Hughes: ‘Austere’ Budget Takes Steps to Move PA Forward

HARRISBURG, June 30, 2017 — The Pennsylvania Senate today approved a $31.99 billion state budget plan that, although austere, will move Pennsylvania forward, according to state Sen. Vincent Hughes, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This...

Senate Democratic Wrap-up for the Week of June 25, 2017

The Senate voted 43-7 for House Bill 218, which is the $31.9 billion General Appropriation Bill for the 2017-18 fiscal year. This amount is an increase of $54 million over the fiscal 2016-17 budget. Notable appropriations in this year’s budget include: $2 billion in...

Post Session Report :: Thursday, June 29, 2017

Thursday, June 29, 2017 HB 423, PN 439 (Gabler) – This bill creates a process for filling vacancies in second class townships (supervisor, tax collector, auditor, or any person elected to serve in office).  A vote of 50-0 was recorded. HB 424, PN 440 (Benninghoff) –...

Post Session Report ::Wednesday, June 28, 2017

SB 680 PN 1028 (Browne):  This bill appropriates the administrative costs of the State Employees Retirement System (SERS) for the 2017-18 fiscal year. The bill was approved 50-0. SB 681 PN 1029 (Browne):   This bill appropriates the administrative costs of the Public...

Post Session Report :: Tuesday, June 27, 2017

SB 560 PN 936 (Greenleaf): This bill amends Titles 18 (Crimes & Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) to expand the scope of permissible audio and video recording by law enforcement officers and to allow for public access to those recordings.  The...

Post Session Report :: Monday, June 26, 2017

Monday, June 26, 2017 HB 283, PN 269 (Baker) – House Bill 283 amends Act 46 of 2016 to correctly designate the overpass on State Route 15 over State Route 49 in Lawrence Township, Tioga County, as the Lance Corporal Michael G. Plank Memorial Bridge.  A vote of 50-0...

Senate Democratic Wrap-up for the Week of June 18, 2017

The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 168, which outlaws misrepresenting one’s military service or honors to benefit themselves. This bill makes it a third-degree misdemeanor to falsely present oneself as a member of the military, veteran or recipient of any...

Post Session Report :: Wednesday, June 21, 2017

SB 178 PN 551 (Scavello): This bill amends Title 37 (Historical and Museums) to update procedures for selling or disposing of abandoned property on loan to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; further provides for access to older records; and designates...

Post Session Report :: Tuesday, June 20, 2017

HB 168 PN 132 (Saccone): This bill amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) to prohibit the fraudulent representation of military service or military decorations to obtain money, property, or other benefits.   The bill was approved 49-0. SB 180 PN 923 (Greenleaf): This...