2011-2012 Senate Action

Legislation of Note Passed by the Senate

Budget

Act 1A of 2011 reduces state spending by $1.1 billion and maintains essential state services without increasing taxes despite a large deficit. The final spending plan boosted basic and higher education funding over Gov. Corbett's original proposal.

Government Reform

Act 18 of 2012 protects the integrity of the voting process by requiring voters to show a valid, non-expired photo identification when they vote.

Senate Resolution 65 prohibits senators and members of the Senate staff, along with their spouses and children, from serving on the board of directors for any nonprofit organization that receives state funding unless a number of specific criteria are met.

Act 18 of 2011 directs the Independent Fiscal Office to create and maintain a searchable, database-driven budget website that the public can access.

Act 56 of 2011 increases the maximum penalty for violations of the state Sunshine Law and bars an agency from making a payment on behalf of a government official for violating the act.

Act 60 of 2011 requires that any state agency seeking to implement a regulation describe the data on which the regulation is based as well as a detailed explanation of how the data was obtained and why it is acceptable.

Act 79 of 2011 enables the governor to declare a state of fiscal emergency in Harrisburg, which would be triggered by the city's inability to meet its financial obligations and failure to adopt a financial recovery plan under Act 47.

Act 61 of 2011 requires state agencies that receive funding under the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund Act (Key '93) to submit annual reports to the governor and General Assembly - including a description of projects, their locations and amounts requested - and post the information online.

Act 110 of 2011 opens birth records to the public 105 years after the date of birth and death records 50 years after the date of death.

Act 84 of 2011, Act 85 of 2011, Act 86 of 2011, Act 87 of 2011, Act 88 of 2011, Act 89 of 2011, Act 90 of 2011, Act 91 of 2011, Act 92 of 2011, Act 93 of 2011, Act 94 of 2011, Act 95 of 2011, Act 96 of 2011, Act 97 of 2011 reduce costs to taxpayers by raising the level at which counties, local governments and school districts must go through the formal bidding process.

Act 27 of 2012 requires the state Department of Environmental Protection to post and maintain all clean air State Implementation Plans on its website, and to provide the same to the standing Senate and House oversight committees.

Senate Bill 109 requires all paid advertising by state government to include the statement "Paid for with Pennsylvania Taxpayer Dollars."

Senate Bill 162 requires state and local government agencies to notify the public of data breaches involving personal information within one week.

Senate Bill 354 protects privacy by prohibiting the governor, the Department of Transportation or any other Commonwealth agency from participating in the Real ID Act of 2005 or any regulations promulgated under the act.

Senate Bill 1200 requires state agency purchasing agents to provide written documentation for all sole-source, no-bid, and emergency contracts over $250,000.

Senate Bill 110 requires PennDOT to establish and maintain a publicly accessible log of executive and passenger flights on aircraft it owns or leases.

Senate Bill 104 requires mileage logs for the use of state-owned vehicles, public reporting of person's assigned them, "official use" license plates, and reporting of mileage claimed by state employees.

Senate Bill 790 permits shipment of out-of-state wine to Pennsylvania residents.

Jobs and Economy

Act 16 of 2012 authorizes the creation of up to 15 new Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zones providing tax benefits to employers who create jobs in designated zones.

Act 17 of 2011 prevents lawsuit abuse by reforming the practice of joint and several liability so that defendants are only responsible for paying their fair share of damages in a civil case.

Act 67 of 2011 permanently establishes the Industry Partnerships Program as part of the state's workforce development strategy, bringing together businesses and organizations within an industry to address common workforce needs.

Act 27 of 2011 extends the sunset provisions of the First Industries Program to July 15, 2015, assisting with the financing of economic development projects primarily related to agriculture and tourism. 

Act 6 of 2011 continues federal unemployment compensation benefits through the end of the year, reforms the Pennsylvania unemployment compensation system to save nearly $120 million annually, and allows employers facing the prospect of layoffs to implement a temporary shared-work program.

Act 65 of 2011 authorizes licensed motorcycle dealers to sell motorcycles on Sundays, giving Pennsylvania motorcycle dealers a level playing field with neighboring states.

Senate Bill 276 strengthens law requiring state agencies to be located in a downtown.

Environment and Energy

Act 13 of 2012 establishes fees on gas drillers, sets strong environmental safeguards, and strengthens oversight of the Marcellus Shale drilling industry.

Act 11 of 2012 establishes a new financing method – distribution system improvement charge process – to expedite utility infrastructure projects.

Act 2 of 2011 establishes adequate and safe spacing between natural gas well clusters and workable coal seams.

Act 57 of 2011 provides one-quarter of any fine under the state Clean Air Act above $50,000 to go to the municipality in which the violation occurred for local projects designed to reduce air pollution, to improve parks and trails, or to create open space.

Act 9 of 2012 requires Marcellus Shale well operators to post signs bearing their GPS coordinates and other emergency response information at all well sites and share those coordinates with appropriate state and local officials.

Act 127 of 2011  creates a statewide registry for Class 1 Marcellus Shale pipelines and requires operators to report the location and aggregate miles of the pipeline to the Public Utility Commission, which is given authority to conduct safety inspections and investigations.

Senate Bill 460 requires natural gas producing companies to list production detail and all deductions on royalty check stubs.

Senate Bill 367 provides new options for the leasing of state-owned real property for mining or removal of valuable coal, oil, natural gas, coal bed methane, limestone and mineral resources.

Senate Bill 303 requires DEP to deposit any Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act-related fine money into the HSCA Fund, which is used to clean up hazardous sites.  Civil penalties under the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act - up to $25,000 per offense - could not be used to supplant other funds within DEP.

Senate Bill 469 encourages landowners to make land and water areas available to the public for recreational purposes by limiting their liability.

Senate Bill 52 allows the use of low-speed electric vehicles, or Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, on certain roadways.

Senate Bill 1386 removes a costly regulation requiring a special "boutique" blend of gasoline to be sold in the seven-county Pittsburgh area.

Crime and Safety

Act 7 of 2011 bans synthetically produced drugs, including concentrated bath salts, designed to mimic the effects of other drugs.

Act 66 of 2011 provides immunity from prosecution for minors for underage drinking and possession of alcohol if they call 911 to help an intoxicated friend in an emergency situation.

Act 10 of 2011 strengthens the Castle Doctrine by removing the "duty to retreat" clause when an individual is threatened by an attacker in any place that individual has a right to be, including home or vehicle.

Act 98 of 2011 prohibits texting while driving.

Act 81 of 2011 limits the number of passengers who may ride in a vehicle operated by a junior driver and requires minors with a learner's permit to complete 65 hours of practical driving.

Senate Bill 775 requires individuals arrested for serious crimes to submit DNA samples, authorizes a new type of DNA search to help identify suspects in unsolved crimes, and implements important privacy protections.

Senate Bill 539 increases penalties for those driving under the influence with a minor in the vehicle to $1,000 and 100 hours of community service for first offense, $2,500 and six months imprisonment for a second offense and two years imprisonment for subsequent offenses.

Senate Bill 58 allows a victim of sexual assault who has not sought criminal charges to petition a court to order protection from the offender.

Senate Bill 397 establishes a pretrial procedure to determine if a defendant in a capital penalty trial is a person with mental retardation.

Senate Bill 100 requires the Department of Corrections to establish a comprehensive program to reduce recidivism, makes more nonviolent offenders eligible for alternative sentencing programs and establishes a county program providing predictable and immediate sanctions on offenders who violate probation.

Senate Bill 595 authorizes 19 cities across Pennsylvania to enact ordinances to use red-light cameras to improve traffic safety at intersections.

Senate Bill 86 assists law enforcement in cracking down on auto theft by clarifying that the offense of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity specifically includes stolen or illicitly obtained property.

Emergency Preparedness

Senate Bill 444 helps non-profit organizations such as volunteer fire companies and veterans clubs raise more money for community activities by allowing for increased prize limits for small games of chance.

Hurricane Irene/Tropical Storm Lee Disaster Relief:

• Senate Bill 1264 provides for supplemental state assistance to those who have exhausted federal flood benefits and qualify under income eligibility guidelines.
• Senate Bill 1266 authorizes $150 million bond for flood-related highway, bridge and rail rehabilitation projects, as well as flood control and disaster mitigation projects.
• Senate Bill 1267 provides for real estate tax abatement for properties substantially damaged by flooding.
• Senate Bill 1268, Senate Bill 1269, Senate Bill 1271 authorize county-by-county lists of highways, bridges and rail facilities damaged by the flood that require repair and rehabilitation, and flood control and disaster mitigation projects.
• Senate Bill 1297 establishes a low-interest loan program for small businesses damaged by flooding.
• Senate Bill 1323 provides interest rate assistance and loan guarantees to assist farmers in recovering from the natural disasters.

Senate Bill 1261 allows municipalities to create authorities that extend across municipal boundaries, enabling better stormwater planning and remediation.

Education

Act 25 of 2011 gives voters a stronger say over property tax increases by reducing the number of exceptions school districts can use when seeking to raise taxes above inflation without a referendum.

Senate Bill 1 creates an opportunity scholarship program for students in low-achieving schools and includes several provisions to improve accountability and expand development of charter schools and cyber charter schools.

Act 24 of 2011 gives districts the option to hire superintendents who have a graduate degree in business or finance. (Senate Bill 858 enacted in School Code.)

Act 24 of 2011  places a lifetime employment ban in schools for those who have been convicted of serious violent offenses, and a 10-year ban for any other felony crime. (Senate Bill 224 enacted in School Code.)

Senate Bill 343 restricts the state Department of Education to collecting only information identifying individual college students when specifically required by law, and requires it to describe in detail its legal authority to collect the information and allow students to opt out of the system. (Enacted in School Code, Act 24 of 2011.)

State System of Higher Education Modernization:

• Senate Bill 1133 allows all SSHE universities to offer applied doctorate degrees.
• Senate Bill 1308 helps universities keep and recruit professors by allowing employees to develop or market intellectual property, such as research.
• Senate Bill 1322 allows the SSHE to enter into an agreement with an entity for the cooperative use of supplies and services.

Senate Bill 209 requires public and private schools to submit annual reports demonstrating that they have met the requirements of Title IX.

Health Care

Act 59 of 2011 makes HIV testing a routine part of general medical care as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Act 122 of 2011 requires the Department of Health to apply to abortion facilities the same regulations applicable to ambulatory surgical facilities.

Act 121 of 2011 requires that individuals who receive methadone treatment services covered by Medicaid receive treatment at the clinic closest to their residence if they are using taxpayer-funded transportation.

Senate Bill 10 amends the state Constitution to prohibit Pennsylvanians from being required to obtain health insurance coverage or from being penalized for not doing so.

Senate Bill 3 extends Pennsylvania's prohibition on using public funding for elective abortions to the proposed new insurance system created by the federal health care law.

Senate Bill 5 creates the Community-Based Health Care Program in the Department of Health to provide grants to community-based health care clinics.

Children and Families

Act 62 of 2011 allows a parent to request a "Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth" from the state Department of Health.

Act 9 of 2011 allows a licensed hunter with an antlered deer permit to give the permit to a young hunter who is participating in a mentored youth hunting program.

Senate Resolution 250 creates the Task Force on Children Protection to conduct a sweeping review of Pennsylvania laws and procedures governing child protection and the reporting of child abuse.

Act 111 of 2011 brings Pennsylvania into compliance with the federal Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act and ensures the commonwealth meets national standards to strengthen sex offender registration and notification.

Act 101 of 2011 increases awareness and prevention of traumatic head injuries among Pennsylvania's scholastic athletes.

Juvenile Justice Reform:

• Act 23 of 2012 Eliminates waiving counsel in juvenile delinquency hearings.
• Act 22 of 2012 Requires judges to state on the record the reasons behind disposition orders.
• Senate Bill 816 Creates a victim advocate devoted to juvenile justice.
• Senate Bill 817 Prohibits shackling of juveniles in the courtroom.

Senate Bill 850 amends state law to presume that all juvenile defendants are indigent in order to ensure each is represented by an attorney, and defines the crime of cyber bullying.

Senate Bill 349 improves safety at tanning salons and requires parental consent for minors.

Senate Bill 227 requires all family day care providers in Pennsylvania to have liability insurance as a condition of their state certification.

Transportation

Senate Bill 344 establishes Public-Private Partnerships (P3s), contractual agreements that allow for greater private sector participation in the delivery and financing of transportation needs and improvements.

Military Veterans

Act 64 of 2011 allows all Commonwealth hunting license-issuing agents to sell reduced-fee hunting licenses to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Pennsylvania National Guard.

Act 38 of 2011 provides for honor guard burial details at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

Act 6 of 2012 authorizes Pennsylvania to enter into an interstate compact to help students in military families cope with the frequent relocations associated with active duty service.

Act 28 of 2012 expands eligibility for reduced-price fishing licenses to deployed Pennsylvania Air National Guard members.

Act 76 of 2011 requires that at least one member of the State Civil Service Commission be a military veteran to ensure compliance with required hiring practices such as "Veterans' Preference."

Senate Bill 623 encourages state agencies to contract with veteran-owned small businesses.

Illegal Immigration

Senate Bill 9 ensures that illegal aliens who live in Pennsylvania are not receiving public benefits such as Medicaid, welfare and in-state college tuition.

Senate Bill 637 requires all contractors and subcontractors in publically funded projects to verify via the national E-Verify system that their employees are legally permitted to work in Pennsylvania.

Consumer Protection

Senate Bill 27 extends a consumer's right to seek reimbursement under the Puppy Lemon Law for illnesses, and extends the time period for certifying illnesses.

Senate Bill 1141 sets standards for relocated manufactured housing units.

Agriculture

Act 78 of 2011 creates the Pennsylvania Preferred Act to better promote PA agricultural commodities.

Senate Bill 390 allows the transportation of wider equipment on Pennsylvania roads and permits farm equipment transportation at night if proper safety precautions are taken.

Senate Bill 1323 provides interest rate assistance and loan guarantees to assist farmers in recovering from the natural disasters.

Senate Bill 1169 prohibits manufacturers from restricting a local dealer's ability to offer agricultural equipment to customers.

Nominations in 2011

In 2011, the Senate confirmed 205 gubernatorial nominees, including 18 members of the Governor's Cabinet, along with members of the Public Utility Commission, the Liquor Control Board, PHEAA, the Board of Pardons, the Board of Probation and Parole, the Historical and Museum Commission, the Philadelphia School Reform Commission, and many other agencies, boards and commissions.