Monday, December 11, 2017

SB 798, PN 1078 (Alloway) – The legislation amends the Pennsylvania Military Community Enhancement Commission by further providing for the membership of the commission.  A vote of 49-0 was recorded.

SB 844, PN 1133 (White) – This bill amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) to allow any individual to file for custody who is willing to assume responsibility for the child and can demonstrate – by factors involving the nature, quality, extent and length of involvement by the individual in the child’s life – a sustained, substantial and sincere interest in the welfare of the child.  Senator Gordner on behalf of Senator White offered amendment A04768, which makes technical changes and requires individuals seeking custody to prove additional measures before custody is granted, and provides for an exception.  The amendment was approved by a vote of 49-0 and the bill went over in its order as amended.

HB 1139, PN 2520 (Topper) – Amends Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 23 (Domestic Relations) to allow a parent to leave a newborn child in the custody of an emergency services provider at a facility where emergency services providers are employed.  The emergency services provider shall ensure the newborn is transported to a hospital or placed in the care of a health care provider as provided by existing law.  Senator Schwank offered amendment A05215, which requires EMS providers that accept newborns to post signs stating as much for at least 18 months after the provider begins participating in the program.  The amendment was agreed to via voice vote and the bill went over in its order as amended.

SB 234, PN 1286 (Blake) – This bill creates the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (PACE) in Pennsylvania.  The state program authorizes local governments to spur economic development by making it possible for commercial and industrial property owners to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation improvements.  Senator Reschenthaler offered amendment A05169, which defines “Financial Institution” and requires that notice be provided to, and consent obtained from, a financial institution before an assessment is levied under the program.  The amendment was agreed to via voice vote.  The Senate agreed to the bill as amended, then re-referred the bill to Appropriations.

SB 764, PN 1322 (Gordner) – This legislation would amend the Board of Vehicles Act (No. 84 of 1983) by establishing a new chapter specifically for recreational vehicles (RVs) and other related vehicles.  Senator Gordner offered amendment A05180, which is technical in nature.  The Senate agreed to the amendment via voice vote.  The Senate agreed to the bill as amended (moving it up on the calendar).

SB 458, PN 1362 (Argall) – Senate Bill 458 amends The Public Utility code by establishing stricter enforcement of unregulated movers operating in the state, and creates penalties for the same.  The Senate concurred in House amendments by a vote of 49-0.

HB 1431, PN 2411 (Masser) – Designates a portion of State Routes 54, 901, and 2023 in Northumberland and Schuylkill Counties, as the Honorable Robert E. Belfanti, Jr. Memorial Highway, and also makes several other road and bridge designations.  The Senate concurred in House amendments to Senate amendments by a vote of 49-0.

HB 1388, PN 1749 (Irvin) – Reauthorizes the Pennsylvania Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through 2019.  The Senate concurred in House amendments to Senate amendments by a vote of 42-7.  Later Senator Gordner moved that the Senate reconsider the vote to concur.  The motion was approved via voice vote and Senator Wagner changed his vote from no to yes.  The vote to concur was 43-6.

The Senate approved the following executive nomination by a vote of 49-0:

Francis Peitz, Jr., Constables’ Education and Training Board (new appointment)