Senate of Pennsylvania
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SENATE DEMOCRATIC WRAP-UP FOR THE WEEK |
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HARRISBURG-- By a vote of 45-0, the Senate this week approved a bill
that replaces many of the provisions of an omnibus transportation
measure that was vetoed by the Governor last session.
Among the highlights of
Senate Bill 237 are new standards by axle and weight for commercial
vehicles operating on Pennsylvania highways, vehicle permits on certain
types of construction equipment, guidelines while operating equipment in
established construction or highway maintenance zones, and trailer
restrictions. An amendment offered by
Democrats would require PennDOT to establish a policy review group by
March 31, 2001, to evaluate the state's Emission Testing Program. The
review group will make recommendations to the department, including any
necessary changes to the current program as a result of on-board
diagnostic system checks or any other new technologies related to
vehicle emissions. The review group also must report its findings to the
General Assembly and begin a uniform testing program in all areas of the
state which are required to test auto emissions by the federal
Environmental Protection Agency, or suspend the testing program
completely throughout the Commonwealth. The bill has been
forwarded to the House. ***** The Senate this week
approved legislation to amend Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes by renewing provisions from an omnibus transportation bill
which was vetoed by the Governor last year. Senate Bill 236, approved
by a vote of 45-0, contains provisions that address
transportation-related improvements for the agriculture community;
provides for certificate of inspection and restrictions on the use of
highways and bridges; penalties for depositing waste and other hazardous
materials on highways and in waterways; licensing certain farm
equipment; registration of antique and classic vehicles; and auto dealer
or distributor transportation licensing and inspection. The bill was sent to the
House for further consideration. ***** Legislation (S.B. 239) to
name a variety of roads and bridges in the Commonwealth, was approved
unanimously (44-0) by the Senate this week. The bill was sent to the
House Transportation Committee for further action. |