Senate Democratic Wrap-up for the week of June 7, 2015

  The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 293, which regulates so-called navigators who provide information and advice on health insurance enrollment options. Called the “Navigator Accessibility and Regulation Act,” the measure requires those who help enroll...

Post Session Report :: Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Wednesday, June 3, 2015 SB 78, PN 54 (Alloway) – Amends section 102 of the Act of December 7, 1982 ( P.L. 784 No. 225 ) known as the “Dog Law.”  A vote of 49-0 was recorded. SB 294, PN 851 (Eichelberger) – This bill amends Titles 18 Crimes and Offenses) and 22...

Post Session Report :: Tuesday, June 2, 2015

SB 305 PN 751 (McGarrigle): Amends the Pharmacy Act, further providing for the authority to administer injectable medications, biologicals and immunizations. The bill was approved, 49-0. SB 490 PN 853 (Baker): Amends Title 35 in Pennsylvania Emergency Management...

Post Session Report :: Monday, June 1, 2015

Monday, June 1, 2015 SB 695, PN 682 (Scarnati) – This bill amends Title 65 (Public Officers) to require the Department of State to post all lobbying disclosure forms on its website within seven days of receipt of filing.  A vote of 47-0 was recorded. SB 538, PN 519...

Senate Democratic Wrap-up for the Week of May 31, 2015

  The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 78, which would protect animals from kennel owners and their family members who have an animal cruelty record. Under this legislation, applicants applying for a kennel license would have to prove that family members...

New, Tough Campaign Finance Law Needed to Thwart Outside Money Influence

Op-ed by Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa

On the ballot this year are three critical seats on the state Supreme Court, one seat each on the Superior and Commonwealth courts as well as county row offices and municipal posts which influence how citizens are judged or represented.  These races are of statewide interest and local importance.

Despite the parochial nature of most municipal elections, there is a great likelihood that the election of state Supreme Court justices, Superior and Commonwealth Court judges and the contests for down-ballot offices this year will attract millions of dollars from outside interest groups and well-heeled out-of-state contributors.  These “investors” believe that they can influence state policy with their checkbooks. Much of that funding will be either unreported or under-reported.

Post Session Report :: Wednesday, May 13, 2015

SB 1 PN 886 (Corman): This bill amends Title 24 (Education) relating to the Public School Employees’ Retirement Code and Title 71 (State Government) relating to the State Employees’ Retirement Code. The bill was approved 28-19. SB 514 PN 509 (Vance): Amends the...

Post Session Report :: Tuesday, May 12, 2015

SB 3 PN 889 (Folmer): An Act providing for the medical use of cannabis in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The bill was approved 40-7. SB 284 PN 783 (Baker): Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) further providing for special motorcycle plates for veterans. The bill was...

Post Session Report :: Monday, May 11, 2015

Monday, May 11, 2015 SB 3, PN 840 (Folmer) – This bill creates the Medical Cannabis Act to provide for the legalization of medical cannabis for a variety of qualified medical conditions. The medical uses include using extracted oil, nebulizers, ointments, and...

Senate Democratic Wrap-up for the Week of May 10, 2015

  In a 28-19 party line vote, the Senate approved Senate Bill 1, which would have changed the public pension system for teachers and state workers. The proposal would have created a 401k-style pension system for newly hired employees who are members of either the...