SB 1466, PN 2335 (Corman) – This bill is the Republican-negotiated General Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2012-13. Senate Republicans offered comments in support of the spending plan, noting that it makes restorations to Education funding, helps create jobs through business investment and tax breaks, and allows us to live within our means. Senators Costa and Hughes said they will ultimately support the bill, but noted that it is not a perfect document and ignores many necessary programs. Other Democratic caucus members decried the cuts as draconian and unnecessarily cruel, potentially jeopardizing their health and wellbeing. A concurrence vote of 32-17 was recorded.
HB 48, PN 3846 (Scavello) – The bill amends the Medical Practice Act, by establishing a state licensure requirement for prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists and orthotic fitters. A vote of 49-0 was recorded.
HB 254, PN 3874 (Grove) – This bill amends Title 75, Vehicle Code, further providing for learner’s permits. A vote of 34-15 was recorded.
HB 864, PN 3875 (Geist) – This bill would amend Title 75 to provide for an increase in the members of the Pedalcycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. A vote of 49-0 was recorded.
HB 869, PN 3847 (Marsico) – This bill would amend Title 75 to further provide for funeral processions. Senator Mensch offered Amendment A12884, which provides for further language pertaining to illuminated decals. The amendment was agreed to and the bill went over as amended.
HB 1893, PN 3877 (Vulakovich) – This bill amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) by providing that a person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree if the person has a business and/or owns and operates simulated gambling programs. A vote of 49-0 was recorded.
HB 2349, PN 3476 (S.H. Smith) – This bill designates a bridge in Jefferson County. A vote of 49-0 was recorded.
HB 728, PN 3576 (Barrar) – This legislation amends the Combustible and Flammable Liquids Act of October 18, 2000 by adding a subsection providing for further regulations and safety requirements for emergency fuel shut-off devices. Senator Vance offered Amendment A12828, which provides for further signage requirements. The amendment was agreed to and the bill went over as amended.
HB 2199, PN 3482 (Stephens) – This bill amends Title 75, Vehicle Code, as it pertains to the duty of a driver in an emergency response area. Senator Rafferty offered Amendment A12875, which provides for regulations for obedience to traffic control devices warning of hazardous conditions and penalties for violation. The amendment was agreed to and the bill went over as amended.
HB 761, PN 3883 (Cutler) – This legislation amends the Tax Code to update the Commonwealth’s tax policies and procedures. This legislation serves as the Tax Code vehicle for this year. The Senate conducted a lengthy debate on various merits of the tax code, focusing on the Shell cracker deal. Senator Stack offered Amendment A12888, which would change the Shell cracker plant reporting timeline from once every ten years to once each year. The amendment failed by a vote of 20-29. A vote of 43-6 was recorded.
HB 1261, PN 3884 (Quigley) – This legislation amends the act of June 13, 1967 (Public Welfare Code) further providing for determination of eligibility for public assistance; further providing for notification under the Kinship Care Program; and creating the Subsidized Permanent Legal Custodianship Program. This legislation serves as the Public Welfare Code vehicle for this year. A vote of 31-18 was recorded.
HB 1901, PN 3885 (Everett) – This legislation is the omnibus School Code bill. As amended by the Senate Education Committee on June 27, 2012, the legislation makes substantive and technical revisions, along with annual budgetary housekeeping and Administration initiatives, to the Public School Code of 1949. A vote of 47-2 was recorded.