SENATE DEMOCRATIC WRAP-UP FOR THE WEEK OF
July 7, 2003

The Senate this week amended and unanimously approved House Bill 8, which would re-establish a $25 million grant program for volunteer fire departments and ambulance services.

The grant program was established in 2000. Despite Democratic calls to make the program permanent, the Ridge Administration cut the grant program from the budget the following year.

Under House Bill 8, volunteer fire companies could qualify for state grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 for training, construction, purchasing/repairing equipment, or to pay debts. The ambulance companies could qualify for grants of up to $10,000. The bill also has financial incentives for fire companies that merge.

The bill now returns to the House.

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The Senate voted 47-1 in favor of House Bill 200, which would interrupt the phase out of the capital stock and franchise tax for one year. This interruption would keep the tax rate through calendar year 2003 at the 2002 level. Gov. Ed Rendell said that stalling the tax decrease for one year would save the state $52.6 million. The tax phase-out was originally set to conclude in 2009. The bill would extend the phase-out period through 2010.

     The measure now goes to the House for consideration.

In other Senate action:

• Senate Bill 255, which was unanimously passed the Senate this week, would increase the reimbursement maintaining or purchasing alternative fuels vehicles used by schools, municipal authorities, political subdivisions and nonprofits. The reimbursement would range from 20 to 50 percent. The measure also creates a rebate program for state residents who purchase a hybrid vehicle. It would allow for more renewable energy projects to receive state grants by expanding the definition of eligible projects.    The program would be paid out of an existing tax on utilities’ gross receipts. The bill now goes to the House.

• Senate Bill 427, unanimously approved by the Senate, would amend Title 68 (Real and Personal Property) to allow those not certified by the National Home Inspection Association, such as architects and engineers, to conduct home inspections. The bill now goes to the House.

• The sunset date of the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council would be extended from June 30, 2003 to June 30, 2008, unless reenacted prior to September 1, 2007 under Senate Bill 387, passed unanimously by the Senate. The bill is awaiting the Governor’s signature.

• By a unanimous vote, the Senate approved Senate Bill 782, which among other things, would amend Pennsylvania’s Liquor Code to prohibit racetracks with slot machines from selling alcoholic beverages below cost or giving them away for free. The measure now goes to the House.

• Senate Bill 483, which passed the Senate unanimously, would require employers to obtain an employee’s written consent before purchasing life insurance on that employee.  The bill has been referred to the House Insurance Committee.

• The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 751, which would mandate continuing education for respiratory care practitioners and lists offenses that could result in the State Board of Medicine refusing, suspending or revoking a license. The bill now goes to the House.

• By a unanimous vote, the Senate approved Senate Bill 752, which would establish a continuing education requirement for respiratory care practitioners. The measure also lists various causes, ranging from drug offenses to fraud, for disciplinary actions by the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine. The bill now goes to the House.

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