Senate Accomplishments
Bills Passed/Other Action
2007 - 2008

Enacting a Responsible State Budget | Reforming State Government | Easing the Tax Burden | Supporting Education | Improving Emergency Response | Protecting Children and Families | Strengthening Consumer Protection | Improving Health Care | Reducing Government Regulation | Fighting Crime | Supporting Farmers | Assisting Military Veterans | Environment and Energy | Hunting and Recreation | Reducing Illegal Immigration

ENACTING A RESPONSIBLE STATE BUDGET

Budget Agreement Includes None of Governor's Proposed Tax Increases
Pennsylvania taxpayers have been spared more than $2.5 billion in tax increases sought by the Rendell Administration, and furloughed state workers returned to work under an agreement reached on a 2007-08 state budget.
All of Gov. Rendell's seven proposed tax increases were rejected, including a sales tax hike, an electricity tax, a payroll tax on job creators, and a tax on trash collection. In addition, Republicans insisted that $190 million be added to the Rainy Day Fund in the event of unforeseen fiscal issues in 2007-08.
The $27.178 billion spending plan represents a modest 3.3 percent increase over the final 2006-07 budget. In addition, $317.5 million of funding for mass transit was moved into a dedicated fund. If this amount is included in the spending level, the total is $27.495 billion, which represents a growth rate of 4.5 percent over the final 2006-07 budget.
"We said from the beginning that we are not going to allow the governor to increase the tax burden on Pennsylvania families," said Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson). "It took a little longer than we wanted, but we finally convinced the administration that we would not back down on that core principle."
Act 8A of 2007
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Senate Approves Bill Prohibiting Furlough of State Employees During Budget Impasse
The Senate approved legislation sponsored by State Government Committee Chairman Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin) that will prohibit the furlough of Commonwealth employees in the event of a budget impasse.
In July 2007, Gov. Rendell delayed finalizing a state budget in an effort to force passage of his energy proposals. The tactic resulted in the governor's unnecessary furlough of 25,000 state employees labeled "non-essential" by the administration.
Senate Bill 1122 would designate all employees of the Commonwealth as "essential," thus prohibiting the furlough of Commonwealth employees during a budget impasse.
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REFORMING STATE GOVERNMENT | Back to Top

New Rules Make Senate More Open and Accessible
One of the Senate's first official acts of the 2007-08 legislative session was to adopt seven reform proposals designed to make the legislative process more open and accessible to the public.
The rules changes were developed with bipartisan input and are a good first step in the push for greater transparency in the Senate.
Session is now limited to the hours between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. The Senate is required to wait at least six hours before voting on an amended bill or a conference committee report and amendments are posted to the Internet before being offered on the Senate floor.
All roll call votes are posted on the Internet no later than 24 hours after a vote and committee votes are posted within 48 hours of the vote.
The Senate's Legislative Journal – which includes the full text of all floor debates – is posted on the Internet upon Senate approval of the Journal or within 45 days, whichever is earlier. Finally, an updated fiscal note is prepared if a bill is amended after consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee and if the amendment is expected to have a financial impact.
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Major Expansion of Opens Records Law Enacted
Legislation to rewrite and strengthen Pennsylvania’s 50-year-old Open Records Law, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware), was signed into law.
Senate Bill 1 makes dramatic changes in the records available from various government agencies.  For executive agencies and local agencies, Senate Bill 1 reverses the presumption of access to records and puts the burden of proof on a government agency denying access to a record. This was the one change that many advocates of open government consider the most essential. Legislative records and financial records of the judiciary are subject to the same presumption and the same burden of proof.
It provides exceptions for such things as criminal investigations, Social Security Numbers, personal financial information and individual medical records.
Legislative agencies, including the Senate and the House, are required to provide access to 19 categories of records, and judicial agencies are required to provide financial records.
Senate Bill 1 also makes many important improvements to the process of obtaining public records in Pennsylvania, including the creation of an independent Office of Open Records to hear appeals regarding access to records of state and local agencies. Act 3 of 2008
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Senate Puts Live Video Feed Of Floor Activity on Internet
A video feed of the Senate's floor action is now available live via the Internet, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) announced. 
The live video stream is available at www.pasenategop.com by clicking "Watch it live" or www.pasen.gov under "Senate Session Live." 
Sen. Scarnati said: "This is another way for the Senate to make itself more transparent. We're proud of the work we do, and I hope this encourages even more people to take part in the legislative process."  
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Senate Makes Acts and Statutes Internet-Accessible
As part of its effort to make state government more transparent, the Senate now requires the placement of Pennsylvania's consolidated statutes on the Internet.
Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre) introduced legislation in the current (SB422) and past legislative sessions that would require the Legislative Data Processing Center to place all existing Pennsylvania statutes on its website and make them available to the public.
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Senate Passes Measure Separating State, Federal Judicial Salaries
Legislation to eliminate the tie-in between federal judicial salaries and those of Commonwealth judges was approved overwhelmingly by the Senate.
Senate State Government Committee Chairman Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin) introduced Senate Bill 44 in response to a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling last year that partly reinstated a pay raise repealed by legislators. The ruling said only judges should receive the raise, not the legislators or other government employees who originally qualified.  The court found the repeal law violated the constitutional provision that prohibits the reduction of compensation during a judge's term in office. As a result, the repealed 2005 pay raise remains in effect for judges, tying their salaries to their federal counterparts.
Senate Bill 44 also includes a provision to raise judicial salaries by $1, bolstering its chances of withstanding a court challenge. (House Bill 10 was amended to include Sen. Piccola's language.) Act 30 of 2007
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Senate Approves Stiffer Penalties for Sunshine Law Violations
The reform agenda for Pennsylvania received a significant boost in May, when the Senate approved legislation increasing the fines for Sunshine Law violations.
Senate Bill 467 was introduced by Sen. Gib Armstrong (R-Lancaster) in February. The measure was based on a grand jury recommendation arising from an investigation into illegal actions by the Lancaster County Commissioners.
The new fine would be up to $1,000 for a first offense, and up to $2,000 for a subsequent offense. The bill also prohibits taxpayer money from being used to pay these fines.
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Senate Approves Sen. Pileggi's "Salary Information Act"
Legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) to require the posting of governmental salary information on the Internet passed the Senate unanimously May 22.
Under Senate Bill 729, known as the Governmental Salary Information Act, the state Treasurer would be required to post salary information for all state employees on an official website.
In addition to state government, local government agencies, including counties, school districts, cities and other municipalities, would be required by Senate Bill 729 to post employee salary information on their own official sites.
Local agencies with no website would be required to provide the information in electronic or written form within five days of a request. The state Treasurer would maintain a directory of the local agency sites.
Sen. Pileggi's bill would require the posting of the name, title, agency, salary, and any supplemental payments for each employee. Information for legislative employees would also include the caucus or institution each employee works for. The bill calls for monthly updates.
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Senate Votes to Ban State Government Bonuses
The Commonwealth Agency Bonus Ban Act, which would prohibit any Commonwealth agency, including the legislature and the courts, from paying a bonus to any of its employees, was approved by the Senate.
Under Senate Bill 986, sponsored by Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair), employees who are paid a bonus after the effective date of the act would be required to reimburse their employer for the full amount of the bonus.  An individual who intentionally approves or authorizes a bonus prohibited by the act would commit a third degree misdemeanor. 
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Senate Prohibits Taxpayer-Funded Automated Calls
The Senate approved a resolution prohibiting the use of public funds to pay for automated telephone calls, or robo-calls.
Senate Resolution 153, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware), prohibits the use of funds appropriated to the Senate to pay or reimburse for costs associated with the use of automatic dialing-announcing devices.

Senate Acts to Create a Do-Not-Call List for Political Robo-Calls
Legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) which would allow Pennsylvanians to stop receiving political robo-calls was approved by the Senate, 48 to 1.
In 1996, Pennsylvania created a Do-Not-Call List for commercial telemarketers. Senate Bill 820 would establish a separate Do-Not-Call List for political robo-calls. As with the existing Do-Not Call List, the Attorney General would be responsible for maintaining the Do-Not-Call List for automated political calls. It would be illegal for any political candidate or organization – including so-called 527 groups – to make an automated political call to any resident who signs up to be on the list. Offenders would be subject to penalties of up to $1,000 per violation.
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Senate Acts to Ban "Lame Duck" Voting Sessions
The Senate approved a measure introduced by Sen. Bob Regola (R-Westmoreland) calling for a constitutional amendment to eliminate "lame duck" voting sessions -- voting that occurs after a general election and before the start of a new legislative session.
As a proposed amendment to the state Constitution, Senate Bill 468 must be approved in two separate legislative sessions and by the voters as a referendum.
"In the past, lame duck sessions have been used to consider and vote on volatile or unpopular issues such as tax increases, state borrowing or pay raises. This must stop," said Senator Regola.
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Senate Approves Bill Consolidating Collection of Earned Income Taxes
The Senate approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Jane Earll (R-Erie) that would update the Local Tax Enabling Act of 1965 to consolidate the collection of earned income taxes at the county-wide level.
Currently, the collection of nearly $2 billion in tax revenue is performed by 560 collectors. Senate Bill 1063 would reduce it to 65 county collectors. Allegheny County would be divided into four regional tax collection districts. Philadelphia already has a consolidated tax collection office and is subject to a different body of law.
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Committee OKs Statewide Police Pension Plan, Ensures Survivor Benefits
The Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), approved legislation that would provide for a centrally-administered, statewide retirement system for all local government police employees.
Senate Bill 596, introduced by Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny), would allow municipal police officers to enroll in the current State Employees Retirement System, which, under the bill, would be renamed as the "Government Employees Retirement System."
The committee also approved Senate Bill 1093, sponsored Senator Orie, which would close an unintentional gap in the survivor benefit coverage provided in Act 30 of 2006 for a small number of surviving spouses of police officers who retired before the effective date of Act 30 of 2006, and died after the act's effective date.
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Senate Approves Investigation of State Purchasing Policy
The Senate approved legislation directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to investigate the Rendell Administration's strategic sourcing initiative.
Strategic sourcing is a series of procurement practices, including reverse auctions and the aggregation of purchasing contracts.  The administration asserts the Commonwealth has saved over $180 million since the inception of the strategic sourcing program in 2004. However, unlike private business, the "bottom line" savings the state has seen may be negated by the effect strategic sourcing has had on Pennsylvania's economy.
Senate Resolution 41, sponsored by Sen. Rob Wonderling (R-Montgomery), requires the LBFC to analyze procurement spending data to accurately measure actual savings and costs of strategic sourcing, including government operational costs, economic development costs and any decrease in revenue to the Commonwealth from a possible loss of corporate and personal income tax revenue.
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Senate Convinces Governor to Seek Ethics Panel Opinions
After Senate leaders asked for more time and information to properly review the nominations, Gov. Rendell agreed to withdraw and resubmit his nominees to serve as secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources and secretary of Environmental Protection.
The leaders asked for more time to understand revelations about more than $4 million of no-bid state contracts that were awarded by the departments to organizations which employed the secretaries' spouses. They also asked the governor to seek formal opinions from the independent State Ethics Commission, which he agreed to do. The commission ruled that the secretaries would violate the ethics law if their actions continued.
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Senate Extends Sunshine Law Coverage to Panel Overseeing Medicaid Drugs
Legislation that extends Sunshine Law coverage to the committee overseeing drugs for Medical Assistance recipients has been signed into law.
Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee Chairman Ted Erickson (R-Delaware) inserted an amendment into House Bill 1367 to require the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee in the Department of Public Welfare to conduct its meetings in accordance with the state Sunshine Act.  As a result, all meetings of that committee, including those at which votes are taken, must be open to the public, with advance public notice.
The Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee, whose members are selected by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, reviews and makes recommendations on which drugs will be available to Medical Assistance recipients. These recommendations can have dramatic consequences both for the health of patients and the cost to taxpayers. Act 16 of 2007
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Legislation to Open Spending Records Approved by Committee
The Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), approved the Taxpayer Transparency Act.
Senate Bill 1350, sponsored by Senator Browne, would create an online, searchable budget database so that the public can more easily obtain information on state spending.
The database would include Information on grants and contracts provided by government agencies, agency performance indicators and quarterly performance results, and an agency line-by-line appropriation analysis including user-friendly detailed monetary breakouts and detailed narrative descriptions.
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Bill Would Require Web Posting Of State Government Contracts
Stressing that taxpayers should have access to records on state government spending, Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre) has introduced legislation to require the state Treasury Department to post contracts, or detailed summaries, on the internet for public review.
Senate Bill 914 is part of an ongoing effort by the Senate to make state government operations more transparent and improve accountability.
Current law requires state agencies to provide a copy of all contracts $5,000 or more to the Treasury Department within 10 days and to make them available to the public for inspection, but there is no requirement that any information be posted online.
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Senate GOP: Cut Legislative Surplus, Direct Funds to Property Tax Relief
Senate Republicans announced a plan to slash legislative reserves by at least $75 million.
Under legislation to be introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson), Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware), and Appropriations Chairman Gib Armstrong (R-Lancaster), the savings would be used to bolster the Property Tax Relief Fund.
A recent audit of legislative accounts found that as of June 30, 2006, legislative reserves had grown to about $215 million. Senate Republicans also called for more thorough audits of legislative accounts going forward.
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Proposed Change in Lieutenant Governor Succession Clears Senate
The Senate passed legislation written by Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre) that would amend the state constitution to change the Lieutenant Governor succession rule.
Senate Bill 822, would allow a lieutenant governor who assumes the governorship to name a new Lieutenant Governor. That nominee would have to be confirmed by the Senate.
Sen. Corman said the change is needed and became a necessity after former Gov. Tom Ridge resigned to become director of the United States Homeland Security Department in 2001. Then-Lt. Gov. Mark Schweiker became governor and then-Senate President Pro Tempore Robert Jubelirer became the lieutenant governor.  Then-Lt. Governor Jubelirer continued to serve as a state Senator during the term.
Sen. Corman's legislation, a proposed constitutional amendment, would have Pennsylvania's process mirror that of the federal government in cases when there is a vacancy in the office of Vice President.
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Committee Approves Additional Senate Oversight of Key Appointments
The Senate State Government Committee, chaired by Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin) approved legislation that will require confirmation by the majority of the Senate of individuals appointed to several key state government positions.  
Senate Bill 920, sponsored by Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery), would require Senate confirmation of the following appointments: Executive Director of the Gaming Control Board, Executive Director of the Lottery Fund, Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, CEO of the Liquor Control Board, and CEO of the Turnpike Commission.
The legislation stems from the recent selection process held by the governor's office when appointing a CEO of the Liquor Control Board. The focus of the legislation is to create a more transparent process in which the Executive and Legislative branches of state government work together in filling executive positions.
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Three Hearings Held On Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention
The Senate State Government Committee, chaired by Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin), held its third public hearing to discuss legislation providing for the convening of a constitutional convention for the reform of state government.
The purpose of the hearings is to gather information on how a constitutional convention is convened, how it should be structured, and what sections of the Constitution should be addressed.
Among those testifying at the hearing, held in Philadelphia, were legal scholars and the president of the League of Women Voters of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

EASING THE TAX BURDEN | Back to Top

Senate Sends EMS Tax Reform Bill to Governor
The Senate approved significant reforms to the Emergency and Municipal Services Tax and sent the legislation to the governor to be signed into law.
The Senate concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 218, sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Pat Browne (R-Lehigh).
The measure will end the lump-sum maximum payment of $52 and set specific restrictions on how taxing entities may use revenues raised by the levy. It also requires that the tax be withheld on a payroll-period basis with a maximum deduction of $1 per week. Employers will be required to send collections on a quarterly basis. Those earning $12,000 or less per year are exempted from paying the tax.
Senate Bill 218 would rename the tax as the "Local Services Tax" and requires that a minimum of 25 percent of the total revenue collected must go to support emergency services including police, fire and emergency medical services operations. The remaining revenues could be used for road construction and maintenance, and property tax relief. Act 7 of 2007
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Administration Scraps Plan For New $50 Million Tax on Gasoline
Following the announcement that the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee planned to hold hearings on the plan, the Rendell Administration revoked its plan to add a new tax burden on the cost of gasoline in Pennsylvania.
Committee Chairman Don White (R-Indiana) issued the following statement in response to the administration's revocation of its proposed tax increase on gasoline:
"The severity of the fiscal crisis facing the USTIF fund is not completely clear, but in any event the potential deficit is something that could occur many years in the future.  Even a study commissioned by the USTIF board states '…no change in fees is necessary as the projection shows USTIF having positive Cash and Invested Assets through the middle of the July 1, 2015-2016 fiscal year.' I am glad the governor has reversed his administration's stance and made the right decision."
The proposed fee increase by the Rendell Administration equated to over $50 million in increased gas taxes that would be paid by motorists annually.
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Taxpayer Protection Act Spending Limits Move Forward
The Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), approved the Taxpayer Protection Act bill and Constitutional amendment designed to control state government spending.
Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. Bob Regola (R-Westmoreland), is a proposed amendment to the Pennsylvania State Constitution that would limit state spending to the average inflation rate plus the average percentage change in state population over the three preceding years. Senate Bill 707, sponsored by Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon), would provide the same limitation, but not as a Constitutional amendment.
To prevent the state from pushing spending requirements onto local taxpayers, the measures were amended to include a provision by Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair) stating that the spending limit would be decreased when funds are cut to a mandated service.
In addition to the spending limits in the Taxpayer Protection Act, the proposal also sets realistic restrictions on the use of any unanticipated revenues received by the Commonwealth. Specifically, 75 percent of any revenues exceeding the spending limits imposed by the bill would be returned to taxpayers. The remaining 25 percent would go directly into the Rainy Day Fund to help address unanticipated revenue shortfalls.
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Committee Approves Amusement Tax Relief
The Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), approved Senate Bill 1012, a measure introduced by Senator Bob Regola (R-Westmoreland) that would exempt Pennsylvania's amusement and water parks from the local amusement tax.
Pennsylvania has 18 amusement and water parks that act as a tourist draw and promote economic development in the commonwealth.  Parks currently pay their fair share of local taxes, including property taxes, water/sewage, parking, mechanical device taxes (arcade machines), mercantile (food and merchandise) taxes, occupational taxes, and sales taxes in certain counties.
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Senate Updates Laws on Bank Mergers
Legislation updating Pennsylvania laws covering taxes paid on bank mergers was approved by the Senate and signed into law.
Senate Bill 97, sponsored by Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Chairman Don White (R-Indiana), brings Pennsylvania tax law in line with the formula used by neighboring states to calculate the state's bank shares tax by removing "goodwill" provisions. Goodwill is the difference between the book value and the actual price paid when one company acquires another and pays more than book value for the stock.
For years, Pennsylvania banks have been at a disadvantage because of the inclusion of the provision in the tax formula.  By removing it, Pennsylvania takes an important step toward persuading banks to not only maintain their headquarters in Pennsylvania, but also encourage future growth. Act 55 of 2007
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Joint Hearing Focuses on Legality of Governor's Proposed Tax on Employers
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, chaired by Sen. Don White (R-Indiana), and the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), held a joint public hearing on the legality and practicality of Gov. Rendell's proposed tax on employers to support his health care plan.
The committees heard testimony from a national expert, who said a recent court decision involving a mandated health benefits program in Maryland means "an act of Congress" would be needed before Gov. Rendell's proposal could be enacted. In January 2007, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed a decision that invalidated Maryland's program citing that it clashed with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
Todd Anderson, Outside General Counsel for the Retail Industry Leaders Association, said the Fourth Circuit Court's decision would directly apply to Governor Rendell's tax proposal.
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SUPPORTING EDUCATION | Back to Top

Senate Moves to Provide More Accountability of Education Programs
Legislation that would increase oversight of the State Education Assistance Program was approved by the Senate.
Sponsored by Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon), Senate Bill 805 requires the state Department of Education to annually submit a report on the operation of the Education Assistance Program to the majority and minority chairmen of the House and Senate Appropriations and Education committees. The legislation further requires the report to be posted on the department's website.  
Sen. Folmer's legislation requires the report to include: a listing of approved education assistance providers and each eligible school that has entered into a contract with the provider, the number of students provided tutoring services, and the department's assessment of academic progress. Senate Bill 805 will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration. 
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Other bills to tighten oversight of education programs include:
Senate Bill 806, sponsored by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) – Classrooms for the Future
Senate Bill 807, sponsored by Sen. James Rhoades (R-Schuylkill) – Science, It's Elementary
Senate Bill 808, sponsored by Sen. James Rhoades (R-Schuylkill) – Project 720
Senate Bill 813, sponsored by Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) – E-Fund Grants
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Senate Acts to Boost School Performance, Increase Parental Involvement
The Senate passed four bills sponsored by Senate Education Committee Chairman James Rhoades (R-Schuylkill) designed to assist school districts to fulfill the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
Senate Bill 154 identifies continuing professional education options for teachers to help students in underperforming schools. Senate Bill 155 would require the Department of Education to provide technical assistance to schools identified as needing improvement.
Senate Bill 157 directs intermediate units to coordinate academic improvement programs for school districts with schools on the state warning list. In addition, the legislation establishes academic improvement teams for school districts needing additional assistance. Senate Bill 158 directs school districts to create parent involvement programs, policies and committees. In addition, the legislation would direct the Department of Education to establish a clearinghouse of information related to strategies, resources and materials that can be used as part of parent involvement programs and policies. The measures now go to the House for consideration.
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Sen. Piccola's School Violence Reporting Bill Passed by the Senate
The Senate approved legislation that would make it mandatory for Pennsylvania schools to report criminal activities to law enforcement officials or face disciplinary action.
Senate Bill 112, sponsored by Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin), would require school districts, vocational-technical schools, intermediate units, and charter schools to form "memorandums of understanding" with local law enforcement. These agreements require schools to immediately notify law enforcement if a crime is committed on school property and outline the emergency response procedures for that district or school.
In 2005, a Dauphin County grand jury found that school administrators failed to comply with the reporting requirements of the Safe Schools Act and failed to work cooperatively with local police to respond to and prevent violence in a Dauphin County school district. The Grand Jury called upon the General Assembly to address the deficiencies.
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IMPROVING EMERGENCY RESPONSE | Back to Top

Senate Approves Five-Year Extension of Fire, EMS Grants
The Senate approved legislation to reauthorize a popular grant program for volunteer fire companies and EMS units.
Senate Bill 10, introduced by Sen. Bob Regola (R-Westmoreland), would have reauthorized the program for one year. The Senate amended the bill to reauthorize it for five years, providing a valuable safety net for Pennsylvania's dedicated emergency responders.
Since 2000, the General Assembly has regularly appropriated $25 million to the PA Emergency Management Agency to provide these grants. The five-year authorization would allow for funding on a steady basis.
House version (House Bill 906) signed into law: Act 10 of 2007
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Committee Approves Tax Credits for Volunteer First Responders
The Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), approved legislation sponsored by Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee Chair Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) and Sen. Mike Waugh (R-York) to provide tax credits to Pennsylvania’s emergency first responders and their employers as a way to help fire companies and emergency medical service companies recruit and retain volunteers.
Senate Bill 1314 would provide a $500 tax credit for active members of volunteer firefighting and emergency medical services organizations that are certified by the State Fire Commissioner or the Director of the Emergency Medical Services Office in the Department of Health.
Senate Bill 1316 would provide a $1,000 tax credit against an employer's personal income tax for each volunteer fire and emergency services member employed, up to $5,000 during a specific tax year.
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Senate Passes Legislation to Encourage Regional Fire Company Partnerships
Volunteer fire departments would receive help in forging cost-saving, regional partnerships under legislation approved by the Senate. 
Senate Bill 96, sponsored by Sen. Don White (R-Indiana), creates a new initiative to provide private, non-profit volunteer fire companies or EMS organizations funds for mergers, regionalization and other partnerships. It would also support programs designed to recruit and retain members, and other innovative approaches to partnerships that would be evaluated by the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
The measure takes advantage of money already in place as part of a $100-million bond issue approved in 2002 to encourage volunteer departments to work together in a regional manner. Senate Bill 96 does not mandate cooperation, but rather provides financial incentives for departments.
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Senate Approves Bill to Require Confirmation Vote on PEMA Director
The director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency would have to be confirmed by the Senate under legislation approved by the Senate.
Senate Bill 637 is sponsored by Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee Chair Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne). PEMA's director is responsible for coordinating the state's response to natural and manmade disasters, terrorist attacks and threats to public health and safety.
Requiring Senate confirmation of the PEMA director will improve agency accountability and ensure that there is strong communication and coordination in responding to emergencies.
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Senate Votes to Require VoIP providers to Forward 911 Fees to Commonwealth
The Senate approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre) that would require voice over the internet protocol (VoIP) providers who charge customers for E-911 services to forward those fees to the Commonwealth.
In May 2005, the FCC issued an order requiring interconnected VoIP companies to provide customers with E-911 service. Many of these companies already collect fees for providing 911 services to customers.  However, Pennsylvania currently has no law that compels them to forward those 911 fees back to the Commonwealth like traditional and wireless phone companies must do.
Senate Bill 385 requires all interconnected VoIP companies to charge customers $1 for each line and forward that money to Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency would then provide the funds to the counties where the customers are located.  
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Senate Passes Legislation to Secure Emergency Responder Status for Local Coordinators
Local Emergency Coordinators would receive emergency responder status, enabling them to do their job more efficiently and safely, under a bill approved by the Senate.
Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), who heads the Senate Veterans and Emergency Preparedness Committee, sponsored the legislation after she was contacted by a local emergency coordinator from a small municipality in Wyoming County.  He experienced difficulty traveling to many emergencies and disasters because he could not use outward markings on his personal vehicle to identify himself.
Senate Bill 1121 will give local emergency coordinators legal authority to use “visual and audible signals” provided to other emergency vehicles – including county emergency coordinators who already have received this designation.
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Senate Approves Bill Creating Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement System
Legislation sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-Allegheny) to assist counties and municipalities in responding to disasters was approved by the Senate.
Senate Bill 1225 establishes a statewide Mutual Aid Committee to oversee the implementation of a statewide mutual aid system. Mutual Aid Agreements are used to respond to manmade and natural disasters that require actions beyond the capacity of the municipality or county in which the incident has occurred.
Pennsylvania is one of 15 states without a statewide Mutual Aid Agreement.  As a result, this vital assistance is often provided without written agreements or clearly-defined divisions of responsibility.  This outdated approach raises questions about liability and workers compensation concerns.
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511 Travelers Information Service Approved by Committee
Legislation to provide Pennsylvania drivers with access to around-the-clock information about traffic and road conditions through a new 511 Traveler Information Service was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee, chaired by Sen. Roger Madigan (R-Bradford).
Senate Bill 976, sponsored by Senator Madigan and Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Chair Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), would help prevent traffic tie-ups and make state roads safer by streamlining the Commonwealth's current traveler call lines, which are operated by the Departments of Transportation, State Police and PEMA. It would provide one call line with up-to-date information on everything from road conditions to accidents and detours.
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Joint Hearing Checks On Progress of Statewide Emergency Radio System
The Senate Communications and Technology Committee held a joint informational hearing with the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee on October 3 to determine the status of Pennsylvania's statewide emergency radio system. 
In an effort that began during the Ridge Administration, the radio system now extends over 91 percent of the Commonwealth's 45,000 square miles, Charles Brennan, Deputy Secretary for the Office of Public Safety Radio Services, testified. 
While acknowledging measurable progress since the last oversight hearing in 2005, there was bi-partisan agreement from committee members that the Administration needs to press forward with urgency to realize the infrastructure build-out and deployment.

Committees Probe PA Storm Readiness, Emergency Preparedness
The Senate Transportation Committee, chaired by Sen. Roger Madigan (R-Bradford), and the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, chaired by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), held a joint public hearing Tuesday to receive a status report on the Rendell administration's implementation of recommendations to improve upon serious shortfalls in emergency response and transportation management made evident in the Valentines Day snowstorm earlier this year.
The recommendations were the result of a report issued by James Lee Witt Associates of Washington D.C. that evaluated the performance of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, State Police, Department of Transportation, and the National Guard during the February storm.  The event stranded hundreds of motorists on I-78, I-81, and I-80 for up to 20 hours in sub-freezing temperatures.

Joint Hearing Held on Nuclear Energy and Emergency Preparedness at PA Nuclear Plants
The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee and the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee held a public hearing Oct. 16 to hear testimony on nuclear energy and emergency management.  
Members of the committees discussed Pennsylvania’s current and future use of nuclear energy, emergency preparedness at Pennsylvania’s five existing nuclear plants, and the role of federal and state entities in regulating the industry.  Nuclear energy currently accounts for 35 percent of all energy generation in Pennsylvania and 20 percent nationally. 
The meeting also addressed public concerns that have emerged in recent months following the release of a videotape showing contracted security staff sleeping in the watch room at the Peach Bottom nuclear facility in York County. Since the terrorist attacks of 2001, the nuclear industry has spent a reported $1.5 billion nationally on security and infrastructure enhancements to thwart outside intrusions. 
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Committee Acts to Boost Games of Chance Fundraisers For Nonprofits
Two measures that will help volunteer fire companies and other nonprofit organizations raise funds were approved by the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh).
Senate Bill 845, sponsored by Senator Browne, would raise the prize limit for any one game from $500 to $1,000. The legislation would also replace the $5,000 weekly prize limit with a $20,000 weekly cash value prize limit. Payouts of less than $26 would not count toward the weekly prize limit. The legislation also includes a new provision that allows for progressive games to be conducted with a maximum cash value of $5,000.
The committee also approved Senate Bill 978, sponsored by Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon), which would change the licensing of bingo associations from annual to biennial. It also increases the daily prize limit from $4,000 to $8,000 and would allow more than one licensed association to lease the same premises for the conducting of bingo.
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PROTECTING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES | Back to Top

New Protection for Sexual Violence Victims Approved By Senate
The Senate approved legislation to authorize the courts to issue protection from abuse orders for sexual assault victims who seek them, whether or not the victim seeks prosecution.
Under Senate Bill 150, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery), a sexual assault victim could petition the court, requesting protection from the defendant. A protective order would prohibit the defendant from having any contact with the victim, would bar stalking and harassment, and would grant any other appropriate relief as determined by the court for up to 18 months. The bill would also require that the sexual assault victim be notified about legal rights and victim services.
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Senate Approves Measure Strengthening Child Testimony Law
The Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery) to shore up state law covering child testimony.
Senate Bill 699 was offered in response to a recent State Superior Court decision (Commonwealth v. Kriner) vacating a rape conviction on the grounds that the death of a child victim did not meet the unavailability standard of the "tender years hearsay exception law."  The exception law allows a court to admit out-of-court statements by a child age 12 and under if the child is unavailable and the statements are determined by the court in a pre-trial hearing to meet standards of reliability and relevance.
To address the Superior Court decision, Senator Greenleaf's legislation would further define "unavailability" for the tender years hearsay exception to include death of the witness or the witness's then-existing physical or mental illness or infirmity. The legislation essentially incorporates the definition of unavailability of a witness from Rule 804 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence.
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Senate Approves Bill to Improve Review of Child Deaths
The Senate approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) aimed at increasing child safety in Pennsylvania.
Senate Bill 684 would implement a child death review program to coordinate local teams to examine the circumstances surrounding deaths of individuals under the age of 21.
Through the program, the Department of Health would be responsible for developing protocols for child death reviews, coordinating the collection of data, and providing specialized training.  Information regarding the frequency and causes of child injury and death, as well as prevention strategies, would be offered to agencies, health and child care professionals, and the general public.
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Underage Drinking Enforcement Legislation Signed Into Law
The Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senate Law and Justice Committee Chairman John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) to permit the continuation of Pennsylvania State Police age compliance checks at bars, restaurants and beer distributors to help stem the flow of alcohol to underage purchasers and drinkers.
This highly successful pilot program began almost two years ago, but was set to expire at the end of the year.
Senate Bill 737 permits the State Police to continue age compliance checks with individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 who attempt to purchase alcohol with their real driver license – which clearly states that the individual is under 21.  Troopers are present when the minors attempt to purchase the alcohol.
Since the inception of the program, the State Police have conducted over 2,501 age compliance checks.  Of those, 1,109 underage individuals were sold alcohol.  Act 75 of 2007 

Senate Bolsters Rights of Foster Parents, Others Caring For Children in Need
The Senate approved legislation that would bolster the rights of foster parents and others seeking to care for children in need.
Senate Bill 1156, sponsored by Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon), would give a foster parent, pre-adoptive parent or relative who is providing care for a child the right, rather than just the opportunity, to be heard at any hearing.
In the case of a hearing to determine the permanent placement of a child, the court would be required to consult with the child in a manner appropriate to the child's age and maturity, or a representative.  Passage of Senate Bill 1156 would bring Pennsylvania into compliance with federal law.  Act 76 of 2007

Bullying Prevention Bill Approved by Senate
The Senate voted to approve legislation sponsored by Sen. Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery) to require school entities to adopt a policy relating to bullying or to amend the student code of conduct to include provisions related to bullying. Schools that already have such a policy in place would not be required to establish a new policy.
Senate Bill 71 would require school entities to distribute the bullying policy with the code of student conduct and to make it accessible to the public on the school entity's Intern provide the Office of Safe Schools with a copy of the policy along with information relating to the development and implementation of bullying prevention and intervention programs. Also, bullying would be specifically included among problem behaviors in the prevention programs for which the Office of Safe Schools may authorize grants to schools.
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STRENGTHENING CONSUMER PROTECTION | Back to Top

Senate Votes to Crack Down On Home Repair Con Artists
The Senate approved legislation to protect state residents from home improvement scam artists.
Senate Bill 100, sponsored by Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee Chairman Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks), would give local law enforcement officials the tools they need to crack down on disreputable contractors.  It also sets down strict criminal penalties and even tougher sanctions if the victim is a senior citizen.
Senator Tomlinson's legislation gives district attorneys and the Attorney General strong enforcement authority for investigating and prosecuting home improvement scams. Those who violate the law could face a possible misdemeanor or felony conviction, and revocation or suspension of their registration. The bill also includes tougher penalties if the victim is 60 or older, since many scam artists target older homeowners.
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Bill to Strengthen State's Puppy Lemon Law Clears Committee
The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, chaired by Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster), approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery) to strengthen Pennsylvania’s Dog Purchaser Protection Act, commonly known as the Puppy Lemon Law.  Senate Bill 536 expands the law to cover incurable conditions and extends the time period in which a health problem must be certified by a veterinarian, among other changes.
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Senate Passes Measure to Protect Computer Users from Spyware
The Senate passed legislation authored by Sen. John Gordner (R-Columbia) to improve computer security by preventing spyware, a tool used by cyber identity thieves to obtain personal information.
Spyware is a term for a computer program that gathers information through the user's Internet connection and transmits it to a third party. This information, which includes passwords and personal identification numbers, can be used to commit fraud. Senate Bill 711 would make it a crime to distribute spyware to a computer without the user's consent or knowledge.
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Senate Votes To Allow Resale of Tickets with Consumer Protections
The Senate approved legislation to create a safer and more open system in which to buy and sell tickets for sporting events, concerts and other activities.
Senate Bill 86, sponsored by Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee Chairman Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks), would modernize Pennsylvania's ticket resale law to allow the owner of an event ticket to resell that ticket through an Internet-based reseller such as TicketMaster, StubHub or eBay. The reseller must have an office in Pennsylvania and guarantee a refund if the ticket is invalid or the event is cancelled. Current state law forbids ticket owners from reselling their tickets for above face value without obtaining a license. Act 32 of 2007
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Senate Votes to Crack Down On Faulty Airbag Installation
The Senate approved legislation updating Pennsylvania laws to reflect the wide use of vehicle airbags.
Senate Bill 537, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery), would make it illegal for any person to knowingly install or reinstall a fraudulent airbag on a vehicle.  The bill defines a "fraudulent airbag" as any item or object other than an airbag designed in accordance with federal safety regulations for the make, model and year of motor vehicle that is part of the inflatable restraint system for the motor vehicle.  A person who violates the provision would be guilty of a third-degree misdemeanor. 

Mortgage Reform Package Approved by Committee
Four bills introduced by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) targeting predatory and other questionable mortgage lending practices in Pennsylvania were approved by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.
Sen. Browne introduced the bills based on the findings of a mortgage industry study mandated by House Resolution 364, which was adopted in 2003.  The resolution directed the Department of Banking to study residential lending practices in Pennsylvania, examine trends in foreclosures and document lending practices that are harmful to consumers.
Senate Bill 483 would amend the Loan Interest and Protection Law to increase the monetary cap in the Act from $50,000 to $200,000.
Senate Bill 484 would permit the Department of Banking to publicly release information on pending enforcement actions and fines levied against non-depository licensees.
Senate Bill 487 would create a new licensing category for individual mortgage originators who deal directly with the consumer by soliciting, accepting, or offering to accept mortgage loan applications, or negotiating mortgage loan terms.
Senate Bill 488 would create a new licensing category for individual mortgage originators who deal directly with the consumer by soliciting, accepting, or offering to accept secondary mortgage loan (home equity) applications or negotiating secondary mortgage loan terms.
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Closer Monitoring Of Mortgage Foreclosures Approved By Committee
Legislation that would provide closer monitoring of mortgage foreclosures across Pennsylvania was approved by the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, chaired by Sen. John Pippy (R-Allegheny).
Senate Bill 486, sponsored by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), amends the Housing Finance Agency Law to require lenders to send copies of foreclosure notices to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency so that mortgage foreclosures can be monitored on a statewide basis. It also extends the agency's temporary stay of foreclosure to include the periods of administrative appeal.
The bill is designed to give more information to state government on delinquent loans so they can be tracked to identify trends in the mortgage business and allow recommendations to be made to the General Assembly on how to further protect consumers. Senate Bill 486 is among a package of bills aimed at protecting consumers in the mortgage and secondary mortgage markets.

Committee Votes To Make 'Do Not Call' Registration Permanent
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre) that would remove the five-year subscription period for consumers who want their telephone numbers permanently listed on the Do Not Call list, advanced in the Senate.
The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, chaired by Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks), voted to send Senate Bill 1116 to the full Senate for a vote.
In 2002, Pennsylvanians were first given the opportunity to avoid these calls by registering for the Do Not Call list. One million citizens registered in a single two-week period that year, and millions more have registered through the past few years. Currently, registration on the Do Not Call list is only valid for five years.
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Sen. Regola introduces bill to prohibit Caller ID "spoofing"
Sen. Bob Regola (R-Westmoreland) has introduced Senate Bill 460, legislation that would prohibit the use of false Caller ID information, a practice known as "spoofing," by identity thieves and hucksters as a way to trick individuals into taking their calls.
Caller ID spoofing has emerged as a tool for identity thieves and scam artists. Individuals use false numbers and identification to make it appear that they are calling from another legitimate location. They know that most people will ignore their calls if they allow their correct information to be displayed on a Caller ID screen.
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Bills introduced to combat computer "phishing"
Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) has introduced legislation to make it a crime to engage in computer "phishing."
In "phishing," an individual takes on the identity of a legitimate business to induce a person to provide personal information, such as bank account, credit card or Social Security numbers.
Under Senate Bill 84, it would also be a violation for a person to sell or distribute any identifying information obtained with the intent to defraud or injure anyone. The bill also states that the Attorney General would have the authority to investigate and to institute criminal proceedings for any violation or series of violations involving more than one county within the Commonwealth or another state. Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin) introduced similar legislation, Senate Bill 114.

IMPROVING HEALTH CARE | Back to Top  

Senate Approves Plan to Reduce Health Care-Associated Infections
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware) to reduce the number of health care‑associated infections in the Commonwealth was approved by the Senate.
The committee, chaired by Senator Erickson, approved Senate Bill 968, which would establish the roles of health care facilities and state government in reducing the incidence of infections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that infections acquired in health care facilities affect 2 million patients a year in the United States, with more than 100,000 dying from bacteria that are increasingly resistant to common antibiotics.
The provisions contained in Senate Bill 968 will ensure that hospitals, nursing homes and ambulatory surgical facilities use proven tools and protocols to reduce infections in Pennsylvania, improve quality of care, improve safety for both patients and health care workers, and reduce health care costs. Act 52 of 2007
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Exploring Health Centers and Care for Uninsured Pennsylvanians
As part of the ongoing effort to make quality health care more accessible in Pennsylvania, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware), is examining the role that health centers play in providing care for low-income and uninsured Pennsylvanians.
The important role that these clinics play in communities across the state is often underestimated, and the committee is exploring how their role in providing care to the uninsured can be expanded.
Through public and private support, Community Health Centers in Pennsylvania provide medical care to more than 600,000 residents at 190 sites each year. All patients are provided care regardless of ability to pay or insurance status, and one in six are uninsured.
Uninsured Pennsylvanians also receive health care at Pennsylvania's 30 free clinics, 33 Nurse-Managed Health Centers and similar facilities.
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Committee Hearing Focuses on Reducing Health Care Costs
The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre), held a public hearing on ideas to make health care more affordable in Pennsylvania.
Among those testifying was Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon), sponsor of a package of bills aimed at reducing health care costs. Pennsylvania serves over 2.1 million people through medical assistance, adultBasic and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at a cost of $6.3 billion -- including federal taxpayer dollars of $7.8 billion, the total is $14.1 billion. Gov. Rendell's new health care program is estimated to cost between $1.4 billion and $3.2 billion.
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Long-Term Care Insurance Incentive Approved By Senate
The Senate approved legislation that would provide a strong financial incentive for consumers to invest in long-term care insurance and reduce financial costs to taxpayers.
Senate Bill 548, sponsored by Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre), would create the Long-Term Care (LTC) Partnership Program, which would provide a financial incentive for individuals to buy LTC insurance, and orders the state Department of Public Welfare to file Pennsylvania's state plan for LTC insurance with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by June 30 of this year. The measure is intended to give people the opportunity to protect their personal assets by buying the insurance. The Department of Public Welfare missed its self-imposed deadline to submit Pennsylvania's plan to the federal government, which necessitated the legislation. Act 40 of 2007
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Senate Approves Legislation to Improve Access to Dental Care
The Senate approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland) to address the needs of Pennsylvanians without access to routine, preventive dental services.
Currently, the Commonwealth requires professional dental services to be delivered by or under the supervision of a dentist. There is an acute shortage of dentists willing to treat individuals on Medical Assistance and as a result, these individuals often only receive dental care when it is absolutely necessary. By allowing dental hygienists to provide preventive and routine care, Pennsylvania would prevent health problems related to poor dental care.
Senate Bill 455 allows public health dental hygiene practitioners to provide services within their current scope of practice, in specified institutions such as nursing homes, schools, mobile dental units and correctional facilities without the supervision of a dentist. The dental hygiene practitioner would have to be certified by the State Board of Dentistry as having completed 3,600 hours of practice under the supervision of a licensed dentist and have a malpractice policy. Act 51 of 2007
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Senate Votes to Expand Scope of Practice, Provide Health Care Flexibility
The Senate approved a package of bills designed to lower health care costs by giving health care facilities more flexibility in staffing. All of the changes include patient protections.
House Bill 1251 increases the number of physician assistants that may be supervised by a physician from 2 to 4.
House Bill 1252 does the same as House Bill 1251 for osteopathic facilities.
House Bill 1253 allows certified nurse practitioners to order certain equipment and care, make referrals for certain types of therapy and dietitian referrals, and other functions.
House Bill 1254 requires clinical nurse specialists to maintain professional liability coverage under MCARE as a nonparticipating health care provider and may not participate in the MCARE fund.
House Bill 1255 authorizes nurse-midwives to prescribe, dispense, order and administer specific drugs.
Acts 46, 47, 48, 49 and 50 of 2007 

Senate Establishes Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities will be licensed under legislation the Senate sent to the governor.
Senate Bill 704, sponsored by Senate Aging and Youth Committee Chair Pat Vance (R-Cumberland), defines assisted living residences and the services that may be offered.  It sets minimal standards for the regulation of the industry by the Department of Public Welfare and supports the general philosophy that individuals should be permitted to remain in a home-like atmosphere of their choice for as long as possible.
Although many personal care homes often refer to themselves as assisted living facilities, there currently is no official licensure category for this type of care. By creating this type of license, citizens will be able to determine what kind of services to expect and whether the setting will address their needs. Act 56 of 2007
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Senate Passes Bill to Help Doctors, Hospitals Digitize Medical Records
The Senate approved legislation to help hospitals, doctors' offices, and health care clinics create computerized systems to better diagnose and treat patients.
Currently, 90 percent of health care data information is exchanged via telephone, fax, or mail. Senate Bill 8, sponsored by Senate Communications and Technology Committee Chairman Rob Wonderling (R-Montgomery), would enable grant recipients to receive up to $1 million in matching funds to purchase health information technology, help pay the costs and expenses associated with implementation, and train personnel in the use of the new system.
In addition to improving health care quality and reducing costs, Senate Bill 8 would help make the medical process more convenient for consumers. Patients would be able to get their lab results sent to their home computer, prescription drugs could be renewed with a click of a button, individuals could receive medical advice from their doctor over the Internet, and parents could print out their child's immunization records at home.
Specific funding for the program will be addressed through a separate measure. Senator Wonderling is advocating a $50 million set-aside within the governor's Jonas Salk Legacy Fund proposal.
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Senate Approves Bill to Help Uninsured Cancer Patients Get Access To Medication
The Senate passed legislation to establish a cancer drug repository in Pennsylvania to help uninsured patients and those in need gain access to safe, unused cancer medications. Cancer patients who are uninsured or underinsured could access these medications through a network of participating pharmacies and medical clinics. 
The American Cancer Society has stated that unused cancer medication is a valuable resource for low-income patients.  A growing number of states have already established successful cancer drug repositories, such as Wisconsin, Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas. 
Under Senate Bill 638, sponsored by Sen. Rob Wonderling (R-Montgomery), a health care facility, health clinic, hospital, pharmacy or physician's office could return unused drugs.  Only medications in their original, sealed, and tamper-resistant packaging would be accepted and dispensed. 
Donations would also have to be accompanied by a cancer drug repository donor form that is signed by the donor or that person's authorized representative. Medication used for pain, anxiety, and sleep could not be donated according to federal law. 
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Senate Passes Bill to Post Personal Care Facility Info on Web
The licensure status of facilities caring for the elderly and disabled would be available via the Internet under legislation approved by the Senate.
Senate Bill 811, sponsored by Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland), would require the creation of a website with licensing and certification information on nursing homes, personal care homes and domiciliary care homes. This data would include information on violations of statute or regulation by the facility and any corrective action taken.
The state Department of Public Welfare disclosed a few months ago that 73 percent of personal care homes in the state have not been inspected on time.
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Senate Again Approves Bill Extending MCARE
The Senate passed a second bill to extend the MCARE program, which provides a financial safety net to help Pennsylvania's health care providers cover their medical malpractice insurance costs.
House Bill 489 was amended in the Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Sen. Don White (R-Indiana), to provide a one-year reauthorization of the MCARE (Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error) program, which is set to lapse at the end of 2007.
The five-year-old MCARE program helps physicians pay a portion of their medical malpractice insurance premiums. The fund helps pay toward the cost of the $500,000 in MCARE fund coverage that the state requires each doctor to secure, in addition to the $500,000 in primary coverage from the private marketplace.  MCARE assistance is financed primarily by a 25-cent tax on cigarettes and a surcharge on traffic citations.
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Senate Approves Measure to Aid Social Workers
The Senate approved legislation today that would require Highmark to pay social workers directly for their services, making it easier for these vital workers to receive compensation.
Senate Bill 998, sponsored by Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks), would add licensed clinical social workers to the list of health professionals that receive direct reimbursements from Highmark. Highmark currently does not make direct payments to social workers. Instead, payments are sent to doctors or health care facilities who then reimburse social workers.
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Committee Approves "Blues Merger Oversight"
Reacting to the legislative inertia of the Rendell Administration, the Senate in June approved yet another bill intended to provide state oversight of proposed mergers involving non-profit health insurance companies, according to Sen. Don White, Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.
The amended version includes most of the language previously approved by the Senate in Senate Bill 550 (Senator White's original bill, approved by the Senate in March) and House Bill 112 (approved by the Senate in May), but was adapted to meet what are seen as the administration's concerns about the legislation.
A key provision within House Bill 966, as with the previous versions, is the requirement that any merger involving the "Blues" be subject to approval by the Department of Insurance. While the Insurance Department would hold final approval -- or denial -- authority for a merger of non-profit health insurance companies, the bill also establishes an Insurance Restructuring Public Interest Review Board comprised of representatives from the Auditor General's Office, the administration, and the four caucuses of the General Assembly, as well as a policyholder to provide recommendations to the Department.
Two additions to the latest bill include a requirement that the board make its recommendations no later than August 31, 2008 and a sunset provision that would disband the board 90 days after the Department of Insurance ruling on the merger.
In response to concerns by Banking and Insurance Committee members about the previous bill, the amended version of HB 966 drops a requirement that the Department of Insurance develop a written determination that the merger or consolidation will result in a "sustained reduction in health care premiums." Instead, the Department must determine the merger will provide "sustained benefits."
Finally, the legislation removes the requirement for a retroactive review of the total amount the non-profit organizations dedicate to social mission.
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Disability Assistance Measure Approved By Committee
The Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), approved legislation to assist disabled Pennsylvanians and their families.
Senate Bill 54, sponsored by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware), would authorize the creation of Disability Savings Accounts for individuals with mental retardation.
The accounts, which could be created by an individual, or by an employer or family member for the benefit of a mentally retarded person, could be used to assist the beneficiary to achieve and maintain financial independence.  Increases in the value of a Disability Savings Account and distribution for qualified disability expenses would be excluded from state Personal Income Tax.

Sen. Folmer Unveils "Healthy Pennsylvania" Initiative
Healthy Pennsylvania, a consumer-driven alternative to Gov. Rendell's "Prescription for Pennsylvania," was unveiled by Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon). 
The elements of Healthy Pennsylvania include sunsetting state health insurance mandates, promoting Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and weeding out bad health care professionals. The initiative would also give health care consumers more price information, establish tax deductions and credits for those who pay for their own health care, and increase competition among health insurers. 
Sen. Folmer said a comprehensive approach is needed, noting that other reforms introduced by Senate colleagues – such as tort reform and allowing small employers to pool together to purchase health insurance – are also integral in lowering costs and improving quality and accessibility. 
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REDUCING GOVERNMENT REGULATION | Back to Top

Senate Sends Construction Code Reform Bill to Governor
The Senate approved Senate Bill 437, a bill to reform the state Uniform Construction Code, and sent it on to the governor to be signed into law.
Senate Bill 437, sponsored by Sen. Bob Regola (R-Westmoreland), will amend the UCC by repealing a new mandate that took effect in January.  Under the mandate, all new residential construction is now required to have "anchor bolts" when the foundation and retaining walls are built, which could increase home building costs by as much as $3,000. The requirement was designed primarily for coastal areas and earthquake-prone regions. Act 9 of 2007
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Committee Forwards Important Building Code Reform
(The Senate Labor and Industry Committee, chaired by Sen. John Gordner (R-Columbia), approved legislation that will establish a technical review and advisory council to address updates to  the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
The review council created by House Bill 1096 will consist of experts in all fields related to the design, construction and inspection of buildings, in addition to municipal representatives.  It will review proposed changes to the International Code Council’s family of codes before they are adopted in Pennsylvania by the Department of Labor and Industry.
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Senate Approves Legislation to Ensure State Regulations Are Based On Reliable Data
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware) to help ensure that state regulations are based on reliable data and sound science was unanimously approved by the Senate.
Senate Bill 752, the Data Quality Act, would expand the scope of review by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission to include the examination of the quality of data, studies, reports and information underlying state regulations being implemented.
The burden of justification would be on the regulatory agency to demonstrate that the regulation is based upon empirical, replicable and testable information. If the agency does not, or cannot, it would be grounds for disapproval of the proposed regulation. Any state agency seeking to implement a regulation would have the responsibility to provide to the IRRC a sufficient description of any data upon which regulation is based as well as a detailed explanation of how the data was obtained and why the data is acceptable.
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Senate Acts to Prohibit Government Intrusion Into Internet Telephone Service
The Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senate Communications and Technology Committee Chairman Rob Wonderling (R-Montgomery) preventing any state government agency from regulating Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
VoIP allows telephone calls to be made via a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular phone line. Use of VoIP services grew by more than 500 percent in the last two years.
Senate Bill 1000 would prohibit only the regulation of VoIP services, not landline services, but would continue, where applicable, payment of E-911 fees, Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) fees, and Universal Service Fund fees by VoIP providers as well as the payment of any switched network access rates for interconnected-VoIP calls.
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Senate Exempts AG Fair Buildings from Unnecessary Burden
Legislation that exempts temporary structures and pole barns at agricultural fairs from Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code was signed into law by the governor. 
Many worthwhile community organizations such as 4-H, FFA, local churches, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs and Granges could have suffered because a large portion of their operating budgets are raised at fairs.
Senate Bill 466, sponsored by Sen. Bob Robbins (R-Mercer), defines temporary structures as less than 1,600 square feet in size and erected for a period of less than 30 days.  Act 39 of 2007

FIGHTING CRIME | Back to Top 

Senate Approves Bill to Keep State Police Barracks Open
The Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senate Law and Justice Committee Chairman John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) that would halt an administration-backed plan to close up to 66 barracks across the state after regular business hours.
Senate Bill 318 would ensure that the barracks are open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Senator Rafferty introduced Senate Bill 318 after learning that the Pennsylvania State Police were operating a test-pilot program at the Skippack barracks in Montgomery County in an effort to save money.

Senate Acts to Expand State Intermediate Punishment Program
The Senate approved legislation aimed at reducing Pennsylvania’s inmate population, cutting taxpayer costs and increasing public safety.
Senate Bill 1027, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Chairman Stewart Greenleaf (Re-Montgomery), would encourage more widespread use of the State Intermediate Punishment Program to treat low-level drug and alcohol dependant offenders.
Nearly 70 percent of the offenders entering the state correctional system are dependant on drugs or alcohol.  Offenders who complete appropriate drug and alcohol treatment programs are 30 percent less likely to reoffend. According to the Department of Corrections, full utilization of the State Intermediate Punishment Program could have resulted in 200 fewer victimizations last year.
Senate Bill 1027 will establish a procedure by which the Department of Corrections may identify an offender upon intake and evaluation as someone who would have been otherwise eligible for and benefited from the State Intermediate Punishment Program.
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Senate Approves Bill Banning Gun Seizures
Working to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens, the Senate approved legislation introduced by Sen. Bob Robbins (R-Mercer) that would prohibit government officials from seizing firearms from individuals -- who are legally permitted to possess them -- during emergencies or natural disasters.
The need for the basic protection of the right to bear arms provided by Senate Bill 1172 became apparent in the wake of Hurricane Katrina when New Orleans police officers confiscated firearms from citizens -- including those who had valid firearms permits. Because of these incidents, 22 states -- including Louisiana – have passed legislation prohibiting such confiscations during a declared emergency.
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Senate Passes Bill to Clarify Use of Deadly Force
The Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery) to clarify when corrections officers can use deadly force during prison escapes.
Senate Bill 623 would authorize corrections officers to use deadly force when necessary to prevent death or serious bodily injury to others, or when an escapee poses a danger and resists capture.
The bill also requires local law enforcement to use the best available information, including a firearms trace, to determine how and where a person under 21 illegally gained possession of a firearm. Act 41 of 2007

Bill To Deny Bail for Dangerous Individuals Passed By Senate
The Senate approved legislation that would allow bail to be denied in cases involving serious crimes or dangerous individuals.
Under Senate Bill 256, sponsored by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), in cases where the maximum sentence is life imprisonment or where no conditions other than imprisonment will reasonably protect public safety, denial of bail would be permitted.
In 1998, voters amended the Pennsylvania Constitution to allow for such denials. However, the language in the state Judicial Code has not been updated.
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Package of Bills to Combat Methamphetamine Passed By Senate
Continuing efforts to combat the production of methamphetamine, the Senate approved a four-bill package sponsored by Sen. John Gordner (R-Columbia).
The package is designed to make it more difficult to obtain the ingredients necessary to produce methamphetamine, add new protections for children and cleans up the environmental damage caused by illegal meth labs. Sen. Gordner introduced the legislation with the support of state Attorney General Thomas Corbett.
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Bank Robbery Legislation Approved By Senate
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Mike Waugh (R-York) that would ensure that robbery of a financial institution is treated as a felony of the second degree -- regardless of the method used – was approved by the Senate.
Senate Bill 331 amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding robbery of a financial institution, which has sections pertaining to "robbery" and "robbery of a motor vehicle." Currently, bank robberies are simply grouped with other "robberies," which, if no bodily harm was done but property was taken, are classified as third-degree felonies.
Sen. Waugh's legislation addresses the specific action of taking or removing money of a financial institution, and classifies such a robbery as a felony of the second degree.  Due to the increased use of notes and verbal threats to carry out bank robberies, the bill includes language to give prosecutors the tools they need to prosecute offenders, regardless of the method used by robbers, whether with a note or a gun.

Senate Votes To Establish Pretrial Capital Punishment Procedures
The Senate approved legislation that establishes a pretrial procedure to determine if a defendant in a capital penalty trial is a person with mental retardation.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Atkins v. Virginia that applying the death penalty to persons with mental retardation is unconstitutional, and left it up to states to determine how to implement the decision. Senate Bill 751, sponsored by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), establishes a pretrial hearing by a judge to make the assessment.
Under Senate Bill 751, counsel for a defendant in a capital case can request a hearing prior to trial to determine if the defendant is not eligible for the death penalty due to mental retardation. The burden of proof would be on the defendant. If the court finds for the defense, the trial would proceed as a noncapital trial.
The bill also provides a similar procedure for a defendant already sentenced to death with appeals pending.

Senate Panel Approves Legislation to Establish Specialized Courts
The Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery), approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) that would establish specialized "problem-solving" courts which would integrate intervention and treatment into the handling of certain criminal cases.
Senate Bill 584 would provide for the creation of drug courts, which have proven to be very successful in lowering recidivism rates and saving tax dollars.  Another type of problem-solving court deals with the mental issues of some defendants. A Rand study of the Allegheny County mental health court program found that costs were offset in the first year after sentencing.
Senate Bill 584 would provide state assistance to other county or judicial districts to create similar courts.  Senate Bill 584 provides for a statewide coordinator in the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Court.  The coordinator would be responsible for identifying sources of funding and providing coordination, best practices, and technical assistance to bolster those efforts.
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SUPPORTING FARMERS | Back to Top 

Helping Farmers Protect the Environment 
The Senate approved legislation to provide tax credits to those who invest in proven conservation practices.
Under Senate Bill 690, sponsored by Sen. Mike Waugh (R-York), the Pennsylvania Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Tax Credit Program would provide transferable tax credits for installing proven and cost-effective best management practices to reduce sediments and pollution coming from farms. These practices include improvements to barnyards and pastures, implementation of nutrient management plans and removal of sediments.
REAP would provide state tax credits worth up to $150,000 per farm to help producers pay for eligible Best Management Practices (BMP) intended to mitigate the potential environmental impact of their farming operations. The total amount of credits to be made available in the coming fiscal year would be $10 million.
Applicants may receive a tax credit worth 25 percent to 75 percent of the project cost, depending on the BMP selected. (Enacted as part of Senate Bill 97) Act 55 of 2007 

ASSISTING MILITARY VETERANS | Back to Top 

Senate Approves Bill to Improve Veteran Outreach Programs
Legislation aimed at improving outreach assistance and support programs for Pennsylvania's large veteran population was approved by the Senate and signed into law.
Senate Bill 915, sponsored by Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee Chair Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), will provide financial assistance to the Veterans Administration accredited service officer programs offered by nationally chartered veteran service organizations.  These include the American Legion, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and the Disabled American Veterans.
The state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will coor