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SB 728, PN 1233 – This legislation amends the Fiscal Code to
provide that all of the money deposited in the Keystone Recreation, Park
and Conservation Fund (Keystone Fund) in 2006-07 be transferred to the
PA State System of Higher Education. The bill also provides for the
Budget Implementation language and the Commonwealth Group Life Insurance
Plan. A vote of 49-0 was recorded.
SB 913, PN 1234
- This bill establishes the “Environmental Funds Reporting and
Disclosure Act,” which compiles a comprehensive report of all special
funds and restricted revenue accounts administered by the Department. A
vote of 36-14 was recorded.
SB 968, PN 1235
- The bill amends the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (Mcare)
Act by adding a chapter that relates to the reduction and prevention of
health care-associated infections. A vote of 50-0 was recorded.
HB 13, PN 1536
- This bill amends the act of February 2, 1965-Limiting Liability of
Landowners-further providing for the liability of landowners toward
recreational users, persons or property. A vote of 50-0 was recorded.
SB 246, PN 1227
- This legislation establishes the Clean Indoor Air Act, which would
protect public health and the environment by prohibiting smoking in
certain public places and workplaces. The bill also defines what are
considered public places, exemptions, establishment of an annual report,
require the adoption of rules and what actions will take place for
violations of the Act.
Senator Rhoades
requested that the Senate revert back to the prior printers number,
however the motion failed.
The debate continued
with Senator Corman and Senator Orie who believed the current bill is
clear in its definition of what is classified as a childcare facility.
Senator A. Williams
felt that the bill does not go far enough and was in favor of a complete
ban on smoking, therefore he asked for a negative vote.
Both Senator D.
White and Senator M. J. White felt that this is a personal matter and
the government should not get involved and asked the Senate to vote
against the bill.
Senator Ferlo
discussed how SB 246 had potential to do many great things. He believed
the bill help represent all of the people of the Commonwealth who do not
have the ability to defend their views like members of the legislature
are able to. However, with McIlhinney
amendment A2062 that was passed the previous day, these great things are
no longer possible in his mind. With that being said, Ferlo voted no on
the legislation.
Though
Senator Greenleaf felt there were many disappointments in the new
version of SB 246, he voted in favor of the passage of the Clean Indoor
Act in hopes that the House will make many changes. In addition,
Greenleaf believes in the coming days, the Act will only get stronger
and the citizens of Pennsylvania will demand that the exemptions be
taken out of the bill.
Senator Mellow turned the discussion around by asking the Senate to not
look the few exemptions of the bill, rather all of the positive aspects
that the legislation will accomplish. He ended the discussion with
asking for an affirmative vote.
The Senate passed SB
246 with a vote of 33-17.
SB 455, PN 1225
- This bill
amends the Dental Law to further provide for the State Board of
Dentistry and for the public health practice of dental hygienists.
Senator Vance offered amendment A02233, which changes hygienists to
hygiene practitioners. The Senate agreed to the amendment and it went
over as amended.
SB 466, PN 1226
- This bill
would amend the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act to exempt temporary
structures and pole barns at agricultural fairs. A vote of 49-1 was
recorded.
HB 778, PN 1977
- This bill
amends Title 30 (Fish) further providing for the classification of
offenses, penalties and chemical testing of individuals operating
watercraft under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance.
Senator Gordner offered amendment A01779, which requires an intentional
violation of the rules and regulations for the Pennsylvania Endangered
and Threatened Species Lists for the imposition of a penalty
(misdemeanor of the 3rd degree). The Senate agreed to the
amendment and it went over as amended.
SB 811, PN 995
- This
legislation establishes the Long-Term Living Facility Licensure
Information Act. A vote of 50-0 was recorded.
HB 892, PN 1045
– The bill
designates Route 74 in Spring Township, Perry County as the Marine Lance
Corporal Jason L. Frye Memorial State Highway. A vote of 50-0 was
recorded.
SB 972, PN 1196
- The bill
designates State Route 322 in Harris, College and Patton Townships of
Centre County as the Thomas D. Larson Highway. A vote of 50-0 was
recorded.
Executive Nominations
The
Senate confirmed the following nominees by a vote of 50 -0:
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George
Durrwachter, Council of Trustees of Lock Haven University
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Daniel P. Elby,
Council of Trustees of Lock Haven University
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Guy A. Graham,
Council of Trustees of Lock Haven University
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Margery Krevsky,
Council of Trustees of Lock Haven University
- Virginia Ann
Roth, Council of Trustees of Lock Haven University
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