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HB 2468, PN 4279: This bill would itemize projects in the
2005-06 highway capital budget. A vote of 50-0 was recorded.
SB 1000, PN 1900: This legislation, known as the Home
Improvement Consumer Protection Act, would regulate home improvement
contracts and require contractors to register biannually with the Bureau
of Consumer Protection (in the state Attorney General’s office). Sen. AH
Williams offered amendment A8299, which grandfathers local ordinances
that currently regulate the required amount of liability insurance
coverage. The Senate agreed to the amendment, the bill was tabled and
then placed on tomorrow’s calendar.
SB 1036, PN 1820: This bill would create a new criminal offense
called “phishing” and provide for penalties. Phishing (also known as
“Web page spoofing”) refers to an Internet-based practice in which
someone misrepresents his identity or authority to induce another person
to provide personally identifiable information. A vote of 50-0 was
recorded.
SB 1201, PN 1735: This legislation would prohibit the state
Environmental Quality Board from taking action to impose mercury
regulations stricter than the federal standard. Senators supporting the
bill explained that this bill would prevent lost jobs and increased
electricity rates by allowing coal-fired power plants to continue to
operate under the federal regime. Senators opposing the bill emphasized
the negative effects of mercury pollution on children’s neurological
development and the impact on the state’s fishing and tourism
industries. A vote of 40-10 was recorded.
HB 1580, PN 4009: This bill would amend the Agriculture Code to
provide further for the regulation of Cervidae livestock operations. A
vote of 49-1 was recorded.
HB 1637, PN 4229: This legislation would amend the Mechanics’
Lien Law of 1963 so that a contractor or subcontractor would be
permitted to waive his right to file a claim for residential buildings
when the contract is less than $1 million. A subcontractor also would be
permitted to waive his right to file a claim when the contractor has
posted a bond guaranteeing payment for labor and materials. For
non-residential buildings, contractors and subcontractors would not be
permitted to waive their rights to file a claim. A vote of 50-0 was
recorded.
HB 2210, PN 3074: This bill would designate a portion of State
Route 422 as the “Sergeant William V. Fernandez Highway.” A vote of 50-0
was recorded.
HB 2376, PN 4310: This legislation would make changes to the
state Liquor Code. Sen. Rafferty offered amendment A8264, which changes
the amount of fluid ounces contained in a case; changes the number of
seats required for a public venue; requires Philadelphia restaurants
that sell beverages for carryout obtain a permit every two years; and
expressly permits home vintners to provide wine at tastings,
competitions, exhibitions, and contests if it is not for sale. The
Senate agreed to the amendment, and the bill went over as amended.
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