The Senate voted 34-16 in favor of House Bill 1513, which would change the Local Tax Enabling Act to make it less ambiguous for municipalities that want to levy a business privilege tax on local companies.

The bill would also delete any areas of the current law that allow for double taxation.

The measure is now before the governor for his consideration.

 

* * *

 

The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1194, which wouldgive school districts the option of contracting with law enforcement agencies located outside their boundaries.

According to the bill’s sponsor, a number of schools in municipalities covered by state police are geographically within a short distance of local police departments. Some of these schools have reportedly expressed interest in contracting with local law enforcement for school security and general police coverage.

Senate Bill 1194 would authorize school districts to enter into such service agreements without the consent of a municipality.

The bill is now in the House.

 

* * *

 

The Senate voted 46-0 in favor of Senate Bill 1255, which would give storm water authorities the option to create programs aimed at helping them and their customers save money.

Through the programs, property owners could decrease their storm water rates and charges by using storm water best management practices that reduce storm water runoff.

Voluntary participation by property owners is predicted to reduce authority expenses and satisfy federal and state regulatory obligations.

The bill has not yet been assigned to a House committee for consideration.

 

* * *

The Senate unanimously approved House Bill 434, which would eliminate the separate reporting requirements of suspected child abuse by school employees.

Previously, school employees operated under different reporting standards, largely based on the seriousness of the injury. This bill would make their reporting responsibilities consistent with all mandated reporters.

The bill would also require that an indicated or founded report of suspected child abuse by a school employee to be provided to the school administration within 10 days.

The amended bill now returns to the House.

 

* * *

 

The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1287, which will broaden the definition of “all-terrain vehicles” (ATVs) to accommodate the registration and titling of some of the newer models on the market.

The bill would allow for an increase in weight for class 1 ATVs from a maximum dry weight of 1000 pounds to 1200 pounds. This would allow for the use of innovative airless tires, which comes standard on some newly-released vehicles. The new tire design was developed for use by U.S. and allied military forces throughout the world. The non-pneumatic, never-flat tire technology increases vehicle handling in rugged terrain and is composed of a central polymeric web, surround by a rubber tread band, which allows continuous operation, even if up to 30 percent of the web is damaged.

The bill now goes to the House.

 

* * *

 

The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1312, which would extend the allowable length of school busses from 40 to 45 feet.

Bill proponents claim the measure would enable school districts to better control their costs by streamlining routes. It is also believed that the bill would help schools by enabling them to choose from a larger selection of vehicles with the latest safety and technology features.

The bill now goes to the House.

 

* * *

 

By a vote of 43-3, the Senate passed a bill that makes it easier for the owners of self-storage facilities to take control of the possessions of a tenant who is in default of payment.

Under Senate Bill 799 the owner has the right to deny the occupant’s access to the leased space after 20 days in default (currently 30). Also, the owner may remove the personal property from the leased space to another suitable storage space pending its sale after the occupant has been in default continuously for 30 days or more.

If the property upon which the lien is claimed is a motor vehicle or watercraft and the property is in default for 60 consecutive days, the owner may have the property towed.

Also, the bill allows owners to use verified mail or email to give written notice of the default or any other action taken in regard to the occupant’s property.

The bill now goes to the House.

 

* * *

 

By unanimous vote, the Senate passed Senate Bill 959, which would allow a nurse anesthetist who meets certain qualifications to use the title “certified registered nurse anesthetist” and the abbreviation “C.R.N.A.”

A nurse can qualify if he or she holds a master’s degree, doctoral degree or post-master’s certificate from an accredited education program in nurse anesthesia that has been approved by the board and that prepares graduates to practice as a certified registered nurse anesthetist and:

  • holds current national certification as a certified registered nurse anesthetist from a board-recognized national certification organization which required passing of a national certifying examination in nurse anesthesia; and
  • meets all other board requirements to practice as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

The bill now goes to the House.

 

* * *

 

By unanimous vote, the Senate passed a bill that loosens the regulations on prison board meetings in five rural counties. Senate Bill 1325 allows the boards in 8th Class Counties (Cameron, Forest, Fulton, Montour, Potter, and Sullivan) too meet quarterly instead of monthly, and not necessarily at the county prison.

The bill now goes to the House.

 

# # #