HARRISBURG - Calling the move "Parking Authority II," Senate Democrats opposed a Republican power grab for control of the Philadelphia School District. Senate Bill 640, first introduced as legislation establishing a loan forgiveness program for nursing students, was amended in the Senate Rules Committee to give the Governor far-reaching authority in the event of a state takeover of the school district.

The bill, which passed by a vote of 17-29, allows the Governor to appoint four of five members of a board to govern the city schools, with only one named by the mayor. The terms of the Governor's appointees, at three to seven years, could far outlast the Governor's own administration, and are automatically renewed for another four years. Under the new legislation, the board has direct authority to turn over the district to a private company for management.

Reminiscent of the controversial state takeover of the Philadelphia Parking Authority in June, the bill also would allow the state school board to nullify some collective bargaining agreements.

The bill passed the House by a vote of 116-84 and awaits the Governor's signature.

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The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1109, which would toughen penalties for making a bomb threat during a declared state of emergency. The penalty would be increased one grade [from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third degree felony]. The measure also stiffens penalties for hoaxes concerning nuclear, chemical or biological materials. The measure has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

By a 48-0 vote, the Senate approved House Bill 1541, which would increase the statute of limitations from two years to five for "neglect of care-dependent persons" and "deceptive or fraudulent business practices." The Attorney General's Office supports the bill and claims these crimes often require lengthy investigative periods before charges can be brought. The bill now returns to the House for concurrence in Senate amendments.

The Senate unanimously approved House Bill 1603, which would make it a summary offense to carry a paintball gun or marker in a vehicle unless the weapon is disassembled or emptied. The bill was returned to the House for concurrence in Senate amendments.

Legislation which would amend the Borough Code to provide for reimbursement of lost pay to a council member or mayor not employed by the borough while attending the annual county and/or state association meeting was approved unanimously this week in the Senate. Senate Bill 765 is now in the House Local Government Committee.

The Senate this week sought to amend the First and Second Class Township codes by unanimously passing Senate Bills 766 and 767. The bills would provide for reimbursement of lost pay to supervisors and commissioners, respectively, not employed by the township while attending the annual county and/or state association meeting. In the case of the supervisor, that person would not be entitled to receive the $35/day for otherwise eligible expenses.

Both bills are now in the House Local Government Committee.

The Senate unanimously approved legislation that would authorize township supervisors to pay auditors their regular rate when they attend conferences, institutes or schools pertaining to the duties and functions of their positions.

Senate Bill 771 has been referred to the House Local Government Committee.

The Senate unanimously approved two bills that would allow first-class townships and boroughs, respectively, to make appropriations to their conservation districts. Specifically, House Bills 494 and 495 would make it possible for municipalities to help fund projects that may be undertaken by a conservation district.

The bills are now in the House Rules Committee.

Legislation unanimously passed the Senate this week that would make it illegal for individuals to possess deer or elk antlers, unless the antlers are obtained by authorized individuals or found by an individual due to natural shedding. Senate Bill 657 is meant to crack down on poachers who are killing deer and elk simply to possess their antlers.

The bill is before the House Game and Fisheries Committee.

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