SB 856, PN1619: The legislation amends the Fireworks Law to further regulate the sale and use of fireworks in Pennsylvania. Under the bill, a facility licensed by the Department of Agriculture may sell consumer fireworks year-round if they are transported directly out of state.  The bill also adds a section where permission must be given by the governing body under reasonable rules and regulations for displays of fireworks.  A 50-0 vote was recorded. 

SB 871, PN 1703: The legislation adds Chapter 37, Humane Society Police Officers, to Title 22 (Detectives and Private Police) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The bill creates a Humane Society Police Officer Advisory Board to advise the Secretary of Agriculture in the administration of Chapter 37, Humane Society Police Officers. 

A2457(Wenger): This is a technical amendment that clarifies language in the bill.  The amendment also changes the effective date of the act from 60 days to 180 days after being signed into law.  The amendment was agreed to.    

SB 921, PN1326: The legislation amends the Fiscal Code to prohibit the delivery sales of cigarettes through the mail or through other telecommunication means to a purchaser who is not a licensed dealer.  The bill is aimed at protecting minors from illegal cigarette sales, as well as legitimate retailers who sell cigarettes over the Internet.  A 49-1 vote was recorded.

SB 1039, PN1449: The legislation amends Title 65 (Public Officers) to clarify the definition of “agency.”  The definition of “agency” will include the governing board of any nonprofit corporation which is affiliated with a State-aided, State-owned or State-related institution of higher education including community college, which governing board is granted supervisory and advisory powers regarding the degree programs of the institution of higher education.

A2390(Mowery): This amendment changes wording in the definition of “agency” as it pertains to written agreements with community colleges.  The amendment was agreed to.

SB 1042, PN1692: The legislation establishes the Office of Pollution Reduction and Prevention within the Department of Environmental Protection.  The bill also establishes a “Pollution Prevention Index”, an “Environmental Report Card” and the “Rachel Carson Environmental Excellence Award.”

A2470(Erickson): This is a technical amendment that clarifies language in the bill.  The amendment was agreed to.

SR 220, PN1733: The resolution expresses the Senate’s opposition to rules adopted by the Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision that would allow certain offenders convicted of misdemeanors in other states to travel to and relocate in Pennsylvania without being subject to supervision by Pennsylvania law enforcement.  The resolution also protests the restricted forum by which the Interstate Commission passed the amended rules on March 12, 2004.  A 50-0 vote was recorded.

The following amendment was agreed to the prior to final passage and included in the final language of the bill:

A2396(Greenleaf): This amendment adds a resolve clause to the resolution urging the Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision to rescind or modify their amendments so that the compact rules are consistent with the purpose of the compact to regulate interstate movement of adult offenders and protect public safety.