SENATE DEMOCRATIC WRAP-UP FOR THE WEEK OF
OCTOBER 22, 2003

The Senate this week unanimously approved an amended version of House Bill 786, which would amend the Probate Code to provide an exemption from the notice provisions for power of attorney.

The new subsection would exempt dealers licensed under the Board of Vehicles Act when they use a power-of-attorney to sell, purchase, or transfer a vehicle in accordance with Section 1119 of the Vehicle Code.

The bill now returns to the House.

By a unanimous vote, the Senate approved Senate Bill 903, which would amend Megan’s Law to add the offense of “institutional sexual assault” to the list of crimes for which an offender must register his or her whereabouts.

The bill now goes to the House.

The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 93, which specifically outlaws Greyhound racing in Pennsylvania.

Currently, no provision in state law regulates the activity, other than “cruelty to animals” statutes. The bill establishes the offense of Greyhound Racing and makes it a Third Degree Felony to hold, conduct or operate a greyhound race for public exhibition or money.

The measure now goes to the House.

By a 47-1 vote, the Senate concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 164, which would give civil immunity to anyone who assists a victim at the scene of a personal injury crime.

The bill would also authorize county children and youth services to petition courts for removal of a child from foster care if one of the foster parents has been convicted of an offense that would otherwise disqualify them from serving as a foster parent.

The bill now goes to the Governor.

The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 297, which would establish the “Sign Language Interpreters State Certification Act” to require the licensing of people who provide interpreting or transliteration services to the deaf or hard of hearing. 

The bill now goes to the House.

The Senate unanimously approved House Bill 538, which would amend the “Job Enhancement Act” by adding a chapter that establishes the Technology Work Experience

Internship Program.

The bill now goes to the Governor.

The Senate adopted Concurrent Resolution 394 that directs the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee to study the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ oil and gas leasing activities.

The resolution urges the department to postpone certain actions until the study is completed.