HB 1996, PN3619 The legislation amends the Procurement Code by adding provisions relating to commodity sector bundling and further provides for guaranteed energy savings and contracts. The bill adds a section dealing with “bundling a commodity sector” and also expands the types of “energy conservation measures” that can be included under a Guaranteed Energy Savings contract.  A 29-21 party-line vote was recorded.   

Note: The following amendments were offered to HB 1996 with the prior printer’s number 3600.  The adopted amendment was included in the final language of the passed legislation.

A0970(Brightbill): This amendment changes the effective date for the new language dealing with strategic sourcing (bundling commodities) to immediately.  A 29-21 party-line vote was recorded. 

The following amendment was offered as an amendment to A0970:

A0973(Mellow): This amendment removes the language on bundling a commodity sector.  A 21-29 party-line vote was recorded.

A0983(Mellow): This amendment requires the Senate to use the Department of General Services as its purchasing agent for the purchase of supplies and the disposal of surplus supplies.  A 21-29 party-line vote was recorded.

HOB 305, PN1513 The legislation amends the Vehicle Code to require compliance with Federal selective service requirements as part of application for learners’ permits or drivers’ licenses.  The bill requires male applicants for a learner’s permit, identification card or driver’s license be registered with Selective Service or to authorize PENNDOT to forward the information to the Federal Selective Service System for registration.  A 47-3 vote was recorded.

Note: The following amendment was offered to HB 305 with the prior printer’s number 1380 and included in the final language of the passed legislation.

A0962(Mellow): This amendment requires PENNDOT to mail written notice to applicants for permits, licenses or identification cards within 60 days when the department has transmitted their information to the Selective Service Commission.  A 50-0 vote was recorded.

SB 799, PN1316 The legislation provides for the responsibilities of the Pennsylvania State Police regarding criminal background checks for persons participating in harness or horse racing.  The bill requires the Pennsylvania State Police to provide criminal history background reports on applicants for licensure pursuant to the Race Horse Industry Reform Act at the request of the State Harness Racing Commission or the State Horse Racing Commission.  A 50-0 vote was recorded.

HB 2027, PN3287 The legislation amends the Urban Redevelopment Law to provide for appointment and qualifications of members of an authority.  The bill provides that, in the case of a city of the third class, nonresidents who own and operate businesses in the city in which the Authority operates can be appointed and serve as members of the Authority, but a majority of the five-member board must be citizens of the city. 

A0882(Wozniak): This amendment adds a subsection to the powers of the redevelopment authority.  It permits them to own or operate facilities providing water, sewer, steam, electric or natural gas services within their redevelopment area.  A 50-0 vote was recorded. 

SR 212, PN1517 The resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to undertake a study of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Development Fund.  The committee shall issue a report on its findings and recommendations to the Senate no later than June 30, 2004.  A 48-2 vote was recorded.  

Note: The following amendment was offered to SR 212 with the prior printer’s number 1452 and included in the final language of the adopted resolution.

A0984(Orie): This amendment expands the scope of review by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee for the study. A 48-2 vote was recorded. 

The Senate also concurred in House amendments to the following bills:

SB 10, PN1515 The legislation establishes the Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Program within the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).  The Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Program would provide multiyear grants to certain issuing authorities that would be applied to debt service on economic development projects.  A 50-0 vote was recorded.

SB 1026, PN1514 The legislation creates and codifies the Commonwealth Financing Authority within Title 64 (Public Authorities and Quasi-Public Corporations), and authorizes it to administer newly established economic development programs within the legislation.  The bill also provides for money appropriated for the Base Retention and Conversion Pennsylvania Action Committee (BRAC-PAC).  The initiatives established within this bill are the components of the Rendell Administration’s Economic Stimulus Program aimed at making strategic investments and creating employment in targeted growth sectors of Pennsylvania.  A 50-0 vote was recorded.