SENATE DEMOCRATIC WRAP-UP FOR THE WEEK OF
September 8, 2003

The Senate unanimously adopted House Bill 1148, which would amend the Local Government Unit Debt Act to enable local governments to negotiate and enter into qualified interest rate management agreements, or “swaps.”

Agreements may be arranged only with entities that have high credit ratings. Communities defined as “distressed” by DCED are prohibited from arranging swaps.

The bill now returns to the House.

By a 46 to 0 vote, the Senate approved Senate Bill 264, which would allow persons aged ten or older to obtain a $10 non-drivers license photo I.D. card for identification purposes.

Currently, a person must be at least 16 to obtain such a non-drivers ID card. The legislation was aimed at accommodating minors traveling alone on flights who are required to produce photo identification. The bill would also eliminate the need to purchase a passport for those who wish to take children on visits into Canada and Mexico.

The bill now goes to the House.

The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 584, which would allow commercial driver employers to use a free Internet-based system to obtain electronic driver record checks on their employees.

 The measure would cost PennDOT approximately $400,000 annually, but is aimed at ensuring that dangerous or suspended drivers do not continue to operate commercial vehicles. The bill has the support of PennDOT, the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee and the School Bus Association.

The measure now goes to the House.

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