SENATE DEMOCRATIC WRAP-UP FOR THE WEEK OF
November 17, 2003

By a unanimous vote, the Senate this week amended and approved Senate Bill 677, which would extend the sunset date for the complex Chapter 30 broadband law to December 31, 2004. Chapter 30 guides the statewide implementation of modern telecommunications and broadband Internet services.

The measure would also to eliminate the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) Office of Trial Staff, which is an attempt to streamline and modernize the commission’s structure to reflect today’s deregulated and competitive utility services. As a result, the commission itself would have the statutory authority to establish bureaus, offices and positions at its discretion.

The bill now returns to the House.

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The Senate unanimously approved House Bill 1426, which would amend the 1945 Urban Redevelopment Law to allow redevelopment authorities to reclaim property titles transferred to a land redeveloper if that redeveloper fails to finish a project by the designated deadline.

The amendment would also require redevelopers to provide proof of financial security to redevelopment authorities, as well as to obtain a project cost certification from an independent certified public accountant at the completion of projects with construction cost estimates exceeding $1 million.

The 1945 Urban Redevelopment Law was enacted to promote the health, safety, convenience and welfare of state residents through the redevelopment of blighted areas. The law outlines the obligations of redevelopment authorities, local governing bodies, planning commissions and land redevelopers.

            The bill now goes to the governor.

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The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 924, the “Tobacco Product Manufacturers Directory Act.” This legislation would require tobacco product manufacturers to file certification with the Office of the Attorney General and set up an escrow account before selling cigarettes in Pennsylvania.

            The measure would also authorize the Attorney General to establish a directory of cigarette brands and manufacturers approved for sale in Pennsylvania. Any person found guilty of selling, distributing, possessing or transporting tobacco products not listed on the directory could be charged with a third-degree misdemeanor.

            The bill now goes to the House.

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By a 47-1 vote, the Senate passed House Bill 1854, which would amend the General County Assessment Law. The amendment would require property assessors to consider additional factors when calculating the actual value of real property. These factors include: rent restrictions, affordability requirements and any other related federal or state program controls. Federal and state income tax credits are not considered “real property” under the amendment.

The bill now goes to the governor.

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The Senate unanimously approved House Bill 1580, which amends the Health Care Facilities Act to authorize health care practitioners to practice the healing arts as employees or independent contractors in health care facilities.

The amended bill now returns to the House.

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