SB 251, PN 899:
This bill would amend and update the state’s CPA law. A 50-0 vote was
recorded.
SB 386, PN 677:
This legislation would clarify the definition of burglary and correct a
problem in the Crimes Code that leads to difficulty in implementing the
state Three Strikes Law. This bill would require that the fact of
whether someone was present during commission of the burglary be
established at trial. A 50-0 vote was recorded.
SB 410, PN 933:
This bill would establish the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental
Education within the State System of Higher Education to identify needs
for environmental education, promote research, and develop an
Internet-based information network. A 50-0 vote was recorded.
SB 509, PN 806:
The legislation would give state and local government claims greater
priority when the assets of an estate are insufficient to pay all of the
estate’s debts. Under this bill, Medicaid would be third in line for
reimbursement (for services provided in the
last six months of life) along with funeral and burial costs, after
probate costs and the family exemption. Also, the state and local
municipalities would be reimbursed before general claimants. A 50-0
vote was recorded.
SB 539, PN 872:
This bill would amend the Game and Wildlife Code to make trespassing a
summary offense. A second violation within one year would result in
immediate revocation of the individual’s hunting license and
disqualification to hold a license for a one-year period. A 50-0 vote
was recorded.
SB 688, PN 969:
This legislation would authorize the Department of General Services,
with the approval of the Governor and the Department of Environmental
Protection, to grant and convey land in the city of Erie to the
Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority. Sen. Earll offered amendment
A1924, which was technical in nature. The Senate agreed to the
amendment and voted 50-0 to approve the bill.
SB 697, PN 970:
This bill would convey the former state correctional facility in
Waynesburg to the Basalt Trap Rock Co. for $1 million. Basalt plans to
open a private school for at-risk students, to be run by the
Latrobe-based non-profit AMP/CEP Group Homes. Sen. Costa, on the behalf
of Sen. Stout, offered amendment A1883, which was technical in nature.
The Senate agreed to the amendment and voted 50-0 to approve the bill.
SB 722, PN 976:
The bill would extend the Underground Storage Tank Environmental Cleanup
Program through June 30, 2007. Sen. Mary Jo White offered amendment
A1811, which adds a section to allow the Department of Environmental
Protection to request reimbursement for up to $3 million in
investigation and closure costs. The Senate agreed to the amendment,
and the bill went over as amended.
SR 76, PN 731:
This resolution would direct the Legislative Budget and Finance
Committee to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all state services
provided to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. A 50-0 vote
was recorded.
SR 116, PN 977:
This resolution would establish a select committee to consider
developing public-private partnerships to expand tolling options on
highways in Pennsylvania. Sen. Madigan offered amendment A1652, which
changes the date before which the Legislative Budget and Finance
Committee must deliver its report to August 15, 2006. The Senate agreed
to the amendment, and the resolution went over as amended.
Executive Nominations
The Senate confirmed
the following nominees. A 50-0 vote was recorded for each.
Norman L.
Morrison, Agricultural Lands Condemnation Approval Board
S. Kweilin
Nassar, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
Raquel Yiengst,
Ph.D., Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
Richard G.
Stauffer, State Board of Landscape Architects
Ira J. Gumberg,
Commonwealth Trustees of the University of Pittsburgh
Tim Martin,
Board of Trustees of White Haven Center
Robert L. Ford,
Allegheny County Magisterial District Judge
Lorinda L. Hinch,
Esq., Mercer County Magisterial District Judge
Daniel
McGuire, Perry County Magisterial District Judge
