SB 65, PN 486 (Baker) – Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in licensing of drivers, further providing for schedule of convictions and points; in rules of the road in general, further providing for meeting or overtaking school bus; and imposing penalties. A vote of 50-0 was recorded.
SB 241, PN 194 (Coleman) – Amends the Liquor Code to expunge the citations of licensees that failed to comply with an Executive Order or Public Health Order during the COVID-19 pandemic. A vote of 28-22 was recorded.
SB 381, PN 1157 (Mastriano) – Amends 35 (Health and Safety) to prohibit recipients of Commonwealth funds from directly supporting certain medically unnecessary research on animal subjects, and other provisions related to animal testing (“Beagle Bill”). A vote of 50-0 was recorded.
SB 713, PN 1152 (Farry) – Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to allow public transportation vehicles to carry illuminated signs on the rear or side of the vehicle. A vote of 28-22 was recorded.
SB 952, PN 1153 (Picozzi) – Amends Title 74 (Transportation) regarding public transportation performance criteria and reporting as well as public transportation public-private partnership projects.
Senator Saval offered amendment A01691 which takes HB 1788, which passed the House on August 11 and adds all of HB 1788 into SB 952. The amendment makes the following changes:
- Increases the Sales and Use Tax transfer to the Public Transportation Trust Fund to 6.15%. Allows PennDot Secretary to adjust and hold harmless the increase in the local match for five years.
- Allows the Commonwealth Financing Authority to issue up to $325,000,0000 in bonds for road and bridge projects.
- Creates the “Three and Four Digit State Route Account” in the Motor License Fund and directs $150,000,000 to be transferred from the Motor License Fund into the Three and Four Digit State Route Account this fiscal year and $125,000,000 next fiscal year.
- PennDot must establish minimum performance standards for SEPTA and PRT to improve fare evasion and public-private transportation partnerships and bus routes.
- Legislative Budget and Finance Committee will be required to do a performance audit of SEPTA and PRT on at least an annual basis.
- SEPTA and PRT must submit at least on project involving on transportation facility to the Public-Private Partnership Board within 90 days.
- Allows public transportation vehicles to carry illuminated signs or surface to display advertising or public information.
Senator Pittman motioned to table the amendment. The motion was approved by a vote of 26-24. The bill was approved by a vote of 26-24.