WEEKLY SESSION NOTES
Senate Republican Policy Committee
Sen. Jake Corman, Chairman

Monday, March 19, 2007

Senate Bill 21 (Dinniman) would authorize the Department of General Services to enter into an agreement with Chester County to alter the use restriction and reversionary covenant contained in two previous land transfers to Chester County to establish that the properties can only be conveyed to the Natural Lands Trust, Inc.  The bill provides that if either of these two parcels are conveyed to any entity other than the Natural Lands Trust, Inc., or used for anything other than park, recreation, open space, conservancy or agricultural purposes, title would revert to the Commonwealth.  The deed of conveyance of either property from Chester County to the Natural Lands Trust, Inc., would have to retain a conservation easement for the county.  The deed must also state that if at any time Natural Lands Trust, Inc. conveys or authorizes the property to be used for any purpose other than the originally stated purpose, title would revert to Chester County.  If the conveyance from Chester County to the Natural Lands Trust, Inc. is not executed within 60 months, the authorization to alter the deed restrictions would expire.  Passed:  50-0.

Senate Resolution 40 (Erickson) is a concurrent resolution urging the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation to ensure that Congress reauthorizes the State Children's Health Insurance Program as soon as practicable to secure federal funding for Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  The resolution also urges all components of state government to work with educators, health care providers, social workers and parents to ensure that all available public and private assistance for providing health benefits to uninsured children in the Commonwealth be used to the maximum extent possible.  Adopted by Voice Vote.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Senate Bill 437 (Regola) would amend the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act to modify the requirements relating to concrete and masonry foundations.  Specifically, the bill would exclude the provisions from the Pennsylvania Construction Code (contained in the International Residential Code which took January 1, 2007), which require floor framing systems to include bracing every nine inches, and restore the 2003 International Residential Code requirements.  Passed:  50-0.

Senate Resolution 59 (Pippy) designates the month of March 2007 as "Kidney Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.  Adopted:  50-0.

Senate Resolution 61 (Costa) acknowledges the contributions made by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre to the culture, economic development and tourism of the Greater Pittsburgh region.  Adopted by Voice Vote.

Senate Resolution 62 (Orie) designates the month of April 2007 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in Pennsylvania.  Adopted by Voice Vote.