Appropriations 2015-2016
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-26-16 and reported out the following bills:
HB 1348: Amends the lobbying disclosures provisions contained in Chapter 13A of Title 65 (Public Officers) by providing for electronic filing and increasing penalties for noncompliance. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1704: Amends the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law to adopt the title “Engineer Intern,” clarify a continuing education requirement and modifies two license exemptions. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1895: This bill changes the appointment process to the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Board to include the General Assembly. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-25-16 and reported out the following bills:
HB 577: Would allow the designee of the member of the General Assembly to the Potomac River Basin Commission to vote on the Commission’s business. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1653: Amends the Procurement Code by establishing a verification system for diverse and disadvantaged businesses. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1698: Provides for health insurance coverage requirements for abuse-deterrent opioid analgesic drug products. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1712: This legislation creates the Private Dam Financial Assurance Program. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1885: This bill amends Titles 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 53 (Municipalities Generally) to provide for liability of municipalities that do not honor Federal or State immigration orders. The bill was reported 16-10 along party lines.
HB 1887: This bill amends Title 4 (Amusements) to provide for a single toll-free compulsive gambling number within the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1974: This bill amends Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries) to increase the payments to family and funeral directors. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 2026: This bill amends Title 51 providing for additional duties of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) relating to the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 2303: Repeals the Race Horse Industry Reform article in the Administrative Code, inserts it in the Agriculture Code and provides for PA Breeding Fund awards. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 2338: Establishes protections for students attending Pennsylvania postsecondary education institutions that are accredited by a national accrediting agency that loses Federal recognition. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 2370: Amends the Tax Reform Code to provide for a reality transfer tax exclusion provisions as part of Act 84 in the case of transfers. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 2375: Amends the Unemployment Compensation (U.C.) Law by extending the funding deadline for the Service and Infrastructure Improvement Fund (SIIF). The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 2381: Provides students enrolled in vocational education programs with flexibility in fulfilling their graduation requirements and eliminates the statutory requirement for the development and implementation of future keystone exams. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-24-16 and reported out the following bills:
SB 1331: Establishes new state licensure requirements for limited lines travel insurance. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 192: This bill amends the Civil Service Act to provide for a veterans’ preference. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 516: Provides for registration and title protection for naturopathic doctors. The bill was reported 23-3.
HB 1087: This bill gives veto power to the governor of Pennsylvania over the actions of Pennsylvania’s commissioners appointed to the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) Board. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1403: Amends Title 40 (Insurance) by requiring insurance companies to disclose the existence of unclaimed life insurance benefits. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1437: This bill amends the Municipal Code and Ordinance Compliance Act, relating to property code violations and blighted properties. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1774: This bill amends Title 68 (Real and Personal Property) to provide for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in condominiums and cooperatives. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1907: This bill makes extensive revisions to the Public School Code concerning truancy intervention, including changes to definitions, penalties, and programs for reducing truancy. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 2078: This bill provides for expedited certification and reduced fees for members of the military, veterans and their spouses, and provides for the removal of inactive certification for all educators who meet certain criteria. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-19-16 and reported out the following bills:
HB 74: This bill amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) to repeal the current grading for the offense of endangering welfare of children and provide for additional grading of offenses. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 245: Amends the Local Tax Enabling Act to clarify the process of local tax collection. The bill was reported 23-3.
HB 319: This legislation provides for the procurement of written testimony/audio recordings by parties of an Unemployment Compensation (U.C.) appeals hearing. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 946: Creates a free standing act that would provide a statutory framework for pharmacy audits and for the regulation of pharmacy benefit managers (PBM). The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1351: Creates a freestanding Epinephrine AutoInjector Entity Act and provides for procedures to allow certain entities to administer epinephrine auto-injectors. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1683: Allows municipalities to provide volunteer firefighters and EMTs with a waiver from the local Earned Income Tax. Sen. Vulakovich offered a technical amendment. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
HB 1699: Creates the freestanding Safe Emergency Prescribing Act and outlines procedures for prescribing opioid products in emergency or urgent care settings. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 2290: The bill permits the Navigation Commission for the Delaware River and its navigable tributaries to increase fees for the issuance of original and renewed pilots licenses. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 2291: The bill will provide a rate increase for the River Pilots who navigate trade vessels along the Delaware River and its navigable tributaries. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-18-16 and reported out the following bills:
HB 123: This bill amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) to provide for the diversion of cash bail in certain circumstances. The bill was reported 16-10.
HB 162: This bill outlines a process for an adult adoptee to apply for a noncertified copy of his/her original birth record. The bill was reported 21-5.
HB 850: This bill makes numerous changes to the Money Transmitter Act such as adding definitions, increasing the fees to be licensed and the penalties for violating the act. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1398: Amends Titles 15 and 54 to modernize corporate entity laws according to the recommendations of the Uniform Law Commission. Sen. Browne offered a technical amendment. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
HB 2058: This bill would allow for a paramedic to assist law enforcement upon request with a legal blood draw and provide for a paramedic user fee related to this service. The provisions shall take effect in 90 days. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 2084: Amends the Prisons and Parole code to provide for the issuance of pepper spray to officers and employees of the Department of Corrections (DOC). The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 2107: Amends the Procurement Code to provide public access to government procurement records and prohibits the Department of General Services from entering into contracts with companies that do business with certain nations. Sen. Browne offered a technical amendment. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
HB 2148: This bill makes changes to the Enforcement Officer Disability Law to expand the list of eligible individuals and make cities and airport authorities subject to certain provisions of the act. Sen. Browne offered a technical amendment. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
SB 1365: This bill increases the number of judges on the courts of common pleas. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-17-16 and reported out the following bills:
HB 34: This bill repeals the PA Uniform Arbitration Act (PaUAA), which was adopted in 1980, and replaces it with modifications with the Revised Uniform Arbitration Act (RUAA) as drafted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in 2000. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 49: Extends the $100,000 death benefit that is currently available to other emergency responders to members of the PA Civil Air Patrol. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 423: The bill provides civil immunity to school bus drivers who administer an epinephrine auto-injector (epi-pen) to a student. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 613: Authorizes local governments to exempt from taxation improvements to blighted and deteriorated properties for a period of ten years to defray the cost of the improvement. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1118: This bill repeals the expired independent counsel law and replaces it with an updated version. The bill amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) to provide for appointment and duties of independent counsel when the Attorney General or public employees of the Office of Attorney General are being investigated. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1455: Enables cities of the third class and second class A (Scranton) to delegate responsibility for the enforcement and administration of local parking ordinances to the city’s parking authority. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1600: This bill provides for a business fee waiver for qualified veteran- and reservist-owned small businesses. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1618: Establishes the Office of Inspector General as an independent office and expands its duties. The bill was reported 16-10.
HB 1864: Allows cosmetology schools to charge the public a reasonable fee for student clinical work. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 9-26-16 and reported out the following bills:
SB 16: This legislation establishes a task force with the Commonwealth’s Joint State Government Commission to investigate the health hazards of lead poisoning in the Commonwealth. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 525: This bill amends Title 61 establishing the Prison Industry Enhancement Authority. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 851: This bill amends Title 19 (Crimes and Offenses) and Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to ensure that juvenile victims of human trafficking are not prosecuted in the juvenile justice system and that human services are made available to them. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1048: This bill would provide for security of computerized data in state and local government and school districts. Sen. Vulakovich offered A9666 which is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
SB 1086: This bill will allow the Department of Transportation to suspend registration of motorists who fail to pay tolls on the Turnpike until the motorist makes the payment. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1235: The bill extends the sunset provision of the Underground Utility Protection Law from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2021 and moves oversight of the One Call System from the Department of Labor and Industry to the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1266: The bill allows the Bureau of Consumer Protection to refuse to give an individual a Home Improvement Contractor registration or revoke a registration under certain conditions. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1271: This bill amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) to address the school attendance of a child placed in detention or shelter care. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1324: This bill creates the “Fantasy Sports Consumer Protection Act” and grants the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (Board) authority over regular licensed operators, principals and key employees licensed to operate fantasy sports. The bill was reported 23-1.
SB 1341: This bill would implement a version of performance based budgeting for the budget to be presented in February of 2017. Sen. Browne offered A9698 which is a technical rewrite of the bill. The amendment and bill were reported 14-10 along party lines.
HB 1452: This legislation amends Title 34 (Game) by permitting volunteer hunter educators a discounted hunter’s license. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1619: The legislation creates the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Act. The compact creates another pathway for licensure and does not otherwise change a state’s existing Medical Practice Act. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1841: The bill amends the Medical Practice Act to provide for temporary graduate perfusionist licensure. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1842: The bill amends the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act to provide for temporary graduate perfusionist licensure. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 2025: The bill makes changes to Title 75 (Vehicles) in relation to temporary vehicle registration cards and certification of mechanics. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 7-13-16 and reported out the following bills:
HB 1605: This bill amends the Fiscal Code to establish the Heritage Areas Program, which would provide guidelines for the allocation of funding to Heritage areas under the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and increases the payment in lieu of taxes for Federal and Commonwealth forest land. Sen. Corman offered A9557 which is the Fiscal Code language needed for the implementation of the 2016-17 budget. The amendment and bill passed unanimously.
HB 1606: Amends the Public School Code to create the Public School
Web Accountability and Transparency (School WATCH) System. It would take effect
immediately. Sen. Browne offered A9553 which is the omnibus School Code amendment for the 2016-17 budget. The amendment and bill passed unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-30-16 and reported out the following bills:
SB 1320: This bill amends the Fiscal Code to add an article to provide for general budget restrictions on appropriations for certain funds and accounts. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1605: Creates the Heritage Areas Program Act to set forth guidelines for the distribution of funding for heritage areas by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Sen. Scarnati offered A9349 which would establish the Heritage Program in statute and increase per acre amounts for Commonwealth payments in lieu of taxes to local jurisdictions. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
HB 1871: Authorizes the General Assembly to provide Philadelphia an exemption to the uniformity clause in order to assess a higher real estate tax rate on commercial properties than other real estate. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-29-16 and reported out the following bills:
HB 1062: This legislation amends the Human Services Code by adding necessary language appropriate for passage of the budget., also providing for individuals eligible for benefits along with the eHealth Partnership Authority transfer to the Dept. of Human Services. The was reported unanimously.
HB 1947: This bill amends the Judicial Code regarding civil and criminal statute of limitations for child sexual abuse, and provides for waivers of sovereign and governmental immunity relating to claims of childhood sexual abuse. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-28-16 and reported out the following bills:
SB 717: The bill amends The Professional Nursing Law to provide for changes in certified nurse practitioner requirements. Sen. Vance offered A8247 which is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-27-16 and reported out the following bills:
All bills were reported from committee unanimously.
SB 1312: This bill would create the Substitute Teaching Permit for Prospective Teachers in Pennsylvania.
HB 2175: This legislation appropriates money from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Office of the Small Business Advocate for the 2016-17 fiscal year.
HB 2176: Appropriates the funds for the administrative costs of the State
Employees Retirement System (SERS) for the 2016-17 fiscal year.
HB 2177: This bill appropriates money from a restricted revenue account in the General Fund to the Office of Consumer Advocate in the Office of Attorney General.
HB 2178: This bill makes appropriations from the State Gaming Fund restricted revenue account to the Attorney General, Department of Revenue, State Police, and Gaming Control Board for salaries, wages and necessary expenses relating to gaming activities in the Commonwealth.
HB 2179: Provides for appropriations from the Workmen’s Compensation
Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry and to the Office of the Small
Business Advocate within the Department of Community and Economic Development.
HB 2180: This bill would make the following appropriations to the PPA for its continued
operations in fiscal year 2016-17.
HB 2182: Appropriates the required amount to fund the administrative
costs of the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS) for the 2016-17
fiscal year.
HB 2183: This legislation would make an appropriation from the Professional Licensure
Augmentation Account and from other restricted revenue accounts within the General Fund to the Department of State for the operations of several boards and commissions.
HB 2184: This legislation would make an appropriation from the General Fund’s restricted revenue account to the Public Utility Commission (PUC).
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-22-16 and reported out the following bills:
SB 840: Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to allow for a pilot program for automated speed enforcement systems in active work zones. Sen. Browne offered A7079, it would deposit revenue into the Motor License Fund and provides for a annual appropriation to the Dept. of Transportation for work zone safety based upon a recommendation by the governor. Sen. Argall offered A8481 that makes technical changes. The amendments and bill were reported unanimously.
SB 1221: Provides needed updates to Act 11 of 2004 (Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority Act for Cities of the Second Class) to create more transparency at the Authority, require record keeping that meets the standards of other state agencies, and address governance issues that were raised by the Auditor General’s recent audit. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1226: This bill amends Title 51 by aligning the Veterans Trust Fund and the Veterans Temporary Assistance Program. Sen. Vulakovich offered A8494 which is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
SB 1283: This legislation would make an appropriation from the General Fund’s restricted revenue account to the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Sen. Browne offered A8261 which would incorporate reductions to retirees health care rates and the Governor’s revised request. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
SB 1292: The bill specifies the maximum principal amount of additional debt to be incurred during the 2016-2017 fiscal year for capital projects itemized in a capital projects itemization bill. Sen. Browne offered A8778, it makes a change to the effective date. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
HB 325: The bill makes numerous updates to the Auctioneer Licensing and Trading Assistant Registration Act. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 664: This bill designates the third Saturday of each June as “Juneteenth National Freedom Day” in Pennsylvania. This day would be an observed holiday. Sen. Hughes offered A8394 that would change the observation date to June 19. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
HB 1877: This bill reauthorizes the Fire & EMS Grant Program. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 2137: This is the non-preferred appropriation for Penn State University. The bill was reported 25-1.
HB 2138: This is the non-preferred appropriation for The University of Pittsburgh. The bill was reported 25-1.
HB 2139: This is the non-preferred appropriation for Temple University. The bill was reported 25-1.
HB 2140: This is the non-preferred appropriation for Lincoln Univesity. The bill was reported 25-1.
HB 2141: This is the non-preferred appropriation for the University of Pennsylvania. The bill was reported 25-1.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-13-16 and reported out the following bills:
SB 876: The bill amends the Workers’ Compensation Act to make changes to the claims process under the Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund (UEGF). The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1161: This legislation clarifies a business firm’s application of the educational improvement and opportunity scholarship tax credits for the 2015-16 fiscal year. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1166: The bill allows the Pennsylvania Game Commission shall have the power to establish fees for hunting and furtaking within the Commonwealth. There is a three year sunset on this legislation. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1168: This legislation amends Title 30 (Fish) by granting specific powers and duties to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in regards to fees. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1202: The legislation requires all licensees who are licensed as dispensers or prescribers under the Department of State’s jurisdiction to complete two hours of continuing education in pain management or in the prescribing practices of opioids as a condition for license renewal. Sen. Yaw offered A8319 which is tecnial. Theamendment and bill were reported unanimously.
HB 1734: This bill would provide teachers and administrators an additional year to complete their continuing education requirements under Act 48. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-7-16 and reported out the following bills:
All bills and amendments were reported unanimously.
SB 703: The legislation establishes the State Board of Plumbing Contractors within the Department of Labor & Industry.
SB 805: The bill amends Title 66 (Public Utilities) to allow large commercial and industrial class customers to opt-out of participation in an electric distribution company’s (EDC) energy efficiency and conservation program. Sen. Hughes offered A8060 which would require large commercial or industrial class customers to opt out of current program phase by December 31, 2016. Clarifies that an opt out occurring during the current program phase allows the electric distribution company to file a revised plan with the PUC reflecting the adjustments.
SB 930: This bill creates a new Chapter 22 in the Procurement Code to provide for the certification of diverse and disadvantaged Pennsylvania-based minority, women and veteran owned businesses by the Department of General Services.
SB 1109: Extends the property tax exemption program for disabled veterans to the surviving spouse of soldiers killed in action.
SB 1270: The bill amends the Real Estate Appraisers Certification Act to bring Pennsylvania into compliance with federal standards.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 5-17-16 and reported out the following bills:
SB 163: This bill amends Titles 23 (Domestic Relations), 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 44 (Law and Justice) to prohibit termination of parental rights solely based on parental incarceration and to provide for arrest protocols to be used when arresting a parent of a child. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1159: The legislation intends to give the General Assembly the authority to implement new federal education policy, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which has replaced the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1227: This bill amends the Administrative Code to divide up the responsibilities
previously required of the Public Employees Retirement Commission between the Independent Fiscal Office and the Auditor General. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 59: This bill requires health care practitioners to offer a Hepatitis C screening or
diagnostic test to certain individuals born between 1945 and 1965 when receiving inpatient
hospital services or primary care services in an outpatient setting or physician’s office. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 147: This bill is a joint resolution that proposes an amendment to the Constitution to allow local taxing authorities to exclude up to 100% of the assessed value of the homestead property. The bill was reported 24-1.
HB 264: This bill establishes the Care Facility Carbon Monoxide Alarms Standards Act. Sen. Vance offered A6492 which is technical. The bill and amendment were reported unanimously.
HB 414: This bill create a new article that will require underfunded municipal pension systems to enroll new employees in a defined contribution or a cash balance plan. The bill was reported 14-11.
HB 1436: This bill amends Title 66 (Public Utilities) by adding a new section to alter the
Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) treatment of income tax expenses in the ratemaking process. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 5-9-16 and reported out the following bills:
SB 691: Senate Bill 691 adjusts the presumed minimum cost of doing business in cigarettes formula from 6% to 7% for retailers, requires records of each contract of sale, and violations for failure to pay. Sen. Hughes offered A5598 that excludes the city of Philadelphia from the preemption which stipulates that all powers and jurisdiction over dealers shall reside with the Commonwealth. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
SB 837: This bill provides additional title protection to “Marriage and Family Therapists” that have been licensed by the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1052: The bill requires the Department of State to establish a transmission system that allows military and overseas voters to return their absentee ballots electronically. Sen. Ward offered A7083 which makes technical changes. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
HB 602: House Bill 602 amends section 3102 of Title 51 to increase the minimum state active duty pay for PA National Guard personnel from not less than $75 per day to not less than $100 per day. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 944: This bill amends the Community and Economic Improvement Act by making changes to who can file objections and who is an affected property owner under the act. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1552: House Bill 1552 authorizes the Department of Education (PDE) to enter into an interstate reciprocity agreement governing interstate offerings of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 4-13-16 and reported out the following bills:
SB 180: The bill clarifies the methods for making anatomical donations, updates to reflect best clinical practices to support donations for transplantations, provides for further public education about donation and increases the optional organ donor contribution amount from $1 to $3 on driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. The bill was reported 25-1.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 4-11-16 and reported out the following bills:
SB 359: This bill would address truancy among school students by requiring truancy
elimination plans for children of compulsory school age who fail to attend school. The bill was reported 25-1.
SB 910: This legislation amends the Public School Code to enact the basic education funding formula as developed and delivered by the Commission. Each school district would receive the amount it received for the 2014-15 fiscal year and a distribution of any additional appropriations through the new formula. The bill was reported 23-3.
SB 1154: Senate Bill 1154 is a proposal to change the State Civil Service Commission’s
notification system for hiring and to change procedures for filling job openings. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1589: This bill amends the Fiscal Code to provide for budget implementation for the General Appropriations Act of 2015 (10A of 2015) and the Supplemental Appropriation Act (1A of 2016). Most of the provisions contained in this bill effect Fiscal Year 2015-2016, with some provisions being placed in permanent sections of the Fiscal Code. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 4-5-16 and reported out the following bills:
SB 910: This legislation amends the Public School Code to enact the basic education funding formula as developed and delivered by the Commission. Sen. Browne offered A6430 that provides for the implementation of the Basic Education Funding Commission’s recommendation for the 2014-15 school year. The amendment and bill were reported 23-3.
SB 1031: This bill repeals the expired independent counsel law and replaces it with an updated version. The bill amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) to provide for appointment and duties of independent counsel when the Attorney General or public employees of the Office of Attorney General are being investigated. The bill was reported 23-3.
SB 1155: This bill creates a specialty licenses plate for active military personnel. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1156: This bill amends Chapter 63 of Title 23, Child Protective Services Law, to require health care personnel and clergy having contact with children to obtain background checks. It also makes numerous technical changes and increases the time a valid general protective service report is kept in the statewide database. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 794: The bill would allow counties of the third through eighth classes to by ordinace increase the hotel room tax from 3% to 5% to be used for local tourist promotion or promotion of business meeting venues. The bill was reported 24-2.
HB 1329: This bill creates the Caregiver Advise, Record and Enable (CARE) act, requiring hospitals to allow patients to designate a caregiver prior to discharge from the facility. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 3-23-16 and reported out the following bills:
HB 928: The bill adds language to reduce the current cap of $3.45 billion on the maximum
amount of RACP debt that may be outstanding to $2.95 billion. The bill was reported 16-10 along party lines.
HB 930: The bill amends the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act to establish an annual
spending limit on all types of projects. The bill was reported 16-10 along party lines.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 3-22-16 and reported out the following bills:
SB 180: The bill clarifies the methods for making anatomical donations,
updates to reflect best clinical practices to support donations for transplantations, provides for further public education about donation and increases the optional organ donor contribution amount from $1 to $3 on driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 289: Senate bill 289 would allow local sewage authorities to use authority funds to extend, repair or replace privately owned lateral lines when it benefits the overall system or public health. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 31: The bill brings Pennsylvania into compliance with federal standards by enabling the state Board of Real Estate Appraisers to consider an applicant’s criminal history information during the licensing process. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1802: This bill provides for a $1,000,000 supplemental appropriation for child advocacy centers for fiscal year 2015-16. The act shall take effect immediately upon passage and shall apply retroactively to July 1, 2015. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 3-15-16 and reported out the following bills:
SB 340: Senate Bill 340 requires a 30 day preliminary review process by DCED followed by a second 20 day final review process before the issuance of certain debt. Sen. Eichelberger offered A5960 that is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 341: Senate Bill 341 prohibits proceeds from indebtedness and borrowing under the Local Government Unit Debt Act from being used for projects other than those for which the debt was incurred, nor placed in any account used by the authority or any other local government unit for any unrelated purpose. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 342: Senate Bill 342 amends the Local Government Unit Debt Act (LGUDA) in Title 53(Municipalities Generally) to restrict the use of interest rate management agreements, also known as “swaps” or “derivatives.” The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 343: This bill creates the “First Class City and County Interest Rate Management
Agreement Act” to restrict the use of interest rate management agreements, also known as
“swaps” or “derivatives.” The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 344: This bill amends the Public Works Contractors’ Bond Law (act of December 20,1967, P.L.869, No.385) to eliminate alternative security instruments and clarify acceptable security instruments for bonds. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 983: This bill amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to permit PENNDOT to issue disability parking plates to parents of disabled children. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1014: The bill amends Title 75 (Vehicles) by eliminating the option for biennial motor vehicle registration. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1108: The bill amends Title 75 (Vehicles) by establishing standards for the operation of “autocylces” in Pennsylvania. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1154: This bill amends Title 75 (Vehicles) by repealing the elimination of registration stickers provided for in Act 89 of 2013. By repealing §1332(d), the bill will effectively continue the use vehicle registration stickers.
HB 1319: The bill provides a tax exemption from the personal income tax for contributions, earnings from the investments and distributions under the federal ABLE act. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1801: The legislation appropriates $939,401,000 from the General Fund to the DOC for the SCI line item for fiscal year 2015-16. This funding represents a restoration of the amount vetoed by Governor Wolf in Act 10A. Sen. Browne offered A0683 which is another non-negotiated Republican general appropriation for the 2015-16 fiscal year. The amendment and bill were reported 16-10 along party lines.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 3-14-16 and reported out the following bills:
HB 1801: The legislation appropriates $939,401,000 from the General Fund to the DOC for the SCI line item for fiscal year 2015-16. This funding represents a restoration of the amount vetoed by Governor Wolf in Act 10A. The bill was reported 19-7.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 1-26-16 and reported out the following bills:
SB 50: This bill establishes an agricultural pilot program for industrial hemp research within the Commonwealth. The bill was reported 23-2.
SB 889: This bill would clarify how property tax rates must be adjusted following a countywide reassessment. These required adjustments are generally referred to as, “anti-windfall” provisions. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
HB 153: This bill is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth to reduce the size of the House of Representatives from 203 members to 151. The bill was reported 22-3.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 1-19-16 and reported out the following bills:
HB 1106: This bill appropriates an additional $939 million needed to operate the correctional institutions for fiscal year 2015-16. The bill was reported 18-8.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 12-10-15 and reported out the following bills:
HB 561: This legislation exempts all active duty military personnel from local earned income tax. The was reported unanimously.
HB 1690: This is the amended Liquor Code reform and modernization bill. The bill was reported from committee 15-11.
HB 530: This bill makes extensive changes to the Public School Code concerning charter schools. The bill was amended to include the negotiated budgetary language for the Public School Code. The amendment and bill were reported 21-4.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 12-8-15 and reported out the following bills:
HB 941: The bill amends the Administrative Code by reducing the licensing fee for distilleries of historical significance. Sen. Vogel offered A4955 that was the omnibus agreed to amendment. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
HB 1322: This legislation amends the Public Welfare Code by ensuring residents applying for aid, provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, list other states in which they have received aid. It also codifies the KEYS program, extends monies allocated to nursing homes for an additional year, modifies hospital and managed care organization assessments, provides payments to child welfare services, expands subsidized child care, and makes changes to comply with federal law. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1327: Amends the Fiscal Code to extend the expiration of the State Worker’s
Insurance Board power to invest money held in the State Worker’s Insurance Fund. Sen. Browne offered A4999 that was the agreed to omnibus amendment. The amendment and bill were reported 23-1.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 12-8-15 and reported out the following bills:
HB 1296: This bill expands the permissible financial products available for investment by public corporations and municipal authorities. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 1460: This is the House Republican budget bill for the 2015-16 fiscal year. Sen. Browne offered A4889, the amendment guts the bill and replaces it with the negotiated budget language in SB 1073, which passed yesterday. The amendment and bill were reported 25-1.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 12-7-15 and reported out the following bills:
HB 1198: Amends the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in corporate net income tax, providing for amended reports. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 12-6-15 and reported out the following bills:
SB 1073: Senate Bill 1073 is a vehicle for the General Appropriations bill. In its current form it contains only the special funds 2015-16 spending amounts. Sen. Browne offered A4800 which is the language for the negotiated $30.5 billion budget. The amendment and bill were reported 25-1.
SB 1082: This bill amends the State Employees’ Retirement Code and the Public School Employees’ Retirement Code. Sen. Browne offered A4799 that provides for pension reform language that includes a side-by-side hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution plan for new participants. Bothe the amendment and bill were reported 21-5.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 11-24-15 and reported out the following bills:
SB 1071: Amends Titles 24 (Education), 51 (Military Affairs), and 71 (State Government) extensively revising how public pensions are managed in the commonwealth. The bill would establish a new side-by-side hybrid pension plan for SERS and PSERS, effective for most state employees hired on or after January 1, 2016 and for all school employees hired on or after July 1, 2016. The bill was reported 16-10.
HB 150: This bill directs PennDOT to design and implement a Share the Road registration plate. Sen. Rafferty offered A0662 that is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
HB 1327: Amends the Fiscal Code to extend the expiration of the State Worker’s Insurance Board power to invest money held in the State Worker’s Insurance fund. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 11-23-15 and reported out the following:
All bills were reported unanimously.
HB 347: This bill amends Title 35 (Health and Safety) by adding a section requiring insurers to pay EMS claims directly to an EMS agency for 911 calls.
HB 857: This bill amends the Insurance Company Law of 1921 to extend the life of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through December 31, 2017.
HB 1332: This bill amends the PSERS and SERS retirement codes to make several technical changes to the administration of the pension systems in order to comply with federal rules imposed under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). Failure to comply with IRC rules before January, 2016 would result in the loss of tax deferred status for PSERS and SERS, and member’s contributions and interest would become immediately taxable.
HB 1603: This bill amends the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (“UIFSA”) to bring Pennsylvania into compliance with uniform laws regarding interstate and international jurisdiction of family support orders.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 11-17-15 and reported out the following bills:
SB 912: This bill provides the 2015-16 non-preferred appropriation for Penn State University. Sen. Browne offered A4009 that increases funding for general support by 5%. The amendment was adopted 25-1 and the bill was reported unanimously.
SB 913: This bill provides the 2015-16 non-preferred appropriation for the University of Pennsylvania. Sen. Browne offered A4010 that increases funding for general support by 5%. The amendment was adopted 25-1 and the bill was reported unanimously.
SB 914: This bill provides the 2015-16 non-preferred appropriation for Temple University. Sen. Browne offered A4011 that increases funding for general support by 5%. The amendment was adopted 25-1 and the bill was reported unanimously.
SB 915: This bill provides the 2015-16 non-preferred appropriation for the University of Pittsburgh. Sen. Browne offered A4012 that increases funding for general support by 5%. The amendment was adopted 25-1 and the bill was reported unanimously.
SB 916: This bill provides the 2015-16 non-preferred appropriation for Lincoln University. Sen. Browne offered A4013 that increases funding for general support by 5%. The amendment was adopted 25-1 and the bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 11-16-15 and reported out the following bills:
SB 691: Amends the Fiscal Code by adjusting the retailer presumptive minimum cost of doing business in cigarettes formula established more than 60 years ago from 6% to 7% for retailers, who have had no cost adjustment in the history of the law. The bill was reported 23-2.
SB 859: This bill amends Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) to consolidate the Department of Corrections and the Board of Probation and Parole into a single agency called the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The bill was reported 22-3.
SB 860: This bill makes technical changes to reflect the change in name of the Department and to reflect that the Office of Victim Advocate will reside within the Department instead of the Board of Probation and Parole. The bill was reported 22-3.
HB 683: This legislation amends §1303 of the Taxpayer Relief Act by removing veterans’ disability payments from the definition of “income” that is used to determine eligibility for the Property Tax Rent/Rebate Program (PTRR). The bill was reported 25-1.
HB 934: This bill establishes the Keystone Education Yields Success Program (KEYS). The KEYS program is designed to assist eligible perspective students who are currently receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The bill was reported 24-1.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-27-15 and reported out the following bills:
HB 89: Amends the Judicial Code to provide for an increase in the mandatory retirement age for judges and magisterial district judges, from 70 to 75 years, in the event that a corresponding amendment is made to the PA Constitution. The bill was reported 24-2.
HB 90: The Constitutional Amendment would require all justices, judges, and justices of the peace to retired on the last day they are 75. The bill was reported 24-2.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-26-15 and reported out the following bills:
All bills and amendments were reported unanimously.
SB 126: The bill would require if any person wins more than $2,500, the Department of Revenue, consulting with the Administrative Office of the PA Courts to determine if the person owes any court ordered obligation prior to making any lottery winning payment. Sen. Hughes offered A3769 that provides for an administrative fee and changes the effective date.
SB 127: The bill would require the Department of Revenue to implement a State income tax refund intercept program. Sen. Hughes offered A3773 which is an omnibus amendment.
SB 201: This legislation to more closely align standards for Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation and the Pennsylvania Farmland and Forrest Land Assessment Act (Clean-and-Green) programs.
SB 489: This bill amends the Check Casher Licensing Act of 1998 to lower the fee for cashing a government check or government assistance check; to require public posting of fees and to allow recovery of losses due to fraudulent representation.
SB 731: Requires comprehensive financial reporting by the State Board of Education during the regulation process for Keystone Exams.
SB 927: This bill brings Pennsylvania in line with New Jersey in that members appointed to the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission will be required to receive confirmation by majority vote in the PA State Senate.
SB 983: This bill allows for the parent or legal guardian of adult children, as determined by the State, to apply for a special disability plate.
HB 753: This legislation creates the Long-term Care Council within the Department of Aging.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-13-15 and reported out the following bills:
SB 482: This legislation would amend the Real Estate Tax Sale Law by establishing an optional County Demolition and Rehabilitation Fund in certain counties in which the fee assessed for each property sold for delinquent taxes would be used towards the demolition/rehabilitation of dilapidated buildings on blighted properties within that county. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 239: Amends the County Pension law to provide that Cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) do not need to be applied retroactively to the date of the last COLA. Sen. Eichelberger offered A3388 that makes a technical change to the calculation of the cost of living index. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
HB 792: This legislation amends the Housing Finance Agency Law by expanding the PHARE program to all Pennsylvania communities and dedicating 40 percent of future increases in revenue collection from the Realty Transfer Tax (RTT) to the Housing Trust Fund (HTF). The bill was rpoerted unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 9-28-15 and reported out the following bills:
SB 648: Establishes a separate Snowmobile and All Terrain Vehicle Fund. Sen/ Woznaik offered A3073 which makes technical changes. The amendment was adopted unanimously and the bill was reported 20-6.
SB 772: The bill amends the Professional Psychologists Practice Act to make several revisions to licensure and practice updates to the Act. The bill was reported 26-0.
SB 898: This bill, similar to SB 899, would clarify how property tax rates must be adjusted following a countywide reassessment. These required adjustments are generally referred to as, “anti-windfall” provisions.
SB 899: This bill, similar to SB 898, would clarify how property tax rates must be adjusted following a countywide reassessment. These required adjustments are generally referred to as, “anti-windfall” provisions. The bill was reported 26-0.
SB 931: This bill amends Title 26 (Eminent Domain) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in special damages for displacement, further providing for moving and related expenses of displaced persons, for replacement housing for homeowners and for replacement housing for tenants and others. The bill was reported 26-0.
HB 823: This bill amends the Local Tax Collection Law and would remove the continuing education components of Act 164 of last session. It would also remove several other components designed to decrease fraud and conflicts of interest, increase oversight, and bring greater professionalism to tax collecting in PA. The bill was reported 25-1.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 9-16-15 and reported out the following bills:
SB 879: Establishes the PA ABLE Act. Sen. Baker offered A3326 that makes technical changes and adds a subsection pertaining to the death of a beneficiary of an ABLE account. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
SB 1000: This bill provides for a stop gap appropriation for the current budget year. The bill was reported along party lines, 16-10.
SB 1001: This bill provides for the Fiscal Code budget implementation of the stop gap budget. The bill was reported along party lines, 16-10.
HB 175: Extends the application filing deadline for the Persian Gulf Conflict Veteran’s Bonus program. Sen. Browne offered A3280 that sets the expiration date for the bond issuance authorization and provides annual reports be given the the House and Senate Appropriation Chairs. The amendment was adopted 16-10 and the bill was reported unanimously.
HB 224: Creates the Public School Web Accountability and Transparency Act. Sen. Browne offered A3334 which is an omnibus amendment providing for the distribution for community colleges. The amendment and bill were reported along party lines, 16-10.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-29-15 and reported out the following bills:
SB 928: This bill amends Title 75 (Vehicles) by raising the current minimum financial responsibility standards. Sen. Wiley offered A2625 that would raise the minimum insurance coverage requirements. The amendment was agreed to and the bill was reported 24-2.
HB 466: The bill amends the Liquor Code, privatizing the sale of liquor and wine in the Commonwealth. The bill was reported 16-10.
HB 762: Authorizes the Secretary of Education to enter into and administer membership in a regional compact and interstate reciprocity agreement for the provision of postsecondary distance education. Sen. Smucker offered A2893 that is an omnibus amendment. The amendment and bill were reported 16-10.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-23-15 and reported out the following bills:
SB 6: This legislation amends the School Code to create a new article providing for the establishment of an Achievement School District (ASD) which will operate as a statewide school district. It establishes a board of directors (7seven members), with a chairman and an executive director. Sen. Smucker offered A2539 that limits the transfer of any new eligible schools to the ASD at the end of six years unless the initial scholls in the ASD have outperformed eligible schools not transferred to the ASD and clarifies the ASD may not expand the total number permitted of schools without legislative authorization. The amendment was reported unanimously. Sen. Hughes offered A2681 that amends the bill to put more experienced teachers in the classrooms of the school designated for takeover by the ASD, the amendment failed 9-15. Sen. Hughes offered A2678 which removes schools exempted from the jurisdiction of the ASD, the amendment failed 9-15. Sen. Hughes offered A2677 that makes changes to the definition of a low performing school, the amendment failed 9-15. Sen. Hughes offered A2676 by to prohibitting the ASD or one of its contractors from waiving regulations and statutory provisions. As currently written, the bill allows the ASD broad, unchecked powers, to waive entire sections of the school code and raises serious legal questions about the ASD authority to do so, the amendment failed 9-15. Sen. Hughes offered A2667 which would guarantee admission to students who were enrolled in a school taken over by the ASD or turned over to a charter operation. Prevents ASD and charter operators from selectively enrolling a new student body, the amendment was reported unanimously. The bill was reported as amended 15-9.
SB 104: Amends the Public School Code to create a Dual Enrollment Expansion Task Force to study dual enrollment and advanced placement opportunities to explore how students can earn college credits while still in high school. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 404: This bill creates the Correctional Officers Investigation Procedure Act to establish guidelines and procedures during the investigation and interrogation of correctional officers by the Department of Corrections. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 566: This legislation amends the Housing Finance Agency Law by expanding the PHARE program to all Pennsylvania communities and dedicating 40 percent of future increases in revenue collection from the Realty Transfer Tax (RTT) to the Housing Trust Fund (HTF). HTF would be capped at $25 million per year. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 652: This legislation exempts all active duty military personnel from local earned income tax. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 400: This bill creates the Work Experience for High School Students with Disabilities Act with the aim of successfully transitioning high school students with disabilities into the workforce. Sen. Baker offered A2587 which is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-23-15 and reported out the following bills:
SB 912: Non-preferred appropriation for Penn State University. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 913: Non-preferred appropriation for the University of Pennsylvania. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 914: Non-preferred appropriation for Temple University. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 915: Non-preferred appropriation for the University of Pittsburgh. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 916: Non-preferred appropriation for Lincoln University. The bill was reported unanimously.
HB 762: Authorizes the Secretary of Education to enter into and administer membership in a regional compact and interstate reciprocity agreement for the provision of postsecondary distance education. The bill was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-22-15 and reported out the following bills:
HB 189: The legislation allows for the direct shipment of wine from wineries, in and out-of-state or from another country, who obtain a direct wine shipper license. Sen. Browne offered A2332 that would exempt certain special liquor orders from the 10% licensee discount. The amendment was agreed to. Sen. Hughes offered A2282 that provides for the collection of a portion of the local Philadelphia sales tax on direct shipments and replaces the wine excise tax with a 12% direct wine shipment tax. The amendment failed 10-15 and the bill was reported from committee 22-3.
SB 430: This bill amends Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) to expand the Statewide Intermediate Punishment Program to include offenses committed because of gambling addiction.
The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 524: This bill establishes the Non-narcotic Medication Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Program. Sen. Scarnati offered A1735 that makes the program a pilot program limited to 2015-16 fiscal year. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
SB 533: The bill establishes criteria in the disposition of contraband left in the possession of probation and parole agencies. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 609: This bill establishes a task force on prostate cancer and related chronic prostate conditions. This act shall be known as the Prostate Cancer Surveillance, Education, Detection and Treatment Act. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 655: This bill extends the sunset date for the State Workers’ Insurance Fund to invest in equities to June 30, 2019 (currently expires June 30, 2015). The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 747: The bill amends the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act by requiring the Insurance Commissioner to conduct a study on punitive damages. Sen. Corman offered A2376 that changes limitation from 200% to 250%. The amendment was agreed to and the bill was reported 21-4.
SB 811: This is the Capital Budget Act for the 2015-16 fiscal year. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 812: This legislation would make an appropriation from the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account and from restricted revenue accounts within the General Fund to the Department of State for operations. Sen. Hughes offered and amendment to reflect the Governor’s spring update adjustments. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
SB 813: Senate bill 813 provides for appropriations from the Workmen’s Compensation Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry, the Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund (UEGF), and to the Office of the Small Business Advocate within the Department of Community and Economic Development. Sen. Hughes offered and amendment to reflect the Governor’s spring update adjustments. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
SB 813: Senate bill 813 provides for appropriations from the Workmen’s Compensation Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry, the Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund (UEGF), and to the Office of the Small Business Advocate within the Department of Community and Economic Development. Sen. Hughes offered and amendment to reflect the Governor’s spring update adjustments. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
SB 814: Senate Bill 814, Printer’s Number 873 makes an appropriation from the restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Office of the Small Business Advocate in the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Sen. Hughes offered and amendment to reflect the Governor’s spring update adjustments. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
SB 815: This legislation would make an appropriation from the restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Office of Consumer Advocate in the Office of the Attorney General. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 816: Senate Bill 816 appropriates $43,777,000 from the Public School Employees’ Retirement Fund to the Public School Employees’ Retirement Board. Sen. Hughes offered and amendment to reflect the Governor’s spring update adjustments. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
SB 817: Senate Bill811 appropriates $23,592,000 from the State Employees’ Retirement
Fund to the State Employees’ Retirement Board. Sen. Hughes offered and amendment to reflect the Governor’s spring update adjustments. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
SB 818: Senate Bill 818, Printer’s Number 877 makes an appropriation from the Philadelphia Taxicab and Limousine Regulatory Fund and Philadelphia Taxicab Medallion Fund to the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) for its responsibilities under Title 53, Chapter 57 (Taxicabs and Limousines in First Class Cities). The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 819: Senate Bill 819, Printer’s Number 878 makes an appropriation from the restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Office of the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Sen. Hughes offered and amendment to reflect the Governor’s spring update adjustments. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
SB 820: This bill appropriates funds from the State Gaming Fund and restricted revenue accounts within the State Gaming Fund to the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Revenue, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Gaming Control for costs related to oversight of the gaming industry. Sen. Hughes offered and amendment to reflect the Governor’s spring update adjustments. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-15-15 and reported out the following bills:
All bills and amendments were reported unanimously.
SB 129: This legislation clarifies how COLA’s are calculated for county pension plans.
SB 202: This bill amends the Uniform Crime Reporting Act, to require institutions of higher learning to report the number of sexual assaults that occur on campus and to provide certain information to students and victims.
SB 299: This bill allows municipalities to provide volunteer firefighters and EMTs with a waiver from the local Earned Income Tax. Sen. Hughes offered A2133 that allows an injured active volunteer to extend the tax credit for five years.
SB 307: This bill requires DEP to appoint an independent counsel to the Environmental Quality Board. Sen. Hughes offered A2155 which allows the grants to be used for training and education of the general public regarding fire prevention.
SB 370: This extends the grant eligibility period for consolidated volunteer fire companies and ambulance services.
SB 862: This legislation would amend the Public School Code to coordinate with child abuse clearance changes made in the Child Protective Services Law. Sen. Smucker offered A2095 which is technical.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-9-15 and reported out the following bills:
SB 356: This legislation defines “farmer” and “farming operations” for the purpose of declaring and filing earned Income Tax. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 398: This bill amends Title 20 to further indicate organ or tissue donation on a driver’s license or identification card. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 663: This bill amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) to allow for the termination of the parental rights of a father who is convicted of rape of the mother of the child. Sen. Vulokivich offered A1904 which is technical. Sen. Hughes offered A1920 which enumerates rape and incest offenses and makes various technical changes. The amendments and bill were reported unanimously.
SB 683: This bill addresses the collection and testing of DNA evidence by police. The bill was reported 23-3.
HB 911: This bill updates and modernizes the 911 Public Safety Emergency Telephone Act and improve the 911 calling system. Sen. Mensch offered A1981 which is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-1-15 and reported out the following bills:
All bills and amendments were reported unanimously.
SB 305: The bill amends the Pharmacy Act, allowing pharmacists the ability to administer influenza vaccinations to children over the age of 9 with parental consent.
SB 329: This bill amends the Public School Code by creating the Ready to Succeed Scholarship Act (currently only in place for one year).
SB 352: This legislation establishes the State Racing Commission as a commission within the Department of Agriculture to regulate the operations of horse racing and conduct of wagering.
SB 396: This legislation reconstitutes the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council for a period of four years. Currently, the council is operating under an Executive Order. The previous law had expired on June 30, 2014.
SB 486: This legislation would amend the Recorder of Deeds Fee Law by allowing an optional special deed and mortgage recording fee of $15 to be collected to go towards blight in certain counties. Sen. Costa offered A1606, a technical amendment that would provide for the definition of blighted.
SB 590: This bill clarifies the State-Owned University Intellectual Property Act.
SB 655: This bill extends the sunset date for the State Workers’ Insurance Fund to invest in equities to June 30, 2019 (currently expires June 30, 2015).
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 5-12-15 and reported out the following bills:
SB 514: This bill amends the Generic Equivalent Drug Law to provide for the substitution of an interchangeable biological product for a brand name biologic product. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 1: This bill is the proposed Senate Republican pension reform legislation. Democratic senators provided plenty of arguments against the bill including, constitutionality, transparency of process, and insufficient funding of the proposal. Sen. Hughes made a motion to table the bill, the motion failed along party lines 10-14. The bill was reported out of committee along party lines 14-10.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met Monday, May 04, 2015 and reported the following bills out of committee:
As Committed
SR 27 (Kitchen): A resolution authorizing a study of youth immunizations and vaccinations by the Joint State Government Commission
SB 284 (Baker): Provides for special motorcycle plates for veterans and directs $15 of the fee to the Veterans’ Trust Fund.
SB 285 (Baker): Provides for the Veterans’ Trust Fund to receive $15 from the “Honoring Our Veterans” special motorcycle registration license plate.
SB 442 (Argall): Establishes a new free-standing act entitled the Taxpayer-Funded Advertising Transparency Act.
HB 221 (Caltagirone): Amends the municipal Police Officers Education and Training Act and the Judicial Code to ensure that municipal police officers and magisterial district judges receive training regarding persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and autism.
As Amended
SB 3 (Folmer): Enables the Medical Cannabis Act. The amendment makes technical changes and makes prohibitions against the Medical Assistance program and private health insurers reimbursing for the costs of medical cannabis and clarifies that the state appropriation is an appropriation and loan from the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account under the Department of State which will be repaid within five (5) days. The amendment and the bill as amended were approved by a vote 21-4.
SB 644 (Folmer): Requires the Independent Fiscal Office to provide cost analyses for proposed collective bargaining agreements under the Governor’s jurisdiction. The amendment requires that the administration provide the IFO a detailed cost analysis comparing current to proposed collective bargaining agreements and any information that the director needs to complete the analysis. The Amendment was adopted 25-0 and the bill as amended was approved 15-10 along party lines.
SB 645 (Stefano): Provides for public notice of collective bargaining agreements prior to approval. The amendment limits notice requirements to public employers, requires public employers without a website to publish the required notice one-time and makes technical changes. Both the amendment and the bill as amended were approved along party lines, 15-10.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met April 13, 2015 and reported the following bills from Committee:
As Committed
Senate Bill 487 (McIlhinney): Establishes limits on certain health insurance copayments.
Senate Bill 494 (Ward): Amends the Flood Insurance Education and Information Act to repeal presentment of annual flood insurance report to the General Assembly.
House Bill 159 (Kampf): Allows medical malpractice reciprocal insurance exchanges to reorganize and convert into stock insurance companies.
As Amended
House Bill 152 (Tallman): Extends the application deadline for authorized surviving family members of a deceased emergency and law enforcement member to apply for the death benefit. The bill was amended in committee to make technical changes and increases the window for application for death benefits from 3 years to 4 years.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 3-3-15 and reported out the following bills:
SR 28: A Concurrent Resolution to establish a Joint Select Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives to study tax exemptions for institutions of purely public charity. The resolution was reported unanimously.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met Monday, February 23, 2015 and reported the following bills out of committee:
As Committed
Senate Bill 9 (Stefano): This bill creates the Proof of Citizenship for Receipt of Public Benefits Act. The bill was reported out of committee, 23-3.
Senate Bill 287 (Rafferty): Grants veto power to the Governor of Pennsylvania over actions of Pennsylvania’s Commissioners on the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) Board. The bill was reported out of committee unanimously.
As Amended
Senate Bill 286 (Rafferty): Amends Act 200 of 1931, which provided for Pennsylvania to enter into a compact with the State of New Jersey to establish the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA). Senator Rafferty offered Amendment A00174, which clarifies provisions relating to payment of tolls by commission personnel by providing for an exemption. The amendment was adopted and the bill was reported as amended.
Senate Bill 385 (Pileggi): Reforms and modernizes the Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) Act and provides for an additional funding mechanism under the act. Senator Browne offered Amendment A00168, which made a technical change. The amendment was adopted and the bill was reported as amended.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met Tuesday, February 17, 2015 and reported the following bills from committee:
As Committed
Senate Bill 166 (Greenleaf): Amends Title 18 providing for expungement of criminal history record.
Senate Bill 293 (Eichelberger): An Act regulating navigators and assisters in education and promotion of health insurance exchanges. Senator Costa offered Amendment A00139, which would have changed the effective date of the legislation. The Amendment was defeated 10-16.
Senate Bill 397 (Alloway): Amends Title 42 providing for authorization to conduct business within each county, for forfeited undertaking and for private cause of action.
As Amended
Senate Bill 279 (Hutchinson): Establishes the PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council. Senator Leach offered Amendment A00053, which added two representatives to the Council appointed by the Governor. The amendment was defeated 10-16.Senator Costa offered Amendment A0059, which adds the Secretary of Environmental Protection to the list of individuals who receive the Council’s annual report. The Amendment was agreed to.
The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 1-27-15 and reported out the following bills:
SB 4: This legislation amends the PA Constitution giving the General Assembly exclusive power in writing laws providing for the qualifications of institutions of purely public charity. Constitutional Amendments must pass in consecutive sessions before being placed on the ballot. Last session this measure passed the Senate 30-20 and in the House 118-82. Senator Costa made a motion to table the bill for further hearings on the bill. The motion failed 10-16. The bill was reported from committee 14-12.
SB 283: This bill is Joint Resolution proposing integrated amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, eliminating the Traffic Court of Philadelphia. Constitutional Amendments must pass in consecutive sessions before being placed on the ballot. Last session this measure passed the Senate unanimously and in the House 117-81. The bill was reported unanimously.
SB 301: This bill consolidates various statutes into Title 2 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. Title 2 will be known as the Administrative Procedure Code. The bill was reported unanimously