SENATE DEMOCRATIC WRAP-UP FOR THE WEEK OF
SEPTEMBER 30, 2002

HARRISBURG— Electronic stun guns would be added to the list of “Prohibited Offensive Weapons” under House Bill 227. Violators would be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor; or a second-degree felony if the weapon were used while committing a felony. The weapons would remain allowable for self-defense. The measure, which was approved unanimously, is now in the House Rules Committee.

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-- LEGISLATIVE NOTEBOOK --

-- The Senate unanimously concurred in amendments to Senate Bill 834. The bill would increase the penalty from a third degree felony (up to 7 years in prison and $15,000 fine) to a second-degree felony (up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine) for a second or subsequent of offense of disseminating or possessing child pornography. The bill also toughens the penalties against pedophiles who attempt to contact minors over the Internet. The measure also allows police officers to pose as minors on the Internet. The bill now goes to the governor.

-- The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1431, which toughens the penalties against those who deal in the trendy designer drug Ecstasy.  The measure allows for steeper penalties (up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine) based on the amount o Ecstasy involved. The bill now goes to the House.

-- The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 1486, which authorizes college and university campus police and municipalities to enter into cooperative police service agreements.  Current law does not provide for the extension of the primary jurisdiction of the campus police beyond 500 yards of the grounds of the college or university. The bill will be sent to the House.

-- The Senate voted 48-0 to approve Senate Bill 1528, which provides for depositing

 $16.5 million into the Agriculture Conservation Easement Purchase Fund from landfill disposal fee (tipping fee) revenues. The deposit is authorized for fiscal year 2004-05. The bill now goes to the House.

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