826 Sather (PN 4354) -- Act designating the bridge on State Route 522 crossing the Black Log Creek, just South of Orbisonia, Cornwell Township, Huntingdon County, as the Huntingdon County World War II Veterans Memorial Bridge. – The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 851 Crahalla (PN 1809) -- Amends Title 18 (Crimes) to state that a person found guilty of scattering rubbish would pay a fine of not less than $250 but not more than $500 and be sentenced to no more than 90 days of community service. The legislation also includes a provision that states that property subject to forfeiture may be seized by a law enforcement authority upon process issued by a court of common pleas having jurisdiction over the property. When a waste transportation vehicle is forfeited, DEP would be notified and would conduct a compliance history review. (Prior Printer’s Numbers: 998). – The bill was reported as committed unanimously.

HB 2482 Stern – (PN 4244) The State Railroad Infrastructure Act establishes the State Railroad Infrastructure Bank and the State Railroad Infrastructure Bank Fund to provide low-interest loans to second-class railroads and third class railroads or their customers, or both, for the financing of railroad infrastructure. The legislation states that loans awarded to such railroads would be repaid at the rate equal to the prime rate of interest less that 0.5%. The Department of Community and Economic Development w3ould promulgate the rules and regulation to implement the Act. (Prior Printer’s Numbers: 3568, 4149) – The bill was reported as committed unanimously.

Reported Out as Amended (12-0) 

HB 2666 McCall – (PN 3972) -- Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) by removing the requirement within the staggered 

registration renewal system that the system be coordinated with the periodic inspection of all vehicles which

are subject to annual inspection except those vehicles bearing dealer registration plates. – 

The bill was reported as amended unanimously.

A4138 (Stout) -- Removes the coordination requirement for emissions inspections. The bill was unanimously adopted.

HB 2664 Watson (PN 4194) -- Amends Title 74 (Transportation) by adding a chapter on flying while impaired. A person may not operate an aircraft in PA: (1) while under the influence of alcohol; (2) while under the influence of a drug which affects the individual’s faculties in any way contrary to safety; (3) when the alcohol concentration in the individual’s blood or breath, as measured within two hours of the time of operation, or attempted operation, is 0.02% or more; or (4) within eight hours after consumption of “liquor” or a “malt or brewed beverage.” A violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the third degree and constitutes a fine of at least $1,000 but less than $5,000 and imprisonment for at least 72 consecutive hours. The violator would be required to undergo evaluation for substance abuse and, if the evaluation indicates abuse, to undergo treatment ordered by the court. (Prior Printer’s Numbers: 3970) – The bill was reported as amended unanimously.

A4197 (Madigan) -- Changes the effective date from 60 to 90 days. The amendment was unanimously adopted.

Senator Jane Earll (R-Erie) asked where the money would come from. Chairman Madigan said wither from the general fund or a school district’s own funds.

HB 873 Geist (PN 4190) -- Amends title 75 (Vehicles) further providing for suspension of operating privilege and for numerous offenses. This legislation would mandate a six-,omth license suspension for a lost of offenses. The bill also creates a point system for driver education and control. Every driver licensed in PA who is convicted a crime (listed in the bill) would be assessed a certain amount of points. A violation of this law that unintentionally causes the death of anther person would require the violator to pay a fine of $500. Also, a violation of this law that intentionally causes the serious bodily injury of another person would require the violator to pay a fine of $250. (Prior Printer’s Numbers: 1029, 4021, 4171) – The bill was reported as amended unanimously.

A3486 (Madigan) -- Changes the effective date from 60 to 150 days. The amendment was unanimously adopted.

A4241 (Costa) -- Allows the City of Pittsburgh to collect traffic fines, a power that will shortly be taken away from them due to actions under Act 47. The amendment was unanimously adopted.

SB 1211 Greenleaf (PN1815) -- Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) by defining a “Neighborhood electric vehicle” as a four-wheeled electric vehicle that has a maximum design speed of not less than 20 miles per hour and of not more than 25 miles per hour and that complies with Federal safety standards. The bill outlines how the vehicles would be regulated, including required equipment, registration, licensing, and operation. – The bill was withdrawn from the agenda.

HB 2066 Geist (PN 3561) -- Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) by defining “collectible motor vehicle” and “I-CAR.” The bill then adds several new provisions related to the transferring of vehicle ownership and for reconstructed, modified and specially constructed vehicles. The legislation also states that the identification card fee and photo fee would be waived for organ donors. (Prior Printer’s Numbers: 2767, 2797, and 3500) – The bill was passed over as the amendment was newly drafted and the Chair wished to give the Committee time to digest the changes.

A4156 (Madigan) -- Will (according to staff) “substantially change the bill from a single vendor, centralized program to one driven by the automotive service marketplace, improving convenience and allowing market forces to better determine cost.” The amendment will also move the effective date of the new program to January 1, 2007.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 6/22/04

Reported Out as Committed (12-0) 

SB 844 (Stout) -- An Act providing for the highway capital budget project itemization for

the fiscal year 2003-2004.

SB 1095 (Mellow) -- An Act designating Exit 182 on Interstate 81 in Lackawanna County as

the Chuck Mattei Interchange.

SB 1097 (Lemmond) -- An Act amending Title 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania

Consolidated Statutes, designating a portion of State Route 6 in Wyoming

County as a scenic byway.

HB 994 (Rubley) -- This measure would empower municipalities, counties and public transportation 

agencies to work cooperatively to establish Transit Revitalization Investment Districts (TRID), 

including partnerships with the National Railroad Passenger Corporation requiring planning studies, 

comprehensive plan and zoning amendments and use of existing statutes and techniques to achieve 

transit-oriented development, redevelopment, community revitalization and enhanced community character 

through TRID creation.

HB 1801 (Freeman) -- An Act amending the act of June 25, 1931 (P.L.1352, No.332), referred to as the 

Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Compact, further providing for powers and duties and for audits.

HB 1937 (Wojnaroski) -- An Act redesignating the bridge known as the Napoleon Street Bridge, in the 

City of Johnstown, Cambria County, as the Edward A. Silk Memorial Bridge.

HB 2218 (Herman) -- An Act amending the act of June 1, 1956 (1955 P.L.1944, No.655),

referred to as the Liquid Fuels Tax Municipal Allocation Law, adding a definition of "computer-related 

hardware, software and training"; further providing for moneys appropriated to municipalities; and making 

editorial changes.

HB 2230 (Geist) -- An Act amending the act of July 3, 1985 (P.L.164, No.45), known as the Emergency 

Medical Services Act, further providing for support of emergency medical services.

HB 2378 (Geist) -- An Act designating a portion of State Route 4013 in Blair County as the

Jack E. Kuhn Memorial Highway.

HB 2405 (McCall) -- An Act designating a certain bridge carrying SR 248 over Aquashicola Creek in 

Palmerton Borough, Carbon County, as the Colonel John Craig Memorial Bridge.

HB 2649 (Feese) -- An Act designating a portion of State Route 405 from Clinton Township to Montgomery 

Borough, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, as the Dr. Charles F. Taylor Memorial Highway; and 

designating a bridge over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River on State Route 405 between 

Muncy Creek Township and Clinton Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, as the The Last Raft

Memorial Bridge.

Reported Out as Amended (12-0)

HB 1912 (Vance) -- An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, 

further providing for the person with disability plate and placard, for physical examinations, for reports on 

mental or physical disabilities or disorders and for determination of incompetency.

On Wednesday October 9, the Senate Committee on Transportation met to discuss Senate Bill 925 and House Bill 1553.

Senate Bill 925 (12-0)

As committed

The bill, put forth by Sen. Robbins, would amend Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for a special motorcycle registration plate for veterans.  For a $20 fee, any honorably discharged veteran of the armed services can obtain a special registration plate designating the vehicle as belonging to a veteran.

House Bill 1553 (12-0)

As amended

The House Bill, introduced by Rep. Civera, would also amend Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for footrests and handlebars on motorcycles.  The bill will require that motorcycles be equipped with footrests and handholds for passengers, and also regulate the height of handlebars.  No person shall operate any motorcycle with handlebars above shoulder-height of the driver.

Two amendments were proposed and decided on.  Sen. Armstrong introduced amendment 4922, requiring young adults of 16 and 17 years of age to take a safety course before obtaining a permit to operate motorcycles. The second amendment, 4944, introduced by Sen. Madigan will require operators with photo ID cards to notify the department of motor vehicles when there is a change of address.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE  6/19/02

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, June 19, 2002 and confirmed the following nominations to the PA Turnpike Commission:

(Unanimous)- Pat Deon and Mitchell Rubin (2^nd Term)

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE  6/4/02

The Senate Transportation Committee met on June 4, 2002 and reported out the following bills:

House Bill 2410- sponsor- Representative Geist- An Act amending Titles 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for the sentences for offenses committed with a vehicle involved in accidents resulting in death or personal injury. It further improves workzones and highway safety.

Amendment A2929- Senator Madigan- redefinition of the term motor carrier vehicle and other technical changes.

HB 2312- Representative Dally- Route designation.