A Look Ahead to Next Week
Committee Meetings of Interest to Townships
(All meetings are at the Capitol in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted)
Monday, 5/9:
– The House Labor and Industry Committee will consider: HB 916 (Amends the Unemployment Compensation Law to further providing for definitions, the establishment and maintenance of employer’s reserve accounts; providing for relief from changes, etc. and further providing for rules of procedure; and providing for applicability)
Tuesday, 5/10:
– The House Local Government Committee will consider: HB 1442 (Amends the Second Class Township Code repealing provisions relating to removal of township officer for failure to perform duties)
– The House Finance Committee will consider: HB 468 (Amends the Taxpayer Relief Act further providing for filing of claim), HB 1326 (Amends the Taxpayer Relief Act further providing for adoption of preliminary budget proposals and for public referendum requirements; for requirements for increasing certain taxes; and further providing for tax relief)
– The House Labor and Industry Committee will consider: HB 308 (Amends the Workers’ Compensation Act, in liability and compensation, further providing for the schedule of compensation)
Wednesday, 5/11:
– The Senate Communications and Technology Committee will hold a public hearing on SB 356 (Act providing for biometric protection and for penalties)
– The House Liquor Control Committee will consider: HB 581 (Amends the Liquor Code further providing for storage by distributors and importing distributors), HB 421 (Amends the Liquor Code further providing for limited wineries)
Thursday, 5/12:
– The House and Senate State Government Committees will hold a joint public hearing on congressional redistricting at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia
– The House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on Marcellus Shale drilling at the Bethlehem City Hall, Bethlehem
TOWNSHIP-RELATED BILLS BEFORE THE GOVERNOR:
SB 265 (White, M) (PN 242):
Would amend the Coal and Gas Resource Coordination Act to update and add to certain definitions. The bill would further provide that “within 60 days of completion of drilling operations of a well, the operator shall supply to the coal owner a copy of the portion of any well bore deviation survey obtained in the subject well between the surface and to a point below the deepest known coal seam encountered during the drilling operation.” The bill would also note that all permit applications under the Oil and Gas Act which would penetrate a coal mine would need to be accompanied by the written consent of the coal mine owner. Certain information would be required to be forwarded to the owner of a coal mine if the well would penetrate the coal mine. The minimum distance between well clusters when a workable seem is involved would be 2,000 feet, unless written consent is otherwise given. T he Environmental Quality Board would be authorized to promulgate regulations to increase the size of a well cluster based upon the findings of a pillar support study.
– Last day for the Governor’s action (5/13/11)
FUTURE TOWNSHIP-RELATED LEGISLATION:
(Click on the links to read the actual co-sponsorship memos)
– Rep. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland) will soon introduce legislation to move-up the release date of municipal liquid fuels funding.
– Rep. Harry Readshaw (D-Allegheny) will be introducing two interesting items of legislation. The first soon introduce legislation to require insurance carriers to directly reimburse volunteer ambulance services for emergency response. The second would allow funds public funds to be used for the improvement, extension, repair, or rehabilitation of private lateral sewer lines connected to public sewer systems.
– Rep. Michael Hanna (D-Clinton) will soon introduce legislation to address the perceived lack of high speed Internet service and cellular coverage in Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier.
RECENT MOVEMENT ON LEGISLATION OF INTEREST:
HB (House Bill), SB (Senate Bill), PN (Printers Number)
HB 8 (Watson, R-Bucks) (PN 11):
Would amend Title 75 (Vehicles) to prohibit the operation of motor vehicles while using interactive wireless communication devices, which includes various types of cell phones, while operating a motor vehicle. Penalties would include one point on the offender’s license. The bill would provide for definitions and exceptions.
Last Action: Set on the House Calendar (5/9/11)
HB 148 (Payne, R-Dauphin) (PN 1542):
Would amend the Liquor Code to provide for the definitions of “catered event” and “happy hour,” and would allow a restaurant, hotel, or eating place licensee to sell alcohol in any sized container during a catered event off the licensed premises. The bill would also expand the definition of “eligible entity” to include non-profit organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that are animal rescue organizations or Main Street or Elm Street programs. The LCB would be prohibited from refusing to renew or transfer a license from previously issued for a premises formerly located in a township of the second class in a county of the third class that is a dry municipality based on the fact that the municipality is a dry municipality if the premises have been continually licensed by the board for 50 years or more. The holder of a restaurant or hotel license seeking to obtain an off-premises catering permit and use would be authorized to use that permit to hold catered events off the licensed premises and to sell alcohol in any container during the catered event so long as the purchase of alcohol is in conjunction with a meal to be served at the catered event. The bill would also provide for the holder of an eating-place license to obtain and off-site catering permit to serve alcoholic beverages. Notification to law enforcement would be needed if the sale is to be made out of the licensed facility. The holder of a restaurant, hotel, or eating place license could only discount the sale of alcohol for four hours a day, not to exceed fourteen hours per week, and no discounts could run from midnight until closing. A permit would be required in order for a licensee to hold an off premises catered event at which alcohol will be served. The fee for an offsite catering permit could not exceed $500.
Last Action: Final passage in the House (Vote: Y:179/N: 17) (5/3/11)
HB 170 (Miller, R-York) (PN 114):
Would amend Title 75 (Vehicles) to provide that any pedacycle being operated in the normal course of traffic under the speed limit must travel in the right-hand lane or as close the right curb as possible unless passing another vehicle or when preparing for a left-hand turn. Exceptions are provided. A vehicle passing such a pedacycle would be required to pass to the left no less than four feet away at a careful and prudent speed. No driver of a motor vehicle would be authorized to interfere with a pedacycle. Pedacycles would be required to be operated as safe as possible and not to interfere with traffic.
Last Action: Set on the House Calendar (5/9/11)
HB 174 (Miller, R-York) (PN 118):
Would amend the Tax Reform Code, to exclude volunteer firefighters relief associations from the state sales and use tax. In certain instances, a single exemption certificate could be used, provided the certificate is permanent. If a firefighters’ relief organization dissolves, it would have 60 days to surrender the exemption certificate.
Last Action: Set on the House Calendar (5/9/11)
HB 197 (Gingrich, R-Lebanon) (PN 1642):
Would amend Title 53 (Municipalities) to require that every agreement between a local government and the Federal Government, the Commonwealth, or any other state or government must be submitted to the Local Government Commission for review and recommendation. In all cases involving an agreement between a local government and the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth, after receipt of the commission’s advisory written response or after 90 days have elapsed without a written response from the commission, would be required to submit the agreement to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees for their review, preparation of a fiscal note and, if deemed necessary by either committee, a public hearing. No agreement between a local government and the Commonwealth would be deemed in force and binding as to either the Commonwealth or a local government until 180 days have elapsed from the date that the agreement has been submitted by the Commonwealth to the committees. The bill would also provide exceptions for certain contracts, agreements, and transactions. (Prior Printer Number: 139, 712)
Last Action: Received in the Senate and referred to the Senate Local Government Committee (5/3/11)
HB 442 (Helm, R-Dauphin) (PN 1040):
Would amend Title 68 (Real and Personal Property) to prohibit private transfer fee obligations and providing for notice and disclosure of existing private transfer fee obligations.
Last Action: Set on the Senate Calendar (5/ 9/11)
HB 715 (Hickernell, R-Lancaster) (PN 729):
Would amend the Local Tax Collection Law to allow the collection of municipal taxes by the county treasurer if the office of municipal tax collector is left vacant and there is an agreement between the county and the municipality. The bill would only apply to counties of the third through eighth classes and allow for the payment of the municipal tax collector’s salary by the county treasurer’s office. The bill would provide for the substance of the agreement between the municipality and county and would state that the agreement will be in effect for one calendar year. The bill would also grant powers to the county treasurer if he is to collect municipal taxes.
Last Action: Received in the Senate and referred to the Senate Local Government Committee (5/3/11)
HB 726 (Saylor, R-York) (PN 739):
The Performance, Accountability and Results Act would provide that not later than September 30, 2012, the head of each Commonwealth agency would be required to submit to the Secretary of the Budget and the General Assembly a strategic plan for program activities, delivering the services and achieving the objectives required by state law, and any Federal program in which the Commonwealth participates. The bill would further provide for performance-based budgeting, review of the agency performance budgets, and reports by the Independent Fiscal Office.
Last Action: Public hearing held in committee House State Government (5/4/11)
HB 1022 (Wheatley, D-Allegheny) (PN 1111):
Would amend Title 42 (Judiciary) to provide a ten-year limitation relating to claims of adverse possession (squatter’s rights) under certain circumstances. It would also provide a six-year limitation on persons seeking mesne profits and provide guidelines for reimbursement for the defendant in the ejection action.
Last Action: Final passage in the House (Vote: Y:140/N: 57) (5/3/11)
HB 1416 (Evankovich, R-Westmoreland) (PN 1690):
Would require DEP to submit annual reports relating to the Clean Water Fund, the Solid Waste Abatement Fund, and the Clean Air Fund.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee (4/28/11)
HB 1418 (Cutler, R-Lancaster) (PN 1692):
Would amend the Public Employe Relations Act to state that membership dues deduction and maintenance of membership could not be subjects of bargaining for public employees covered under the act.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to committee on the House Labor and Industry Committee (4/28/11)
HB 1423 (O’Brien, D, R-Philadelphia) (PN 1701):
The Municipal Police Officer Warrant Service Safety Act would require law enforcement officers to wear appropriate safety gear while serving high risk warrants. “High risk warrant of arrest” would be defined as a warrant of arrest issued for a person involved in any of the following instances: (1) the person has taken or is likely to take hostages, (2) the person has created or is likely to create a stand-off with law enforcement by refusing to comply with police demands for surrender or use of fortification, or (3) the person is known to be armed or potentially armed and the likelihood of armed resistance is high.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Judiciary Committee (5/2/11)
HB 1426 (Conklin, D-Centre) (PN 1716):
Would amend the Liquor Code to add include as an “eligible entity” a noncommercial educational public radio or television station that is eligible for qualification under the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Liquor Control Committee (5/3/11)
HB 1427 (Conklin, D-Centre) (PN 1717):
The Well Operation Response Team Act would require the Secretary of Labor and Industry to promulgate regulations relating to response teams within 18 months of the effective date of this act. Requirements for the regulations are provided and would require the detailing of the qualifications of the response team, update certification, place responsibilities on the operator of a well regarding response teams, and place other duties on well operators. Well operators would be required to give annual training to local first responders and submit a report to the department regarding compliance with regulations.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Labor and Industry Committee (5/3/11)
HB 1428 (Conklin, D-Centre) (PN 1718):
The Freedom to Shoot Act would establish the Task Force on Lead Management and Remediation at Firing Ranges to study ways to manage and remediate lead at shooting ranges and to make recommendations to the Pennsylvania Game Commission within six months of establishment a plan that can uniformly apply to the Commonwealth. The commission would be authorized to promulgate any necessary regulations. The firing of guns at shooting ranges could not be curtailed.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Game and Fisheries Committee (5/3/11)
HB 1429 (Conklin, D-Centre) (PN 1719):
Would amend Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), in budget and finance, to require a $200 surcharge for conviction of certain violations under the Crimes Code, relating to liquor, that require local law enforcement action. All monies collected would be remitted to the local community where the law enforcement action occurred so long as that municipality has adopted an ordinance allowing the funds to be spent solely on public safety and protection.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Judiciary Committee (5/3/11)
HB 1430 (Conklin, D-Centre) (PN 1720):
Would amend the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to define “card game contest” and to add such contests to the definition of “games of chance.” The maximum cash value which could be awarded for any single card game would be limited to no more than $500. The bill also provides for special permits relating to card game contests.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Gaming Oversight Committee (5/3/11)
HB 1435 (Keller, M, R-Perry) (PN 1725):
The Agritourism Immunity Act would provide for limited immunity for persons that sponsor farm-related tourism activities if the person is an operator of an agritourism activity a notice regarding immunity is conspicuously posted in at least two locations on the premises.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee (5/3/11)
HB 1441 (Ross, R-Chester) (PN 1731):
Would amend Title 45 (Legal Notices) to allow for the electronic publication of the various municipal codes by the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Local Government Committee (5/3/11)
HB 1444 (Ross, R-Chester) (PN 1734):
Would amend the Second Class County Code to add that in the instance of a vacancy in the office of county commissioner, the remaining county commissioners would be authorized to appoint a successor. If they do not do so, the vacancy would be filled by the vacancy board, which would consist of the remaining county commissioners and one elector of the county. If the vacancy board fails to fill the position, the chairman or, if there is a vacancy in the position of chairman, the remaining members of the vacancy board would petition the court of common pleas to fill the vacancy. If two or more vacancies exist in the office of county commissioner, the court of common pleas would fill the vacancies upon presentation of a petition signed by not less than fifteen electors of the county. The bill outlines qualifications for the appointee.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Local Government Committee (5/3/11)
HB 1445 (Ross, R-Chester) (PN 1735):
Amends the County Code to add that in the instance of a vacancy in the office of county commissioner, the remaining county commissioners would be authorized to appoint a successor. If they do not do so, the vacancy would be filled by the vacancy board, which would consist of the remaining county commissioners and one elector of the county. If the vacancy board fails to fill the position, the chairman or, if there is a vacancy in the position of chairman, the remaining members of the vacancy board would petition the court of common pleas to fill the vacancy. If two or more vacancies exist in the office of county commissioner, the court of common pleas would fill the vacancies upon presentation of a petition signed by not less than fifteen electors of the county. The bill outlines qualifications for the appointee.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Local Government Committee (5/3/11)
HB 1447 (Ross, R-Chester) (PN 1737):
Would amend the Second Class Township Code to eliminate the term of office requirements for township managers and adding that the manager would serve at the pleasure of the board of supervisors. The employment agreement could set forth the terms and conditions of employment, and the agreement could provide that it would remain in effect for a specified period terminating no later than two years after the effective date of the agreement.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Local Government Committee (5/3/11)
HB 1451 (Ross, R-Chester) (PN 1741):
Would amend the Real Estate Tax Sale Law relating to additional costs for rehabilitation and maintenance to add that in the case of property exposed to upset sale and not sold at upset sale, the bureau could incur and recover as costs in any subsequent sale cost of rehabilitation and maintenance as would be reasonably necessary to address safety issues or restore or maintain the property in a salable condition and costs of rehabilitation and maintenance necessary to ensure the property is maintained in compliance with property maintenance codes.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Local Government Committee (5/3/11)
HB 1452 (Ross, R-Chester) (PN 1742):
Would amend the Workers’ Compensation Act to provide coverage and compensation for volunteer members of emergency management teams injured when responding to an emergency.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Local Government Committee (5/3/11)
HB 1456 (Galloway, D-Bucks) (PN 1762):
The Citizens Constitutional Convention on Property Taxes Act would provide for a limited constitutional convention on property taxes. Public officials and lobbyists would be prohibited from serving as delegates. The bill would appropriate $20 million from the non-lapsing leadership accounts of the General Assembly for the purpose of this convention
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House State Government Committee (5/4/11)
HR 241 (Payne, R-Dauphin) (PN 1629):
A Resolution to designate the week of May 15 through 21, 2011, as “Emergency Medical Services Week” and May 18, 2011, as “Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Day” in Pennsylvania.
Last Action: Adopted in the House (Vote: Y:197/N: 0) (5/4/11)
HR 267 (Pashinski, D-Luzerne) (PN 1756):
A Resolution to support a renewed bipartisan effort of elected officials and the American people to address the national debt crisis in order to avert future national financial catastrophe that threatens the lives, liberties, happiness of Americans.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Finance Committee (5/4/11)
HR 269 (Galloway, D-Bucks) (PN 1758):
A Resolution to mark the 80th anniversary of the passage and signing of the Davis-Bacon Act.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Labor and Industry Committee (5/4/11)
HR 270 (Galloway, D-Bucks) (PN 1759):
A Resolution to offer the support and recommendation of the state House of Representatives for the use of project labor agreements for all publicly funded or guaranteed public works construction, alteration, renovation, demolition, excavating, and paving projects in Pennsylvania.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the House Labor and Industry Committee (5/4/11)
SB 52 (Greenleaf, R-Montgomery) (PN 37):
Would amend Title 75 (Vehicles) to further providing for neighborhood electric vehicles. Such vehicles would be defined as a four-wheeled electric vehicle that has a maximum design speed of not less than 20 miles per hour and of not more than 25 miles per hour and that is certified by the manufacturer to comply with the federal motor vehicle safety standards. When operated on any highway or roadway these vehicles would be required to be maintained in proper condition and comply with the equipment requirements and standards as set forth in 49 CFR 571.500 (relating to Standard No. 500; Low-speed vehicles). A neighborhood electric vehicle would be required to be properly titled and registered with PennDOT. Local authorities could permit the use of a neighborhood electric vehicle where the posted speed limit is greater than 25 miles per hour but not greater than 35 miles per hour. Last Action: Set on the Senate Calendar (5/9/11)
SB 158 (Fontana, D-Allegheny) (PN 145):
Would amend the New Home Construction Local Tax Abatement Act to require the form for a tax exemption must be submitted between the time the building permit is issued and six months following the date of the initial occupancy of the property. The initial occupancy would be presumed to have occurred on the date of the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or on the closing date on which the applicant purchased the property, whichever occurs later.
Last Action: Re-referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee (5/3/11)
SB 247 (Pileggi, R-Delaware) (PN 229):
Would amend the Right-to-Know Law to exclude from the definition of state-affiliated entity any court or other officer or agency of the unified judicial system, the General Assembly and its officers and agencies, any state-related institution, political subdivision, or any local, regional, or metropolitan transportation authority. The bill would add the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to the scope of the act. The bill would add that access to records could be provided at a reasonable time if the request is voluminous or from a remote location. For written requests and for transcripts, the bill would exempt an agency from transcribing a proceeding solely for the purpose of responding to a request. The bill would exempt bank and credit card numbers. For agency response, the bill would add for certain timelines for response, for extension of time, for filing of appeal, for appeals officers, and would state that an agency would be authorized to require prepayment if fees are expected to exceed $50. The bill would grant to the Office of Open Records standing and authorize it to participate as a party in an appeal of any of its decisions.
Last Action: Public hearing held in the Senate State Government Committee (5/3/11)
SB 292 (Eichelberger, R-Blair) (PN 266):
Would amend the Flood Control Law to adjust the minimum threshold for requiring a competitive bidding process from a $4,000 to a $25,000 contract, subject to adjustment based on period recalculations in the CPI-U.
Last Action: Set on the Senate Calendar (5/9/11)
SB 308 (Pippy, R-Allegheny) (PN 285):
Would amend the act entitled “An act to provide for and regulate the accumulation, investment, and expenditure of funds by cities, boroughs, incorporated towns and townships for preparing plans for sewage disposal systems, and for the construction, improvement or replacement of sewage disposal systems for which plans have been approved by the Sanitary Water Board of the Commonwealth,” to allow municipalities and municipal authorities to use public funds for the improvement, extension, repair, or rehabilitation of private lateral sewer lines connected to public sewer systems.
Last Action: Set on the Senate Calendar (5/9/11)
SB 330 (Scarnati, R-Jefferson) (PN 980):
Would amend the Taxpayer Relief Act to require the school directors in school districts of the second, third, and fourth classes to adopt a resolution to allow for the payment of property taxes by small businesses to be made in installments. This provision would not include the payment of interim or delinquent taxes. A small business would be defined as a business located in Pennsylvania with fewer than 50 employees.
Last Action: Set on the Senate Calendar (5/9/11)
SB 367 (White, D, R-Indiana) (PN 352):
The Indigenous Mineral Resources Development Act would grant to the DGS the authority to contract for the indigenous minerals located beneath state lands. Under certain conditions, the department would be allowed to grant rights-of-way to those seeking to extract minerals. Any funds received would be deposited in the state Environmental Stewardship Fund.
Last Action: Set on the Senate Calendar (5/9/11)
SB 460 (Yaw, R-Luzerne) (PN 481):
Would amend the act entitled, “An act regulating the terms and conditions of certain leases regarding natural gas and oil,” to re-title the act as the Oil and Gas Lease Act. The bill would further require certain information to be provided upon payment to interest owners, for how accumulation of proceeds from production are to be remitted, for required response and division orders for nonpayment of royalties, and for effects of nonpayment. The bill would also state that an oil, natural gas, or other designation gas well or lease which does not provide a one-eighth metered royalty would be subject to an escalation when its original state is altered by new drilling, deeper drilling, redrilling, artificial well stimulation, hydraulic fracturing, or any other procedure for increased production. A lease would not be affected when the well is altered through routine maintenance or cleaning.
Last Action: Set on the Senate Calendar (5/9/11)
SB 469 (Argall, R-Schuylkill) (PN 464):
Would amend “An Act encouraging landowners to make land and water areas available to the public for recreational purposes by limiting liability in connection therewith, and repealing certain acts,” to include the use of nature trails by walking, jogging, bicycling, exercising, and horseback riding in the definition of “recreational purpose” and to include nature trails in the definition of “land.”
Last Action: Set on the Senate Calendar (5/9/11)
SB 704 (Gordner, R-Columbia) (PN 685):
Would amend the State Tax Equalization Board Law to require the board to consist of five members, three of whom must be public members. Board members would also include the Secretaries of Education and Revenue. The board would be required to review its findings prior to certification if the Common level ratio increases or decreases by ten percent or more. The bill would also require the granting of a hearing for a property owner to contest the appraisal of their property.
Last Action: Re-referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee (5/4/11)
SB 745 (Scarnati, R-Jefferson) (PN 744):
Would amend the Rail Freight Preservation and Improvement Act to extend contractual authority to wholly-owned railroad affiliates.
Last Action: Received in the House and referred to the House Transportation Committee (4/29/11)
SB 747 (Erickson, R-Delaware) (PN 757):
The Plumbing Contractors Licensure Act would provide for plumbing contractor licensure, establish the State Board of Plumbing Contractors, and provide, and establish fees, fines, and civil penalties. The State Board of Plumbing Contractors within the Department of Labor and Industry would be created and charged with various duties including regulating the licensing of individuals engaged in providing plumbing services, contracting with a professional testing organization to administer tests to qualified applicants for licensure, maintaining a registry of licensees, providing for its contents, and ensuring various reporting requirements are met. Individuals who are not licensed could not provide plumbing services and only master plumbers could use the title “licensed plumbing contractor” and the abbreviation “L.P.C.”, subject to certain exceptions. Qualifications for various classes of plumbers would be further provided for under the act as are disciplinary options. Reciprocity with other states would also provided for, subject to certain conditions. The sum of $85,000 would be appropriated to the department for the payment of costs associated with this bill. This amount would be repaid by the board within three years of the beginning of issuance of licenses. The act would not authorize the board or a municipality to adopt plumbing standards outside the relevant provisions of the Pennsylvania Construction Code. Also, the bill would create the Plumbing Contractors Licensure Account in the State Treasury. Beginning July 1, 2011, all moneys collected by the board would be paid into the account. The bill would further require all plumbers be properly licensed under the Act before holding themselves out as a plumber and places greater requirements on plumber licensure.
Last Action: Re-referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee (5/4/11)
SB 791 (Earll, R-Erie) (PN 821):
Would amend the Bluff Recession and Setback Act to amend the definition of “bluff recession hazard area” by adding language providing the term would not include any area where the horizontal distance, measured perpendicular to the shoreline, between the shoreline and the bluff toe is in excess of 250 feet. The bill would further provide that such an area would not be subject to any Environmental Quality Board regulations or municipal setback ordinance or regulations established under the act.
Last Action: Set on the Senate Calendar (5/9/11)
SB 829 (Robbins, R-Mercer) (PN 847):
Would amend the Second Class Township Code to eliminate the term of office requirements for township managers and adding that the manager would serve at the pleasure of the board of supervisors. The employment agreement could set forth the terms and conditions of employment, and the agreement could provide that it would remain in effect for a specified period terminating no later than two years after the effective date of the agreement.
Last Action: Re-referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee (5/3/11)
SB 890 (McIlhinney, R-Bucks) (PN 1155):
Would amend Title 53 (Municipalities) to prohibit municipalities from enacting or adopting a sanctuary policy which forbid municipal officials and/or persons employed by municipalities from communicating or cooperating with Federal agencies or officials in verifying or reporting the immigration status of any alien within the municipality. The bill would provide that any municipality that enacts or adopts such a policy would be ineligible for any money provided through grants administered by any state agency or department until the policy is repealed or no longer in effect.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the Senate State Government Committee (5/2/11)
SB 898 (Tomlinson, R-Bucks) (PN 915):
Would amend the Noncoal Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act to state temporary cessation could not be approved unless the cessation is due to seasonal shutdown or labor strikes, litigation precludes active surface mining operations, or there are conditions which were beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the permittee. The only ordinances not superseded under the act would be zoning ordinances adopted under Article VI of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
Last Action: Set on the Senate Calendar (5/9/11)
SB 986 (Wozniak, D-Cambria) (PN 1159):
Would amend Title 45 (Legal Notices) to allow for the electronic publication of the various municipal codes by the Commonwealth.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the Senate Local Government Committee (5/2/11)
SB 1012 (Solobay, D-Washington) (PN 1137):
Would amend the Private Detective Act further provide for issuances of licenses, fees, and bonds by adding that licenses would not be issued to individuals convicted of the following offenses: false swearing, unsworn falsifications to authorities, false identification to law enforcement authorities, intimidation of witness or victim, false reports to law enforcement authorities, theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, theft by extortion, forgery, access device fraud, resisting arrest, open lewdness, corruption of minors, sale or lease of weapons or explosives, indecent exposure, or indecent assault. Additionally, licensed individuals could not contract with individuals convicted of those offenses. The police department of the municipality in which any violation of act occurs would have the power to investigate and file a police criminal complaint for violations of the act.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee (5/2/11)
SB 1034 (White, M, R-Venango) (PN 1151):
Would amend Titles 53 (Municipalities) and 66 (Public Utilities) to allow for municipal aggregation of electric generation supply.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (5/2/11)
SB 1041 (Kasunic, D-Fayette) (PN 1153):
Would amend the Administrative Code to limit the number of State Police Officers to 4,310 provided the officers assigned to the Turnpike Commission, the Gaming Control Board, the Liquor Control Board, the Delaware River Joint Toll Commission, or designated as resident state troopers would be excluded in determining such number. If on January 1 of each year the number of troopers is less than 4,310 by five percent then the Governor would be required to authorize a new cadet class for the next fiscal year. Any cadet class could be open to no more than 150 individuals.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the Senate Law and Justice Committee (5/2/11)
SB 1042 (Kasunic, D-Fayette) (PN 1154):
Would amend the Administrative Code to limit the number of State Police Officers to 4,310 provided the officers assigned to the Turnpike Commission, the Gaming Control Board, the Liquor Control Board, the Delaware River Joint Toll Commission, or designated as resident state troopers would be excluded in determining such number.
Last Action: Introduced and referred to the Senate Law and Justice Committee (5/2/11)
SR 110 (Orie, R-Butler) (PN 1173):
A Resolution to recognize and honor firefighters throughout this Commonwealth for their bravery, dedication, and heroism, and to designate May 4, 2011, as “Firefighters’ Day” in Pennsylvania.
Last Action: Introduced and adopted (5/3/11)
TOWNSHIP-RELATED ACTS (2011-12 Legislative Session):
Act 1 of 2011 (HB 377): Signed: April 25, 2011: Amends the UCC to exclude automatic fire sprinkler requirements from all new one- and two-family homes. It requires builders to explain the costs and benefits of installing automatic sprinkler systems to all homeowners. The new law includes additional specifications for fire-resistant flooring in structures without sprinklers. The act will also make changes to the UCC Review and Advisory Committee, requiring it determine the impacts of any future ICC codes revisions on public health, safety, welfare, as well as their economic impacts and technical feasibility. Finally, the new act permits log walls in residential buildings provided that they meet certain standards.
Effective date: April 25, 2011.
–(For PSATS official position, detailed analyses, and the up-to-date status of these bills and others, please contact, cadams@psats.org)–
