Monday, July 13, 2015
SB 404, PN 894 (Argall) – This bill creates the Correctional Officers Investigation Procedure Act to establish guidelines and procedures during the investigation and interrogation of correctional officers by the Department of Corrections. Senator Baker offered amendment A02723, which would exclude whistleblower information from being released to any officer subject to a complaint, and clearly states that a collective bargaining agreement will take precedence if there is a conflict between an existing collective bargaining agreement and the rights provided for in this bill. The amendment was approved (unanimous).
SB 430, PN 993 (Hughes) – This bill amends Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) to expand the Statewide Intermediate Punishment Program to include offenses committed because of gambling addiction. A vote of 47-0 was recorded.
SB 474, PN 419 (Rafferty) – SB 474 adds the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the list of gubernatorial appointments that need confirmation by the Senate. A vote of 33-14 was recorded.
SB 683, PN 672 (Pileggi) – This bill amends Title 44 (Law and Justice) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to expand the list of eligible criminal offenses for which DNA testing is required; expand DNA testing to certain arrested individuals; codify accreditation requirements for forensic DNA testing laboratories; clarify existing language to ensure the privacy and proper use of DNA records; authorize the use of modified DNA searches to assist investigators in identifying unknown crime scene DNA profiles; and require the expungement of DNA records of exonerated individuals. A vote of 33-14 was recorded.
SB 890, PN 1041 (Blake) – SB 890 designates the bridge on Harrison Ave. over Roaring Brook in Scranton, Lackawanna County as the Colonel Frank Duffy Memorial Bridge. A vote of 47-0 was recorded.