SB 467 PN 1181 (Pisciottano): Releases Project 70 restrictions on lands owned by the Pa. Turnpike Commission in the Borough of West Mifflin, Allegheny County. The bill was concurred in House Amendments, 47-0.
HB 17 PN 2 (Watro): Amends the Public School Code to require instruction in cursive handwriting or joined italics to be taught in the appropriate grade levels. The bill was approved 42-5.
SB 1090 PN 1311 (Pennycuick): ): Provides for the definition of an AI companion and requires the disclosure of its non-human status to safeguard uses, particularly minors, and further precent the encouragement of self-harm or explicit conduct on its platform. Sen. Pennycuick offered Amendment A02342, which changes the trigger for when an operator must provide safeguards for minors and the general disclosure that AI companions may not be suitable for some minors. Also clarifies that the civil penalty is in addition to other penalties under law. The amendment was adopted and the bill went over as amended.
SB 116 PN 1420 (Argall): Amends the Public School Code to provide for an elective credit for employment at a congregate care facility. This bill was approved, 47-0.
SB 974 PN 1115 (Hutchinson): Amends the Public School Code to permit community education councils to be eligible to receive a grant award from the Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program. The bill was approved, 47-0.
SB 1014 PN 1421 (Robinson): Amends the Public School Code to require schools to adopt a policy banning students’ use of mobile devices during the entire school day. Sen. Keefer offered Amendment A02461, which removes language requiring the opportunity for public comment which specifically includes feedback from parents and guardians and employes and employer representative organizations. The amendment was defeated by a vote of 4-43. Senator Keefer also offered Amendment A02463, which changes the heading of the provision from “Bell-to-bell phone-free policy” to “Mobile device policy”. The amendment was defeated by a vote of 1-46. The bill was approved, 46-1.