Transportation 2017-2018

The Senate Transportation Committee met on Monday, October 15, 2018 and took the following action:

Reported unanimously as committed:

HB 2425, PN 3541 (Greiner) – Designates the bridge on State Route 1010 in West Earl Township, Lancaster County, as the “Sergeant Melvin R. Wink Memorial Bridge.”

Reported as amended:

HB 2638, PN 4248 (Stephens) – An Act amending the act of December 8, 2004 (P.L.1801, No.238), known as the “Transit Revitalization Investment District Act,” in general provisions, further providing for declaration of policy and for definitions; adding provisions relating to military installation remediation and water, sewer and storm water systems remediation projects; and establishing the Remediation Fund.

Senator Rafferty offered amendment A10355 which revert to prior Printers Number to only allow for only remediation at decommissioned military installations under definition. The amendment and bill both passed by a vote of 10-4.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 and took the following action:

Reported unanimously as committed:

SB 110, PN 84 (Sabatina) – Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in licensing of drivers, further providing for issuance and content of driver’s license.

SB 1084, PN 1542 (Stefano) – An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in fees, providing for reduced fee for veterans.

HB 1936, PN 2753 (Wentling) – An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, further providing for operation by persons under age sixteen and for mufflers and sound controls.

HB 2066, PN 2999 (Dowling) – An Act amending Title 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in scenic highways, further providing for designation of certain State routes as scenic byways.

SB 1232, PN 1961 (Ward) – Designating a portion of U.S. Route 30 in Hempfield Township, Southwest Greensburg Borough, the City of Greensburg, and South Greensburg Borough, Westmoreland County, as the J. Edward “Hutch” Hutchinson Memorial Bypass.

Reported unanimously as amended:

SB 16, PN 592 (Blake) – An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in fees, providing for reduced fee for veterans.

Senator Sabatina offered amendment A09213 which provides an immediate suspension for DUI, known as “Shane’s Law”.

HB 1811, PN 2800 (Rothman) – An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for automated license plate reader systems; and imposing a penalty.

Senator Langerholc offered amendment A09308 which creates a fund to procure automated license plate reader equipment for use by law enforcement.

Senator Vulakovich offered amendment A09079 which authorizes cities of the 2nd class to issue parking tickets by mail.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Monday, September 24, 2018 and took the following action:

Reported unanimously as committed:

SB 1254, PN 1982 (Gordner) – Amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration of vehicles, providing for special plates for recipients of Presidential Service Badge.

HB 86, PN 2583 (Lawrence) – An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in inspection of vehicles, further providing for prohibition on expenditures for emission inspection program.

HR 76, PN 427 (D. Miller) – A Concurrent Resolution for HB 163 declaring that the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is opposed to the enactment and enforcement of a State law, under a Federal mandate, that requires the suspension or revocation, or the delay of issuance or reinstatement, of the driver’s license of an individual convicted of a violation of the Controlled Substances Act or another drug offense.

HB 2131, PN 3592 (Quigley) – An Act amending the act of June 1, 1945 (P.L.1242, No.428), known as the State Highway Law, in construction, improvement, maintenance and repair of State highways, providing for native vegetation along highways.

Reported unanimously as amended:

HB 163, PN 3327 (Saccone) – An Act amending Titles 4 (Amusements), 18 (Crimes and Offenses), 23 (Domestic Relations) and 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for suspension of operating privileges of licensed drivers.

Senator Sabatina offered Amendment A09116 which removes Title 23 (Domestic Violence) language.

HB 2297, PN 3430 (Taylor) – An Act amending the act of February 15, 2018 (P.L.22, No.9), entitled “An act designating a portion of State Route designating a portion of State Route 1001 in Greene Township, Franklin County, as the Lance Corporal Michael L. Freeman, Jr., Memorial Highway.

Senator Rafferty offered Amendment A09227 which provides for the addition of the Cpl. Carl F. Hynek III memorial highway to the legislation.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 and took the following action:

Reported unanimously as amended:

SB 1096 (Browne) – Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in rules of the road in general, providing for platooning; and providing for autonomous vehicles.

Senator Rafferty offered Amendment A07769 which modernizes the “platoon” definition, addresses Commonwealth ownership of highly automated vehicles, and establishes a Highly Automated Vehicle Advisory Committee.

HB 1958 (Rothman) — Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in rules of the road in general, providing for platooning; and providing for autonomous vehicles.

Senator Rafferty offered Amendment A07808 which modernizes the “platoon” definition, addresses Commonwealth ownership of highly automated vehicles, and establishes a Highly Automated Vehicle Advisory Committee.

Note -These amendments are identical and will make SB 1096 and HB 1958 identical. House Bill 1958 has already passed the House unanimously.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 and took the following action:

Reported as Committed:

SB 249 (Ward) – An Act amending the act of May 21, 1937 (P.L.774, No.211) referred to as the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Act, further providing for emergency vehicles.  A vote of 14-1 was recorded.

Reported as Amended:

SB 1156 (Mensch) – Designates a bridge on that portion of Pennsylvania Route 100 over the Schuylkill River in Pottstown Borough, Montgomery County, as the “Newstell Marable, Sr., Memorial Bridge.” Senator Rafferty offered amendment 7153 which includes a variety of bridge and highway designations. The amendment was unanimously approved.

HB 1646 (Miller) – Amends Title 75 (Vehicle Code) to define “vulnerable highway user” and increases the penalty for careless driving resulting in the death, serious bodily injury, or bodily injury of a vulnerable highway user. Senator Rafferty offered amendment 7152 which provides technical amendment and Senator Rafferty also offered amendment 7200 which incorporates SB 172. Both amendments were unanimously approved.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 and took the following action:

Reported as Committed by unanimous vote:

SB 1063 (White) – An Act designating a bridge on that portion of Pennsylvania Route 286 over the Two Lick Creek, Borough of Clymer, Indiana County, as the “Corporal Louis R. Tate Memorial Bridge.

HB 1964 (Rader) – Designates a section of State Route 115 in Monroe County as the “Submarine Veterans Memorial Highway.”

HB 2067 (Taylor) – Designates a section of Pennsylvania Route 73 in Philadelphia as the “Police Officer Isabel Nazario Memorial Highway.”

Reported as Committed by a vote of 12-3:

SB 1098 (Browne) – Amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in enforcement, providing for automated enforcement of failure to stop for school bus with flashing red lights and establishing the School Bus Safety Grant Program Fund.

Reported as Amended by unanimous vote:

SB 945 (Brooks) – Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration of vehicles, further providing for contributions to Veterans’ Trust Fund. Senator Rafferty offered amendment 6911 which clarifies that applicant must submit the contribution through the department website. The amendment was unanimously approved.

SB 1101 (Stefano) – An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in certificate of title and security interests, further providing for content and effect of certificate of title and for theft vehicles. Senator Stefano offered amendment 6884 which makes technical changes, details the process for vehicle damage appraisal and extends the effective date for the legislation. The amendment was unanimously approved.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Monday, March 26, 2018 and took the following action:

Reported as Committed by unanimous vote:

SB 1091 (Martin) – Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration of vehicles, providing for contributions for pediatric cancer research and establishing the Pediatric Cancer Research Fund.

HB 215 (Boback) – Amends Section 1364 to Creates the “Honoring Our Women Veterans” special registration plate, and a special registration plate for recipients of the Legion of Merit.

Reported as Amended by unanimous vote:

SB 1080 (Dinniman) – Designating the intersection of Pennsylvania Route 41 (Gap Newport Pike) and Pennsylvania Route 926 (Street Road) over U.S. Route 1 located in London Grove Township, Chester County, as the “Trooper Kenton Iwaniec Memorial Highway. Amended with a technical change.

HB 1414 (Barrar) – Amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in other required equipment, further providing for visual and audible signals on emergency vehicles.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, and took the following action:

Reported as committed:

HB 26 (White):  Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to allow organization registration plates for motorcycles.

HB 783 (Nesbit):  Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to alleviate titling a manufactured home with an out-of-state title.

HB 1239 (Marshall):  Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to increase the fine for driving a vehicle without the proper endorsement.

HB 1845 (Reed):  Designates a bridge on State Route 2026 in Buffington Township, Indiana County, as the First Lieutenant Theodore P. Pytash Bridge. 

HB 1854 (F. Keller):  Designates a portion of U.S. Route 522 in Beavertown Borough, Snyder County, as the Staff Sgt. Stanley R. Saylor Memorial Highway. 

HB 1926 (Stephens):  Designates a portion of State Route 2022 in Upper Dublin Township, Montgomery County, as the SPC5 George W. Charters, Jr., Memorial Highway.

All bills were voted unanimously.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, and took the following actions:

Reported as Committed:

SB 1024 (Rafferty and Sabatina): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to double the distracted driving fine when the violation occurs in an active work zone or a highway safety corridor. The bill was reported out unanimously.

SB 1015 (Martin and Aument): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to improve response times for special emergency response times. The bill was reported out unanimously.

Reported as Amended:

SB 880 (Langerholc): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to update the standard trailer width of truck tractors from 96” to 102”. The bill was reported out unanimously.
• A5347 (Langerholc): Extends effective date for PennDOT to evaluate local state routes for appropriateness and makes technical changes. The amendment was adopted unanimously.

SB 1002 (White): Designates a bridge on State Route 1041 in Grant Township and Canoe Township, Indiana County, as the Army SPC Christine L. Mayes Memorial Bridge. The bill was reported out unanimously.
• A5382 (Rafferty): Designates a bridge on State Route 286 in Montgomery Township, Indiana County, as the Sgt. Edward John Parada Memorial Bridge. The amendment was adopted unanimously.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, and took the following action:

Reported Out as Committed:

SB 55 (Greenleaf): Reduces the requirement from 100% disability to at least 75% disability for veterans to qualify for a severely disabled veteran license plate.

SB 898 (Brooks): Exempts municipal trucks from state bonding requirements.

SB 973 (White): Designates a bridge in Indiana County as the “First Lieutenant Theodore P. Pytash Memorial Bridge.”

SB 974 (White): Designates a bridge in Indiana County as the “Sgt. Edward John Parada Memorial Bridge.”

Reported Out as Amended:

SB 961 (Rafferty): Increases the penalties for someone convicted of vehicular homicide while DUI that has also had prior offenses for DUI.
• A05245 (Rafferty): Changes the minimum time served and sentencing scale under current law for those with three or more previous DUI convictions and dependent on death/serious bodily injury.

All votes were unanimous.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, and took the following action:

Reported Out as Amended:

SB 266 (Vogel): Creates a special plate for recipients of the Soldier’s Medal. The bill was reported out unanimously.

SB 729 (Street): Creates a special plate for veterans of an ally foreign country. The bill was reported out unanimously.

Immediately following the meeting, the Committee held a follow-up hearing with the PA Turnpike. The purpose was to allow the Committee Members to ask questions from the last hearing on September 20, 2017.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, October 25, 2017, and took the following action:

Reported Out as Committed:

SR 209 (Rafferty and Hutchinson): Directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a review of the potential consolidation of interstate operations at the PA Department of Transportation and the PA Turnpike Commission. The bill was reported out unanimously.

HB 1608 (Ward): Designates the bridge carrying U.S. Route 22 and State Route 1010 in Smithfield and Henderson Townships, Huntingdon County, as the Trooper Landon E. Weaver Memorial Bridge. The bill was reported out unanimously.

HB 1778 (Dawkins): Designates a bridge on State Route 1005 in the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, as the Officer Gary Frank Skerski Memorial Bridge. The bill was reported out unanimously.

Reported Out as Amended:

SB 894 (White): Designates a portion of State Route 2005 in Saxonburg Borough, Butler County, as the Chief Gregory B. Adams Way. The bill was reported out unanimously.

HB 1294 (Ward): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to allow motorcycles to display a special plate for recipients of the Purple Heart. The bill was reported out unanimously.

HB 1602 (Gillespie): Designates a bridge on State Route 1008 in East Manchester Township and Hellam Township, York County, as the SPC Martin Wilson Kondor Memorial Bridge. The bill was reported out unanimously.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, September 20, 2017, and took the following action:

Reported Out as Committed:

SB 888 (Rafferty and Martin): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to modernize and strengthen Pennsylvania’s disabled parking spaces laws. The bill was reported out unanimously.

SB 796 (Gordner): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to discontinue charging CDL licensees the change of address fee for when an address is changed by a governmental action. The bill was reported out unanimously.

SB 837 (Ward): Designates State Route 981 in Smithton Borough and South Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County, as the Specialist 4 William J. Kolenc Memorial Highway. The bill was reported out unanimously.

SB 887 (Scavello): Designating a portion of Pennsylvania Route 611 beginning at mile marker 391 and ending at Pennsylvania Route 940 intersection, Monroe County, as the Roy J. Gross, Sr., Memorial Highway. The bill was reported out unanimously.

HB 407 (Caltagirone): An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration of vehicles, providing for contributions for pediatric cancer research and establishing the Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. The bill was reported out unanimously.

Immediately following the meeting, the Committee held their annual hearing with the PA Turnpike regarding their budget and program priorities.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Friday, June 30, 2017, and took the following action:

Reported Out as Committed:

HB 831 (M. Keller): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to authorize organized motorcycle processions. The bill was reported out unanimously.

Reported Out as Amended:

SB 781 (Brooks): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to allow legislative district offices to issue handicap parking placards to eligible individuals. The bill was reported out by a vote of 13-2.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, and took the following action:

Reported Out as Committed:

HB 1426 (Fee): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to allow trucks to haul certain oversized loads (construction equipment) during holiday periods. The bill was reported out by a vote of 14-1.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, and took the following action:

Recommended for confirmation, John N. Wozniak, Cambria County, as Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, by unanimous vote.

Reported Out as Committed:

SB 56 (Greenleaf): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, to add window tinting to the vehicle safety inspection process and to subject businesses to certain laws if they fail to inform customers of window tinting violations. The bill was reported out unanimously.

SB 785 (Rafferty): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, to expand the use of golf carts and low-speed utility vehicles on public highways under certain conditions. The bill was reported out unanimously.

SB 786 (Rafferty/Sabatina): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, to create a cell phone ban for novice drivers and to increase the fines for any driver while texting and driving. The bill was reported out unanimously.

HB 1219 (Reed): Designates the bridge on that portion of SR 1012 in Cherryhill Township, Indiana County, as the Sgt. Robert Eugene Goodlin Memorial Bridge. The bill was reported out unanimously.

HB 1288 (Marshall): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, to include optometrists on the list of medical providers for certifying the issuance of a disability plate and placecard. The bill was reported out unanimously.

Reported Out as Amended:

HB 1431 (Masser): Designates a several roads and bridges. The bill was reported out unanimously.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, and took the following action:

Reported Out as Committed:

SB 145 (Yaw): An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in accidents and accident reports, further providing for duty to give information and render aid. The bill was reported out unanimously.

HB 188 (Causer): An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in fees, further providing for exemption of persons, entities, and vehicles from fees. The bill was reported out unanimously.

HB 283 (Baker): An Act amending Act 46 of 2016 further providing for the Lance Corporal Michael G. Plank Memorial Bridge in Lawrence Township, Tioga County. The bill was reported out unanimously.

HB 952 (Snyder): An Act designating the bridge, Bridge Key 53825, on that portion of SR 1011, also known as Castile Run Road between Jefferson Township & Clarksville Borough, Greene County, as the PFC Brent A. McClellan Memorial Bridge. The bill was reported out unanimously.

Reported Out as Amended:

SB 753 (Rafferty/Sabatina): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to exempt Commonwealth and municipal agencies and their approved personnel from being liable in a traffic incident response. The bill was reported out unanimously.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, and took the following action:

Reported Out as Committed:

SB 564 (Yaw): Provides for the installation of protective fencing on certain State-owned bridges. The bill was reported out unanimously.

SB 669 (White): Designates the Henry Lue Weaver Memorial Bridge. The bill was reported out unanimously.

SB 724 (Rafferty, Sabatina, Langerholc): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to modernize the membership and duties of the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC). The bill was reported out unanimously.

HB 269 (Murt): Makes a related repeal for Cpl. Carl F. Hynek III Memorial Highway. The bill was reported out unanimously.

HB 303 (Topper): Designates the PFC/POW William G. Koontz Memorial Bridge. The bill was reported out unanimously.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed:

HB 93 (Millard): The bill would name a portion of State Route 93 in Columbia County as the “Stuart Tank Memorial Highway.” The bill was reported out unanimously.

HB 103 (Neuman): This bill would name a bridge in Canonsburg Borough, Washington County as the “Officer Scott L. Bashioum Memorial Bridge.” The bill was reported out unanimously.

HB 199 (Grove): This bill would name a road in York County as the “Private First Class Donald R. Gise Memorial Road.” The bill was reported out unanimously.

HB 834 (Marshall): This bill would name a bridge in Chippewa Township, Beaver County as the “TFC Blake Coble Memorial Bridge.” The bill was reported out unanimously.

Reported Out as Amended:

SB 431 (Scavello): The bill amends Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 75 (Vehicles) to increase the fines on littering from vehicles. The bill was reported out unanimously.

SB 444 (White): The bill amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to adjust the reimbursement rate annually for municipalities under the State Highway Transfer Restoration Restricted Account. The bill was reported out unanimously.

SR 76 (Vulakovich): The resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study of the feasibility of providing two additional passenger rail trips daily between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. The bill was adopted unanimously.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed:

SB 332 (Yaw): The bill amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to make it a summary offense to smoke in a vehicle in which children 12 years of age and younger are being transported. The bill was reported out by a 13-2 vote.

SB 614 (White): This bill would name a bridge in Cheryhill Township, Indiana County as the “Sgt. Robert Eugene Goodlin Memorial Bridge.” The bill was reported out unanimously.

Reported Out as Amended:

SB 589 (Langerholc): The bill amends Title 75 by increasing the maximum allowable gross weight for commercial vehicles powered by natural gas (NGVs) from 80,000 pounds to 82,000 pounds. The bill was reported out unanimously.

SB 648 (Rafferty): The bill amends subsection 1358.2 of Title 75 to create a Distracted Driving Awareness license plate. The bill was reported out unanimously.


The Senate Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed:

SB 553 (Rafferty): This bill would amend Title 75 (Vehicle Code) to make changes to the ignition interlock law. The bill was reported out unanimously.

Reported Out as Amended:

SB 289 (White): This bill would name a bridge over state Route 22 in Indiana County as the Blairsville Area Veterans Memorial Bridge. The bill also designates a portion of State Route 4027, also known as Business U.S. Route 220, over the Norfolk Southern mainline railroad tracks in Grazierville, Snyder Township, Blair County, as the John Fredrick Bridges Memorial Bridge. The bill was reported out unanimously.

SB 435 (Boscola): The bill requires all motorists driving in Pennsylvania to clear snow and ice from their vehicles before driving on our roadways. The bill was reported out unanimously.


The Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed:

SB 265 (Regan) The bill designates the bridge carrying State Route 3012 over the Susquehanna River between City Island and the intersection with State Route 1010 and State Route 1027, commonly referred as the Market Street Bridge, as the Senator Harold Mowery Market Street Bridge.

SB 279 (Rafferty) The bill amends Title 75 to allow for the use of radar and LIDAR by local police departments of a political subdivision or regional police department.

SB 288 (Rafferty) The bill amends Title 75 by increasing the penalties for offenders of Pennsylvania’s “Steer Clear” Law.

Reported Out as Amended:

SB 251 (Vulakovich) The bill amends Title 75 to allow for the use of radar by local police departments.


The Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed:

SB 170 (Rafferty) The bill places a number of measures in Pennsylvania law concerning the governance of DRPA.

SB 171 (Rafferty) The bill adds the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the list of gubernatorial appointments that need Senate confirmation for approval.

SB 172 (Argall) The bill allows for a pilot program for automated speed enforcement systems in active work zones.