SB 299, PN 1636 (Alloway) – This bill amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to allow incumbents seeking reelection to the office of district justice to get on the ballot by filing a certificate instead of collecting signatures. Senator Tartaglione offered amendment A07503, which prohibits a sitting magisterial district judge from challenging the nominating petition of another candidate if the sitting judge opts to file a certificate of nomination for reelection. The amendment was approved by a vote of 46-3 and the bill went over in its order as amended.
SB 655, PN 993 (Yaw) – This legislation amends The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, by creating opioid prescription guidelines. Senator Yaw offered amendment A07504, which clarifies that the Pennsylvania Safe and Effective Opioid Prescribing Advisory Council established in the bill bill will be deemed a Commonwealth for purposes of the Right-to-Know Law. The amendment was agreed to via voice vote. Senator Killion offered amendment A07454, which adds four additional members to the advisory council. This amendment was also approved via voice vote and the bill went over in its order as amended.
HB 824, PN 902 (Saylor) – This legislation amends Title 51 (Military Affairs) by adding Chapter 98, the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. This is a program designed for individuals aged 16-18 who have terminated their attendance at a secondary school without achieving graduation. The program will be a 22 week residential program with a 12 month post-residential mentoring period. The program focuses on having the individual achieve a GED, as well as receive instruction on life skills, employment potential, leadership development and the like. Senator Vulakovich offered amendment A03770, which clarifies the definition of “institution of higher education,” provides for electronic posting of program guidelines and provides for an annual audit. The amendment was agreed to via voice vote and the bill went over in its order as amended.
SB 1129, PN 1822 (DiSanto) – Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) to provide for a continuing education requirement for judges to identify indigent individuals. The bill was approved, 49-0.
SB 1156, PN 1793 (Mensch) – Designates a bridge on that portion of Pennsylvania Route 100 over the Schuylkill River in Pottstown Borough, Montgomery County, as the “Newstell Marable, Sr., Memorial Bridge.” Senator Rafferty offered amendment A07369, which was technical in nature. The amendment was agreed to via voice vote and the bill went over in its order as amended.
SB 780, PN 1709 (Vogel) – Establishes the Telemedicine Act, and provides for the definition of, and guidelines for, the remote delivery of health care services and medical information via telecommunication technology. Senator Vogel offered amendment A07424, which makes clarification and technical changes to the Telemedicine Act. The amendment was approved 49-0 and the bill was agreed to as amended, moving it up on the calendar. The bill was then re-referred to Appropriations.