SB 1286, PN 1681 (J. Ward) – This bill establishes an enhanced penalty for the offense of careless driving resulting in unintentional death. A vote of 34-16 was recorded.
SB 1294, PN 1682 (J. Ward) – This bill amends the Private Licensed Schools Act to increase tenfold the maximum civil penalty for private licensed schools who violate the act or operate without a proper license.
Senator J. Ward offered amendment A03272 which provides that the board may, by a majority vote of its statutorily authorized membership, levy a civil penalty of up to $25,000 on any person who provides entry level driver training without being properly licensed under this act. The amendment was approved by a vote of 27-23. The bill was approved by a vote of 48-2.
SB 1298, PN 1616 (Langerholc) – The bill expands exemptions from emissions testing for newer vehicles and directs the Commonwealth to scale back or eliminate emissions inspection programs in certain counties, subject to federal approval and funding constraints.
Senator Langerholc offered amendment A03248 which provides for the revised state implementation plan. The Department of Environmental Protection would initiate the process of removing the counties that were subjected to the enhanced vehicle emission inspection and maintenance program on May 1, 2026, from the enhanced vehicle emission inspection and maintenance program. The amendment was approved by a vote of 27-23. The bill was approved by a vote of 29-21.
SB 375, PN 1539 (Brown) – This bill repeals the sections of the school code that currently cover CPR and AEDs and consolidates them into new sections with heightened requirements. Senate concurred in House amendments. A vote of 48-2 was recorded.
SB 822, PN 881 (Langerholc) – Reiterates the state’s preemption of municipal regulation of firearms, allows any legal firearm owner in Pennsylvania or member organizations that represent them to sue municipalities for firearm ordinances, and provides for municipalities to pay legal fees to such plaintiffs. A vote of 30-20 was recorded.
SB 1295, PN 1599 (J. Ward) – This bill provides for an English proficiency standard for the testing and licensing of commercial motor vehicle operators, as well as sets an English proficiency requirement for the operation of a commercial motor vehicle. A vote of 32-18 was recorded.
The Senate confirmed the following executive nominations by a vote of 49-1:
Allen J. DiMarco, Pennsylvania Game Commission (reappointment)
Haley J. Sanky, Pennsylvania Game Commission (reappointment)