SB 733, PN 1324 (Browne) – This is the Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund Capital Budget Itemization Act for 2019. This legislation appropriates $2,000,000 annually for a period of 10 years from the Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund within the Department of Community and Economic Development. Senate concurred in House amendments. A vote of 49-0 was recorded.
SB 352, PN 1192 (J. Ward) – This legislation establishes the Tax Exemption and Mixed-Use Incentive Program Act. This program would allow local taxing authorities to provide for tax exemption incentives for improvements and new construction in deteriorated areas of communities including industrial, commercial, business and residential properties. The bill would also allow for mixed-use housing and development in accordance with zoning ordinances within designated areas. A vote of 49-0 was recorded.
HB 374, PN 2062 (Everett) – Establishes the Pennsylvania Keystone Tree Restricted Account and adds a $3 voluntary donation option on driver’s license and vehicle registration applications. A vote of 49-0 was recorded.
HB 407, PN 878 (Masser) – Amends Title 1, Section 1991 to create a standard definition for the term “blighted property”, which would apply whenever the term is used in any statute enacted after September 1, 1937, unless clearly stated otherwise. A vote of 49-0 was recorded.
SB 819, PN 1126 (Mensch) – This bill updates the Older Adult Protective Services Act (OAPSA) by repealing and replacing Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7 and 51 of the act of November 6, 1987 (P.L.381, No.79). The bill updates the existing automatic employment bans ruled unconstitutional by Commonwealth v. Peake and includes a waiver request process to comply with the ruling. It provides new prevention measures for financial exploitation of older adults. It also cleans/clarifies existing statutory provisions. A vote of 49-0 was recorded.
SB 74, PN 339 (Martin) – This bill would allow companies to apply for a tax credit by making an eligible donation to a Pennsylvania pediatric cancer research hospital. The tax credit would be capped at $10 million annually and be in effect for 10 years. Senator Browne offered amendment A03517 which makes technical corrections and adds provisions to the bill to make it consistent with other tax credits such as; Carryover/Carryback, Pass Through and Sale or Assignment provisions. The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote and the bill was rereferred to the Appropriations committee.
SB 905, PN 1325 (Browne) – Senate Bill 905 is the Capital Budget Project Itemization Act of 2019- 2020. This legislation itemizes capital projects in the aggregate amount of $9,261,558,000. The bill also establishes the categories under which capital projects may be funded, in part or in whole, through the issuance of general obligation debt or current revenue. Of the authorizations in this bill, $9,240,558,000 would be funded by the incurring of debt, $21,000,000 would be funded from current revenues and $500,000 would be funded from debt or current revenues. Section 7(a)(4) of Article VIII of the Constitution of Pennsylvania requires the itemization of all capital projects before being paid for by the commonwealth. Senate Bill 905 provides for these itemizations. Funding decisions and related debt issuance are made outside of this legislation. Senator Hughes offered amendment A03593 which makes additional project allocations. Senator Browne offered amendment A03586 which adds projects at State System universities and in Somerset and Monroe Counties. The amendments were agreed to by a voice vote and the bill went over in its order.
SB 421, PN 1330 (Boscola) – This bill amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to remove the straight party voting option from all general election ballots. Senate concurred in House amendments. A vote of 35-14 was recorded.
SB 841, PN 1338 (Martin) – This bill would provide for the establishment of the Health Care Cost Containment Council in Pennsylvania. Senator Pittman offered amendment A03603 which sets a five year expiration date. The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote and the bill went over in its order.
SB 919, PN 1291 (Yaw) – Establishes the Firefighting Foam Management Act which prohibits using firefighting foam that contains PFAS chemicals for testing or training. Senator Collett offered amendment A03613 which would provide that manufacturers of class B firefighter foam that contains a PFAS chemical would not be restricted from civil liability. The amendment failed by a vote of 22-27. A vote of 40-9 was recorded.
SB 694, PN 1284 (Yaw) – Amends the Oil and Gas Act to allow for cross unit natural gas drilling. Senate concurred in House amendments. A vote of 49-0 was recorded.