November 14, 2011
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Pennsylvania Senate Republican News Brief

"Texting is one of the most dangerous distracted driving activities that motorists engage in. When you text, you have to take your eyes off the road, you aren't paying attention, and the consequences can be deadly."

-- Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) on Senate approval of his legislation to make Pennsylvania roads safer by prohibiting drivers from texting while driving.

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Flood Mitigation, Public Utilities Code, School Background Checks, Act 47, Redistricting

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), and the Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware), will hold joint public hearings on improving flood mitigation through stormwater management. (9 a.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, Majority Caucus Room)

On Tuesday, the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, chaired by Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon), and the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, chaired by Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks), will hold a public hearing on Act 183 of 2004, the Public Utilities Code. (10 a.m. Room 1 N. Office Bldg.)

The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee, chaired by Sen. Rich Alloway (R-Franklin), and the House Game and Fisheries Committee will hold a joint public hearing Tuesday on the Hatchery Cost Savings Work Group report. (10 a.m. Room 8E-B)

On Wednesday, the Senate Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin), will hold a public hearing on implementation and compliance with criminal history provisions in Act 24 of 2011. (1 p.m. Room 1 N. Office Bldg.)

On Thursday, the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, chaired by Sen. Jane Earll (R-Erie) and the Senate Local Government Committee, chaired by Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair), will hold a joint public hearing with the House Local Government and House Urban Affairs committees to continue discussion of Act 47 and the impact on local government, businesses, communities and labor. (9:30 a.m. House Majority Caucus Room)

On Friday, the Legislative Reapportionment Commission will hold a public hearing on the Commission's Preliminary Plan. (12 p.m. Room 1 N. Office Bldg.)

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Tomlinson Bill Prohibiting Texting While Driving Signed Into Law

The Senate gave final approval Nov. 1 to legislation sponsored by Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) to make Pennsylvania roads safer by prohibiting drivers from texting while driving.

Senate Bill 314 was signed into law as Act 98 of 2011. The law makes texting while driving a primary offense, meaning that police can pull over motorists for sending or receiving text messages from a wireless communication device. Drivers who violate the law would face a $50 fine.

A recent study by a safe-driving institute found that drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be in an accident. Pennsylvania joined 34 other states in enacting legislation to prohibit texting while driving.

Senator Tomlinson: "Texting is one of the most dangerous distracted driving activities that motorists engage in. When you text, you have to take your eyes off the road, you aren't paying attention, and the consequences can be deadly."
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Browne's Concussion Prevention Bill Signed Into Law

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) to increase awareness and prevention of traumatic head injuries among Pennsylvania's scholastic athletes was approved by the Legislature and signed into law.

The Senate on Nov.1 unanimously concurred on House amendments to the measure.

Under Senate Bill 200, now Act 101 of 2011, the Safety in Youth Sports Act, students showing symptoms of a concussion can be sidelined by officials, coaches, athletic trainers, licensed physicians, licensed physical therapists or other officials designated by the school and barred from participating in games, competitions, scrimmages or practices until evaluated and medically cleared by an appropriate medical professional.

Senator Browne: "There is no reason for a young person to put their life and future in jeopardy after they sustain a concussive injury. We want to encourage all students to be active; but, they must be smart about it and this legislation will provide important safeguards for them."

For more on the Safety in Youth Sports Act, please see Fast Facts, below.
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Committees Approve Baker Bills to Provide State Aid to Flood Victims

Two flood-recovery bills introduced by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) to help the hardest-hit victims of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee won the approval of key Senate committees.

Senate Bill 1264, which offers grants to persons whose uncompensated losses exceed the limit of federal aid, was approved Oct. 31 by the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, which Senator Baker chairs.

Senate Bill 1297, which offers low-interest loans to small businesses in flood-declared counties, was approved Nov. 1 by the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, chaired by Sen. Jane Earll (R-Erie).

For more on Senator Baker's bills please see In the Spotlight, below.
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In the Spotlight

Senator Baker noted that Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee were among the worst natural disasters to hit her region, but existing programs are not enough to meet the need.

Senate Bill 1264 offers grants of up to $10,000 to flood victims whose uncompensated losses exceed the limits of federal aid. An individual with an income at or below 300 percent of poverty level is eligible to apply.

Senate Bill 1297 sets up a state loan program through the state's Department of Community and Economic Development. The Small Business Flood Relief Program would help for-profit enterprises that employ 100 or fewer persons.

Loans to small businesses will range up to $100,000. Loans for working capital or inventory will be offered at three percent interest. Loans for equipment or real property would not exceed one percent interest.

Senator Baker: "Some communities had their entire business district washed away. It is clearly in the public interest to help flood-stricken communities, businesses and employees recover as soon as possible."

Fast Facts