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HB 1287, PN 2172: This legislation authorizes the
appropriation of funds to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board,
Department of Revenue, Pennsylvania State Police and the Attorney
General for fiscal year 2007-08 and the remainder of fiscal year
2006-07. A vote of 50-0 was recorded.
HB 10, PN 2168: The bill amends the Crimes Code providing
for the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and further amending the
Judicial Code to provide for compensation of judges and for exclusive
jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
Senator M.J. White
spoke about how she supported Piccola’s amendment, but not the actual
legislation. She believes the government should maintain the justice
system and would like the issue of judicial salaries to be in a
different bill.
A vote of 36-14 was
recorded.
SB 704, PN 1256: The legislation amends the Public Welfare
Code by requiring the Intra-Governmental Council on Long-Term Care to
have on the council two representatives of the assisted living residence
community as well as defines various terms including assisted living
residence, supplemental health care service, etc. It also requires the
appointment of administrators and creates regulations. The bill
establishes an application fee. A vote of 47-2 was recorded but Senator
Mellow requested the Senate to reconsider the vote, which was granted.
A final vote of 46-3 was recorded.
HB 966, PN 2171: The legislation amends the Insurance
Company Law to further provide for hospital plan corporations and
professional health services plan corporations and for consolidations
under the Insurance Holding Company Act. It provides the Insurance
Department with additional tools to review, approve, or disapprove
consolidations of Blue Cross/Blue Shield companies. It also amends the
definition of Long Term Care Insurance and provides for long term care
insurance coverage through the Guaranty Fund.
Senator Mellow spoke
on the legislation stating that this bill is not the same as SB 550
therefore felt that this is the wrong time to be debating the issue when
they should be focused on passing a budget. In his opinion, the
legislation creates a redundant regulatory review by the General
Assembly and they do not need to be involved in the process. Therefore
he asked for a negative vote.
Senator D. White
stated that he realizes the merger is very large, therefore it is
appropriate to grant it special attention. In his opinion, he believes
the taxpayers would like to know how the money is being spent. He asked
for the Legislature to support the bill.
A vote of 29-19 was
recorded.
HB 369, PN 1401: This bill amends the act of June 24, 1976
known as the Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act
by including certified hazardous material response team members as
included to receive the death benefit upon the receipt of their death
certificate. A vote of 50-0 was recorded.
HB 778, PN 2167: 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. A vote of 48-2 was recorded.
HB 842, PN 2169: The legislation amends the Public School
Code to require that the Department of Education may only place a
teacher’s certificate in inactive status between June 30 and July 31 for
noncompliance with continuing education requirements, and the bill also
authorizes funding for education programs for the 2007-08 fiscal year,
transferred programs and classes, distressed school districts and
student attendance, enrollment, and power of superintendents. A vote of
48-2 was recorded but Senator Mellow requested the Senate to reconsider
the vote, which was granted. A final vote of 45-4 was recorded.
SB 857, PN 1260: This bill amends the Second Class County
Port Authority Act to provide for additional oversight and additional
appointments to the Board. A vote of 29-21 was recorded.
HB 1228, PN 1513: The bill would redesignate the Clarion
River Bridge on Main Street in Ridgeway, Elk County as the Rear Admiral
Paul H. Speer Bridge. A vote of 50-0 was recorded.
Several members of
the Senate stood to talk about how the Senate has taken all of the
actions to pass the budget, which now lies in the House. Members from
both sides of the aisle pledged to continue to work in bipartisan
fashion and work diligently to a successful conclusion. In addition,
they have passed many significant bills over the past few weeks that
shows they are accomplishing reform.
Executive Nominations
The
Senate confirmed the following nominees by a vote of 50-0:
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Ryan J. Gebely.
Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education
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Joseph M.
Peltzer, Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education
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Eugene F. Riazzi,
Magisterial District Judge – Allegheny County
- Jay R. Rose,
Magisterial District Judge – Pike County
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