Transportation 2023-2024

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The Senate Transportation Committee met March 1, 2023 to consider the following

Senate Bill 191 (Hutchinson) – Requires PennDOT to maintain all stormwater facilities connected to state highways in certain boroughs and incorporated towns

• Reported from Committee unanimously (14-0)

Senate Bill 298 (Robinson) – Permits doorless driving for Jeep and Bronco owners

• A00093 (Langerholc) – Clarifies the vehicle must be registered under Section 1301 (relating to registration and certificate of title required); the vehicle shall have side mirrors if the dorrs are removed; the doors must be attached for inspection purposes under Section 4702 (relating to requirement for periodic inspection of vehicles); and, requires all occupants to wear a seatbelt
  • Amendment adopted unanimously
• Bill as amended was reported from Committee unanimously (14-0)

Senate Bill 453 (Phillips-Hill and Langerholc) – Provides technical changes to address recent DUI court cases and improves the ignition interlock process enacted via Act 33 of 2016

• Reported from Committee unanimously (14-0)

Senate Bill 459 (Rothman) – Authorizes local police officers to utilize radar for speed enforcement, and equips the PSP with moving radar

• A00088 (Rothman) – Stipulates no person may be convicted in a school zone or active work zone unless the speed recorded is six or more miles per hour in excess of the speed limit.
  • Amendment adopted unanimously
• Bill as amended was reported from Committee unanimously (14-0)

Senate Bill 154 (Langerholc) – Designates the following in Cambria County: East Taylor Veterans Memorial Bridge, the Officer Matthew Krupa Memorial Bridge, and the Senior Chief Stanley “Stush” Kubat, Jr., Memorial Bridge

• Bill as amended was reported from Committee unanimously (14-0)

Senate Bill 443 (Langerholc) – Designates the PVT Donald D. Marsh Memorial Bridge in Cambria County

• Bill as amended was reported from Committee unanimously (14-0)

The Senate Transportation Committee met January 9th, 2023 at 1:25 PM in the Rules Room to consider five bills. The votes were as follows:

Senate Bill 35 (Langerholc) – Removes language set forth in Act 89 indexing the gas tax to the actual average wholesale price of gasoline (with a floor of $2.99 per gallon), replacing this with a flat rate of $0.58 per gallon (in line with an average wholesale price of $2.99 per gallon).

• Chairman Flynn made a motion to go over Senate Bills 35 and 121, which was defeated by a party-line vote (9-5) with all Democrats supporting the motion.
• Senator Brewster then noted the lack of vetting of Senate Bill 35, as well as the broad implications that this would have on transportation infrastructure.
• Chairman Flynn asserted that he would support the bill, but also implored the Chair to work with all members to properly develop alternative funding mechanisms for transportation programs.
• Senator L. Williams echoed the comments offered by Senators Brewster and Flynn, and she noted that constituents want safe roads along with lower gas prices.
• Senate Bill 35 was reported from Committee by a vote of 11-3, with Senators Brewster, Kearney, and L. Williams voting in the negative.

Senate Bill 121 (Langerholc) – Introduces a declining cap in the annual transfer from the Motor License Fund to Pennsylvania State Police highway safety operations starting at $250 million in FY 2023/24, with subsequent $50 million reductions each fiscal year until it is entirely phased out in FY 2028/29.

• Again, Chairman Flynn made a motion to go over this bill along with Senate Bill 35 that was defeated at the outset of the meeting.
• Senator Brewster offered support for moving away from using the Motor License Fund to support Pennsylvania State Police operations, but noted that this idea was lacking funding to offset the Motor License Fund and should be part of the budget process.
• Chairman Flynn largely echoed Senator Brewster’s comments, adding that the General Assembly could commit to funding Pennsylvania State Police solely out of the General Fund without the bill and the incoming Governor should have a say in these decisions.
• Senate Bill 121 was reported from Committee by a vote of 9-5, with all Democratic Senators voting in the negative.

Senate Bill 95 (Langerholc) – Authorizes the transportation of agricultural products to residences via a truck bearing a farm vehicle registration plate, and further allows both the registrant or an employee to operate the vehicle.

• Senate Bill 95 was reported from Committee unanimously (14-0).

Senate Bill 96 (Langerholc) – Makes several designations in Cambria County related to individuals serving in World War II.

• Senate Bill 96 was reported from Committee unanimously (14-0).

Senate Bill 122 (Langerholc) – Makes several designations in Cambria County related to individuals serving in the Vietnam War.

• Senate Bill 122 was reported from Committee unanimously (14-0).