HARRISBURG --The Senate unanimously approved House Bill 2088, which would expand the criminal definition of "causing or risking a catastrophe" to include persons who sell, deal or provide licenses or permits to illegally transport hazardous materials.

The bill now goes to the Governor.

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By a unanimous vote, the Senate approved Senate Bill 785, which would further clarify the state’s definition of "historic burial places." Under the new definition, the tract of land would have to have been a burial place for at least 100 years, private funds would need to be available for upkeep, and the land owner would need to agree to prohibit future burials.

The bill now goes to the House.

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The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1367, which would allow 16 and 17 year olds to serve on the board of directors for a nonprofit corporation under certain conditions.

The bill now goes to the House.

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The Senate unanimously adopted House Bill 2305, which enables third-class counties with a 2000 population ranging from 371,000 to 380,000 to abolish the position of jury commission. Basically, it enables Berks County to eliminate its jury commissioner position.

The bill passed in the House on April 8 and awaits the governor’s signature.

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The Senate this week unanimously approved regulations for viatical settlements. Senate Bill 462 gives the Insurance Department the authority to approve, or disapprove, a viatical settlement contract and require all licensees to develop anti-fraud plans. A viatical settlement is the sale of a life insurance policy to a third party in return for an immediate lump sum payment. This bill also requires any person who engages in business of viatical settlements to be licensed with the Insurance Department.

The bill has been referred to the House Insurance Committee.

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