Rules & Executive Nominations 2015-2016

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 10-26-16 and reported out the following:

SB 356: This legislation defines “farmer” and “farming operations” for the purpose of declaring and filing earned Income Tax. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 613: This legislation removes language stating the Human Services Block Grant program is a pilot program and permits participation into the program for all counties located within the Commonwealth. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1062: This bill amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) provide for heightened penalties for home invasion burglaries when a person commits, attempts or threatens to commit a bodily injury crime and provide for reinstitution of mandatory minimum sentences. Sen. Vorman made a motion to revert to the prior printer’s number. The motion was adopted and the bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1235: The bill extends the sunset provision of the Underground Utility Protection Law from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1367: The bill amends Title 35 (Health and Safety) further providing for the prescribing of opioids to minors. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1368: The bill requires, beginning August 1, 2017, that the licensing boards implement a safe prescription of a controlled substance containing an opioid curriculum by joint regulation. The bill was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 10-25-16 and reported out the following:

SB 1265: Amends the Wage Payment and Collection Law allowing employers the option to pay an employees’ wages in the form of a debit card. The bill was reported 12-3.

SB 1282: This legislation amends Title 68 (Real and Personal Property) by adding provisions to clarify the manner in which a county Recorders of Deeds Office may charge fees for the recording of amendments to declarations of condominiums, cooperatives and planned communities. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 568: The legislation updates definitions and makes changes to the Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council’s (RAC) review process. Sen. Corman made a motion to revert to the prior printer’s number. The motion was unanimous and the bill was reported out unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 10-24-16 and reported out the following:

SB 984: The legislation regulates Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), such as Uber and Lyft, throughout Pennsylvania. TNCs provide an alternative to traditional taxi service through a smart phone application that connects drivers with passengers. Democrats offered several amendments that were all defeated along party lines.

  • A10810 Costa, would remove cap on fine.
  • A10757 Costa, prospective removal.
  • A10808 Costa, Technical.
  • A10801 Boscola, 1% goes to PUC.

The bill was reported 12-3.

SB 1219: This bill names various bridges and roads throughout the Commonwealth. Sen. Corman offered a technical amendment. The amendment and bill were reported out unanimously.

SB 1311: This bill amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) and Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) to address grounds for involuntary termination of parental rights, definitions pertinent to child protective services, and definitions pertinent to juvenile matters. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1196: This bill amends the Liquor Code by redefining contiguous territory for import distributors and brewers and adds a section providing for a temporary national event permit for the Democratic National Committee Convention, as well as a variety of other Liquor Code changes. Sen. McIlhiney offered A10859 that would allow for package reform for beer distributors. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 10-17-16 and reported out the following:

SB 286: This bill places a number of measures in Pennsylvania law concerning the governance of Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA).  Sen. Costa offered an amendment that would have changed the nominating process of members.  The amendment failed along party lines and the bill was reported unanimously.

SR 448: This resolution commemorates the 200th Legislative Session of the PA General Assembly.  The resolution was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 9-26-16 and reported out the following:

SB 1155: This adds a section to Title 75 by creating a special registration plate for any person who is a member of the armed forces of the United States, including a member of a reserve component or the National Guard.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 385: This bill reforms and modernizes the Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) Act and provides for an additional funding mechanism under the act.  Sen. Corman offered A10063 that changes the effective date of the bill.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 7-11-16 and reported out the following:

SB 514: This bill amends the Generic Equivalent Drug Law to provide for the substitution of an interchangeable biological product for a brand name biologic product. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 533: The bill establishes criteria in the disposition of contraband left in the possession of probation and parole agencies. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 956: Designates a bridge in Westmoreland County. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1227: Amends the Administrative Code to transfer the functions of the Public Employee Retirement Commission. PERC’s Act 66 of 1981 state pension review functions would be transferred to the Independent Fiscal Office and its Act 205 of 1984 municipal pension functions to the Auditor General Department. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1229: This bill amends the Administrative Code to restore wording for the purposes of purse distributions, moves the Race Horse Industry Reform provisions from the Administrative Code to Title 3 (Agriculture) and provides for a broader and increased breeder reward system. Sen. McIlhinney made a motion that was adopted to revert to a prior printer’s number. The bill was then amended:

  • A9319 McIlhinney, provides for distributions from the Pennsylvania Breeding Fund. The amendment was unanimously adopted.
  • A9429 Reschenthaler, provides for unconventional natural gas production reports, well site restoration and water standards. The amendment was adopted 10-6.
  • A9500 Hughes, provides for in-state solar credits. The amendment was unanimously adopted.
  • A9510 Corman, requires the Department of Corrections to provide notification when closing a state correctional institution. The amendment was unanimously adopted.

The bill was reported from committee 13-3.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 6-29-16 and reported out the following:

SB 917: This bill amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) to facilitate the sharing of information among agencies that are involved with child welfare and delinquency cases or the identification of children at risk of abuse or neglect.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1104: This bill amends to the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code (Probate Code), Title 20 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, including the consolidation of the Charitable Instruments Act of 1971 into the Probate Code.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1123: This legislation amends Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in weights and measures to provide for automotive fuel standards.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1073: This is the General Appropriation bill for the 2016-17 fiscal year.  The House passed this bill with $31.55 billion in total spending.  The committee adopted an amendment that would place the spend number at $31.53 billion.  The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 6-27-16 and reported out the following:

SR 398: This resolution provides for a temporary rule of the Senate, which would rule out of order certain amendments to General Appropriation Bills for the fiscal year 2016-2017. The resolution was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 6-23-16 and reported out the following:

SB 1071: Establishes a hybrid retirement benefit plan, containing defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) components, for future state and public school employees. The bill was reported along party lines, 11-6.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 6-15-16 and reported out the following:

SB 279: The legislation establishes the Pennsylvania Grade Crude Development Advisory Council.  The bill was reported from committee 13-4.

SB 1195: The bill amends Act 175 to update the deadlines for submission in light of the action by the Supreme Court.  The Department of Environmental Protection (department) is required to submit the plan to the General Assembly 100 calendars days prior to submitting to the Environmental Protection Agency.  The bill was reported from committee 15-2.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 6-14-16 and reported out the following:

SB 772: The bill amends the Professional Psychologists Practice Act to make several revisions to licensure and practice updates to the Act.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 983: The bill allows for the parent or legal guardian of adult children, as determined by the State, to apply for a special disability license plate.  The bill was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 6-7-16 and reported out the following:

All bills were reported unanimously.

SB 61: Permits Bike Medics to operate their bicycles with the same rights and responsibilities as police officers on a bicycle.

SB 489: Amends the Check Casher Licensing Act of 1998 to lower the fee for cashing a government check or government assistance check; to require public posting of fees and to allow recovery of losses due to fraudulent representation.

SB 1153: This bill names several bridges and roads throughout the Commonwealth.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 5-17-16 and reported out the following:

SB 290: This bill amends the Vehicle Code (Title 75) to make provisions related to ignition interlock requirements.  The bill was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 5-10-16 and reported out the following:

SB 1156:  This legislation amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in child protective services. This legislation makes technical changes along with adding changes to the background check requirements for hospital personnel and doctors. An amendment was added in committee by removing ambulance drivers and ambulance attendants form the definition of health care personnel. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 4-13-16 and reported out the following:

SB 879: An Act providing for the establishment of a savings program by the Treasury Department to encourage savings accounts for individuals with disabilities; establishing the Pennsylvania ABLE Savings Program and the ABLE Savings Program Fund; and imposing duties on the Treasury Department. The bill was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 4-11-16 and reported out the following:

HR 573: This resolution would move the Proposed Constitutional Amendment 1 from the April 26th, 2016 Primary Election Day to the November 8th, 2016 General Election Day. The resolution was adopted 11-6 mostly along party lines.

SB 3: The act establishes a medical marijuana program under the direction of the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH). Sen. Folmer offered a mainly technical amendment that would ease the implementation of the act. The amendment and bill were reported 25-1.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 4-5-16 and reported out the following:

SB 526: This bill would amend the Second Class Township Code, Act 69 of 1933 by changing the dates financial reports by auditors are required to be published.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 644: This bill amends Title 71 (State Government) to require the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) to analyze each collective bargaining agreement the Governor negotiates, before the agreement is executed.  The bill was reported unanimouslt.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 3-15-16 and reported out the following:

HB 1327: This bill amends the Fiscal Code to provide for budget implantation language. Sen. Corman offered A6140 that contains the December Fiscal Code language as well as parts of the Education Code. The amendment and bill were reported 11-6 along party lines.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 3-14-16 and reported out the following:

HB 838: This bill renames the Garret Road Bridge in Upper Darby Township, Delaware County, as the Nicholas A. Micozzie Bridge. The bill was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 2-10-16 and reported out the following:

SR 284: This resolution addresses the Governor to act under section 7 of Article VI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania to remove Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane from office for reasonable cause. The resolution was adopted 10-6 along party lines.

HB 944: House Bill 941, amends the Administrative Code to incorporate components from Senate Bill 447, Senate Bill 984, Senate Bill 352. The bill was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 1-26-16 and reported out the following:

SB 166: Amends Title 18 (Crimes Code) regarding dissemination and expungement of criminal history records; and amends Title 42 (Judicial Code) to establish an expungement petition filing fee. Sen. Greenleaf offered A5600 that directs the AOPC to certain remove criminal history information from it’s publicly accessible websites and provides for filing fees. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 1-19-16 and reported out the following:

SB 880: This bill delays the implementation of the Keystone Exam as a graduation requirement until the 2018-2019 school year. The bill was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 12-9-15 and reported out the following:

SB 442: This bill creates the Taxpayer-Funded Advertising Transparency Act to require Commonwealth agencies that pay for advertisements to include the statement: “Paid for with Pennsylvania taxpayer dollars.” The bill was reported unanimously.

SR 256: This resolution adopts the rules of procedure governing the forthcoming due notice to Kathleen G. Kane, Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and a full hearing under Article VI, Section 7 of the PA Constitution. The bill was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 11-17-15 and reported out the following:

SB 609: This bill establishes a task force on prostate cancer and related chronic prostate conditions. This act shall be known as the Prostate Cancer Surveillance, Education, Detection and Treatment Act.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 887: This bill amends Title 75 (Vehicle Code) to further protect highway workers, first emergency responders and others from careless and reckless drivers traveling in work zones.  The bill was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 10-27-15 and reported out the following:

SB 765: This bill amends Title 75 by adding contractors or employees of a public utility, a municipally owned utility or an electric cooperative to the definition of emergency service responders.  The bill was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 10-13-15 and reported out the following:

SB 210: This bill provides exemptions from serving on juries. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 748: Eliminates the mandatory escort of super-sized loads by the Pennsylvania State Police and replaces them with certified pilot escorts. Sen. Corman offered A3548 that maintains the current list of authorized commodities eligible to receive an annual permit. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 925: The bill amends Title 75 – updates language mainly for the qualification standards for the commercial driver learner’s permit and commercial driver’s license in conformity with new regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The bill was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 9-29-15 and reported out the following:

SB 513: The legislation amends the Solid Waste Management Act to say that the department may not prohibit the vehicular transportation of leachate that is discharged from a collection system of a municipal waste landfill to an offsite treatment facility. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 875: This bill provides for the use of treated mine water in oil and gas development. It will be a free standing act known as the “Treated Mine Water Act.” The bill was reported 10-5.

SR 149: Resolution to urge Congress to take all necessary actions to prohibit any force structure changes that would negatively impact our National Guard here in the Commonwealth. The resolution was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 9-17-15 and reported out the following:

SR 136: A resolution condemning the actions of the International Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement to boycott Israel and to reaffirm the Senate of Pennsylvania’s support of Israel.  The resolution was reported unanimously.

SB 663: This bill amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) Chapter 53 (relating to child custody) to provide for custody matters and support matters when the child is conceived as a result of certain sexual offenses.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 678: This legislation would extend the authority of campus police officers at our 14 state-owned universities to include highways, trafficways and bicycle and pedestrian facilities that traverse or abut land and/or university buildings.  The bill was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 6-30-15 and reported out the following:

SB 1: This bill establishes a Defined Contribution (DC) retirement benefit plan for most new members of the Pennsylvania School Employees Retirement System (PSERS) and the State Employees Retirement System (SERS); add a Cash Balance retirement benefit tier to the existing Defined Benefit (DB) structure that will be mandatory for new members and optional for pre-2016 active members, and modify the future benefit entitlements of current members of both PSERS and SERS. The bill was reported along party lines 11-7.

SB 620: This bill authorizes the release of Project 70 restrictions on land owned by the Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland County. In return, the Borough will develop park and open space land elsewhere. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 655: This is the omnibus Fiscal Code bill providing for budget implementation language. The bill was reported along party lines 11-7.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 6-25-15 and reported out the following:

HB 911: This bill updates and modernizes the 911 Public Safety Emergency Telephone Act and improve the 911 calling system.  The bill was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 6-24-15 and reported out the following:

SB 397: This bill amends Title 42 (Judicial Code) by privatizing and regulating bail bondsmen. The bill was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 6-8-15 and reported out the following:

SB 293: This legislation is a freestanding act that places state regulations on individuals and organizations that serve as “Navigators” for a state or federal health insurance exchange.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SR 145: This resolution provides for a temporary rule of the Senate, which would rule out of order certain amendments to General Appropriation Bills for the fiscal year 2015-2016.   The resolution was reported unanimously.


The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee met 4-14-15 and reported out the following:

SB 562: The bill amends the Regulatory Review Act, providing additional legislative oversight of the regulatory review process.  Sen. Gordner offered a technical amendment that was agreed to.  The bill was reported from committee unanimously.