SENATE DEMOCRATIC WRAP-UP FOR THE WEEK OF
June 16, 2003

Senate Democrats this week fought to prevent passage of a weak Republican-backed “Head Start” initiative.

While support among Democrats for Head Start has not wavered, Democrats argued that the watered-down Republican bill did not go far enough to provide early childhood education opportunities -- and said the bill represents a pale imitation of Gov. Rendell’s sweeping reforms.

Under Senate Bill 60, which passed 37-12, more than 30,000 children eligible for Head Start will still not have the opportunity. The bill does not make head start available to any child not already enrolled, and does not guarantee full-day head start even for those who are enrolled.  The bill would pay only day care for the half-day those students are not in Head Start.

Democrats also criticized Republicans for failing to disclose a revenue source for their proposed $15 million expenditure.

The bill now goes to the House.

* * *

            By a 48 to 1 vote, the Senate approved Senate Bill 26, which would bar prosecutors from seeking the death penalty against mentally retarded suspects.

Under the legislation, judges would be required to decide if a suspect is retarded prior to trial by considering criteria ranging from the suspect’s IQ (less than 70) to adaptive skills and the age that the retardation became evident.

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year prompted the bill. The justices concluded that executing mentally retarded murderers was unconstitutional and akin to “cruel and unusual punishment.”

The bill now goes to the House.

* * *

            Juvenile offenders unable to control their desire to commit sexually violent crimes could be committed for up to 10 years under Senate Bill 521, which was unanimously approved by the Senate.

            Currently, there is no provision for the civil commitment of juvenile sex offenders after they reach the age of 21. The measure determines how these offenders would be assessed and committed for one-year terms.

            The bill was introduced after the proposed release of a juvenile who expressed a desire to commit additional sexual crimes.

            The bill now goes to the House.

***

By a 29-20 vote, the Senate passed Senate Bill 259, which would repeal Pennsylvania’s 35-year-old requirement that motorcyclists and their passengers wear safety helmets.

Under this legislation, any person who is 21 or older and has been licensed for at least two years, or who is 21 or older and has completed the motorcycle safety course would not be required to wear a motorcycle helmet. Any passenger who is at least 21 years of age would not be mandated to wear a helmet either.

The measure was sent to the House for consideration.

* * *

In other Senate action:

• Police officers would be given more leeway to participate in political activities under Senate Bill 696, passed 48-1 by the Senate.

• Currently, an off duty police officer may not participate in political elections or campaigns other than voting. Senate Bill 696 would repeal the prohibition and allow police officers to become involved in various political activities while off duty. The bill now goes to the House.

• The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 137, which would amend the “Allowing Minors to Consent to Medical Care Act of 1970” by clarifying the rights of minors and their parents when consenting to mental health treatment. The measure also would provide for a procedure to resolve conflicts. The bill was sent to the House for consideration.

• Senate Bill 508 would amend the Municipal Claim and Tax Lien Law to provide for a three-month redemption period in all municipalities for property sold under a tax or municipal claim.  
  The legislation also would provide for no redemption period for vacant property sold under a tax or municipal claim. The bill passed unanimously and was sent to the House.
  
  

• The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 779, which would appropriate $1 million from the Agricultural Farm Operations Account within the General Fund to the State Farm Products Show Fund. The bill will be referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

# # #