SB 492, PN 1653:  This bill amends provisions relating to advance directives for health care (living wills) and adding provisions creating comprehensive health care powers of attorney.  A 50-0 vote was recorded.

HB 547, PN 805:   This bill increases from $50,000 to $100,000 the maximum administrative assessment that the Securities Commission may impose against any broker-dealer, agent, investment advisor or investment advisor representative for willful violation of the Pennsylvania Securities Act or rule or order issued under the Act.  A 50-0 vote was recorded.

HB 599, PN 1483:   This bill increases the statute of limitations for civil securities fraud actions from 4 to 5 years consistent with the federal Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This would apply to all proceedings commenced on or after the effective date of the act.  A 50-0 vote was recorded.

HB 600, PN 702:  This bill adds language to Section 208 of the Pennsylvania Securities Act to allow the Securities Commission to deny a registration statement if an issuer has loaned money to company insiders and the moneys have not be repaid to the issuer prior to effectiveness of the registration statement.  A 50-0 vote was recorded.

HB 2441, PN 3452:   The legislation allows a surviving spouse to resume a prior name by employing the process used when a person wishes to resume a maiden name in conjunction with a divorce.  The process used involving a divorce is less time consuming and less cumbersome for the person seeking the name change. The legislation will require that a surviving spouse file a written notice with the clerk of courts in the county where the individual resides and include a death certificate for the decedent with the filing.  A 50-0 vote was recorded.

HB 2589, PN 3873:   This bill would repeal the permit required by the Department of Health because according to experts the required bacteriological proof is virtually impossible to obtain for certain species due to the nature of their aquatic environment which allows for constant self-recontamination.  This bill would allow a person to sell, hold for sale or offer for any type of commercial or public distribution any live turtle that is not prohibited by Federal regulation (those which are 4 inches or larger).  The bill also requires information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on human salmonellosis infection associated with reptiles to accompany each retail sale of any turtle.  A 50-0 vote was recorded.

HB 2719, PN 4482:   The legislation amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) further providing for exceptions to the waiting period for marriage license applications.  The bill adds an exception to the waiting period for marriage licenses.  It provides an exception to the three day waiting period if an applicant is a member of the PA National Guard or other reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and is called or ordered to active duty, other than active duty for training or State active state duty for an emergency or any other duty under Title 51 (relating to military affairs). 

The bill also adds language relating to common-law marriages.  As amended, common-law marriages entered into after January 1, 2005, would not be recognized.  A 50-0 vote was recorded.

HB 994, PN 3497:   This measure would empower municipalities, counties and public transportation agencies to work cooperatively to establish Transit Revitalization Investment Districts (TRID), including partnerships with the National Railroad Passenger Corporation requiring planning studies, comprehensive plan and zoning amendments and use of existing statutes and techniques to achieve transit-oriented development, redevelopment, community revitalization and enhanced community character through TRID creation.  Senator Thompson offered amendment A3784 that defines a public transportation provider and includes it in the bill. The amendment was agreed to with a 50-0 vote.  The bill went over in it’s order as amended.

SB 1032, PN 1836:   The bill amends Title 54 (Names) to codify the procedure that must be used when requesting a court to approve a name change.  Senator M.J. White offered amendment A 3579 that is technical.  The amendment was agreed to with a 50-0 vote.  Senator C. Williams offered amendment A 3576 that waives notification the name change if anyone would be put in harm.  The amendment was agreed to with a 50-0 vote.  The bill was considered for the second time and was moved to third consideration.

EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS: The Senate confirmed the following nominees.  A 50-0 vote was recorded for each.

Duane L. Hertzler, Animal and Diagnostic Commission

Francis V. Barnes, Secretary of Education

Reverend James Earl Garmon, Sr., PA Human Relations Commission

John C. Rheel, Sr., Sheriff, Washington County