The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 123, which would allow for the use of falconry techniques for hunting on Sundays.

This bill would allow Pennsylvania’ hunters to use birds of prey to hunt on Sundays. With the exception of hunting foxes and coyotes, Pennsylvania law forbids Sunday hunting.

The bill now goes to the House Game and Fisheries Committee.

 

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The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 137, which would require the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) to act as a liaison and provide administrative assistance to the Civil Air Patrol (CAP).

This legislation aims to increase the ability of both departments to work together and share resources. Civil Affairs Patrol would provide assistance in search and rescues, provide disaster relief support, assist with homeland security, provide emergency transport services and offer communication support to DMA in case of a disaster.

DMA would manage the spending of the state funds for use by CAP. In emergency situations or disaster, permission would need to be given from the state for DMA to accept CAP assistance.

The bill now goes to the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

 

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The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 169, which would require lobbyists and lobbying firms to register electronically through the Department of State’s website.

Currently, lobbyists are required to register and file reports with the department using paper forms.

The bill would also add the term “affiliated entity” and provide for the receipt or award of grants, credit, loans, capital funding or contracts to affiliated entities to prevent individuals from engaging in lobbying for money provided by state agencies.

The bill now goes to the House State Government Committee.

 

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The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 274, which would amend the Professional Nursing Law to provide for the licensing of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA).

This legislation would create advanced nursing training and qualifications to certify individuals as professional nurses. The new license would require more related education courses and training requirements for certification.

The bill would designate that registered nurses licensed by the State Board of Nursing be considered as a CRNA in Pennsylvania. A CRNA would also be required to preserve suitable professional liability insurance under this legislation.

Professional Nursing Law prohibits the use of the title of nurse or Registered Nurse by any individual who does not have a nursing certification, nursing diploma, license, record, registration or aid.

The bill now goes to the House Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee.

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