HARRISBURG -- The Senate this week unanimously approved House Bill 1289, requiring notification of pesticide treatment in schools. The bill would create a uniform plan for notifying parents and students of the time and place of chemical applications in school buildings, on grounds, athletic fields and playgrounds throughout the Commonwealth. The bill provides a detailed blueprint for school districts to follow when pest control is necessary.

The measure was returned to the House for concurrence in Senate amendments.

House Bill 599, which passed the Senate unanimously, would amend the Fraternal Benefit Societies Code to increase the annual sales limits on Fraternal agents/members from $100,000 to $200,000. Beginning July 1, 2002, and every five years after, the limit shall be reviewed by the Insurance Commissioner and may be adjusted at the Commissioner's discretion.

The bill was returned to the House for concurrence in Senate amendments.

The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1045, which would amend the state's Job Enhancement Act by permitting agricultural producers to be eligible for loans under the Small Business First Program administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. The legislation defines an agricultural producer as any individual involved in the management and use of a normal agricultural operation for the production of a farm commodity.

The bill was sent to the House for consideration.

By a unanimous vote, the Senate approved Senate Bill 813, which would extend the discount rates on worker's compensation insurance policies for employers who provide safety committees. Current law only allows the 5 percent discount for up to five years. The measure would eliminate the five-year cap.

The bill is now in the House Labor Relations Committee.

The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 2129, which would make it a misdemeanor to posses, manufacture, sell, offer or deliver a theft detection shielding device or a theft detection deactivation device. The devices are often used to avoid detection in stores, libraries and museums. The offense would be punishable by up to $10,000 and five years in jail.

The bill now goes to the Governor.