Capitol Recap
AROUND THE ROTUNDA Volume 5 Number 426 PLS coverage of Capitol events including press conferences, bill signings, & media availabilities October 16, 2018 Contents STOP CHILD PREDATORS, SENATORS, URGE SENATE ACTION ON SB 261 AROUND THE ROTUNDA 1 By Derek Snyder, Pennsylvania Legislative Services | October 16, 2018 COMMITTEE NEWS 3 NEW LEGISLATION 15 Stop Child Predators (SCP) held a press conference alongside lawmakers to urge the LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS 19 Senate to act on SB 261. EXECUTIVE ACTIONS 41 UPCOMING MEETINGS 43 Stacie Rumenap, President of SCP, said that they were there with a message for the Senate SESSION STATUS to pass window legislation so victims are able to have their day in court, adding that there is At 5:58 p.m. on Tuesday, a lot of excitement about passing the legislation. October 16, 2018 the Senate stands in recess Jim VanSickle, Survivor Advocacy Coordinator for SCP, discussed that it has come to his until Wednesday, October attention that his abuser of 37 years ago will be in court tomorrow. VanSickle added that 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., there is a trial set for February 11th and he fully expects his abuser to plead guilty tomorrow unless sooner recalled by or in the coming weeks. VanSickle said that he felt that it was important to come forward the President Pro Tempore. to urge for the window legislation to be passed. VanSickle expressed that SB 261 needs to pass so that all victims can have their day in court. At 4:18 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 the Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) said that SB 261 is an important and significant piece House stands adjourned of legislation and urged his colleagues to make a giant step in bringing wholeness to the until Wednesday, October victims of sexual abuse and their families. 17, 2018 at 9:30 a.m., unless sooner recalled by Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery) discussed how close the legislature is to bringing an the Speaker. opportunity for justice to many people who deserve it. Sen. Leach said that they cannot go home tomorrow without getting this done, adding that there has to be some opportunity for victims to come forward, tell their story and get the justice they deserve. Sen. Leach added that they are now working pretty much around the clock to bring legislation to the floor and get something completed before the end of tomorrow, noting that he and a lot of other people will stay as long as necessary to get it done. UPCOMING SESSION DAYS House October 17 November 13 LEGISLATORS CALL FOR HEALTH INSURANCE PROTECTION Senate By Matt Hess, Pennsylvania Legislative Services | October 16, 2018 October 17 November 14 A group of legislators held a press conference this morning to urge action on legislation that would prevent the elimination of health insurance for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Rep. Peter Schweyer (D-Lehigh) began the press conference by taking a moment to remember that the House Democratic Caucus has lost four members this session: Rep. Daniel McNeill (D-Lehigh), Rep. Flo Fabrizio (D-Erie), Rep. Michael O’Brien (D-Philadelphia), and Rep. Sid Kavulich (D-Lackawanna). “It’s important to remember that we are put on Earth to do things, we’re put on Earth to do stuff, to improve our communities,” he stated. “We Provided by Pennsylvania have this remarkable opportunity to serve our communities, our neighborhoods as members Legislative Services of the General Assembly. Danny, Flo, Mike, and Sid were the kind of people that put their 240 N. 3rd St. 6th Floor communities and neighborhoods first. As we take time to reflect on their lives, their families’ Harrisburg, PA 17101 loss, it’s important to remember that it’s our job to do something. It’s high time that we in their 717.236.6984 phone 717.236.5097 fax honor, their spirit, and their history of service that we actually do something as members of www.mypls.com the General Assembly.” Rep. Schweyer, prime sponsor of HB 2552, explained that his legislation is based off SB 958 which was authored by Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia). He said prior to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), people with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and pregnancy could be denied access to affordable health insurance. “Since the passage of the ACA, here in Pennsylvania 5.4 million Pennsylvanians can no longer be denied health insurance coverage due to a pre-existing condition,” he stated. “The Affordable Care Act is far from perfect but guaranteeing coverage for those with pre-existing conditions is one of the most tremendously important parts of the ACA. During the last two years however the protections afforded to those 5.4 million Pennsylvanians have been under direct assault. The Trump Administration and their allies in Congress appear to be hell-bent on dismantling the ACA without any real plan to replace it.”
Rep. Schweyer highlighted ways in which the Trump Administration has attempted to undercut the ACA: • Changed association health plans and short term rules that have reduced coverage; • Shortened the open enrollment period for ACA plans; • Repealed the individual health insurance mandate; • Reduced funding for navigator programs.
“They are telling us through their actions that they want to get rid of this. Shame on all of us in Harrisburg if we bury our heads in the sand and do nothing to protect those 5.4 million Pennsylvanians,” Rep. Schweyer stated. “That’s why we need to enact HB 2552 or SB 958. There is a constant threat of being denied the ability to see a doctor or the risk of financial ruin for those 5.4 million Pennsylvanians. They deserve action on this legislation.”
Sen. Hughes noted that neither bill is on the House or Senate calendar and emphasized that 72 percent of Americans support protections for pre-existing conditions. “These are pieces of legislation that would bring us together, that is common ground for all of us,” he stated. “Over 5.4 million Pennsylvanians deserve to have this coverage. We are here to send a message that this is important, this is vital, and this speaks directly to the reality of Pennsylvania citizens…all of us have been sick at some point in our lives. All of us have had to go to the hospital at some point. The issue of pre-existing conditions impacts every citizens of Pennsylvania.”
Rep. Tony DeLuca (D-Allegheny), minority chairman of the House Insurance Committee, spoke in support of the legislation. “We cannot sit idly by and watch the president and the Republican majority in Washington D.C. attempt to take away protections currently imbedded in federal laws,” he stated. “Today we are here to pledge to fight to protect these laws and protect those people with pre-existing conditions.”
Rep. DeLuca shared that he and his wife are both cancer survivors and they would not be alive without health insurance. He noted that he introduced a resolution in February 2017 that would urge Congress to keep protections in place for indi- viduals with pre-existing conditions individuals who qualify to participate in cancer clinical trials. “I have a good rapport with my counterpart on the Insurance Committee but the leadership of the Republican House would not let this out and it’s been almost two years,” he stated. “Health care is something that everybody needs and it’s a fact of life we shouldn’t deny them. These politicians have no heart when they have their own insurance plans and they want other people to have less insur- ance than they have. Let’s have the same damn thing that people have to go out and struggle for.”
Rep. Helen Tai (D-Bucks), Rep. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester), and Rep. Eddie Pashinski (D-Luzerne) were also on hand for the press conference.
2 COMMITTEE NEWS Comprehensive coverage of House & Senate public hearings & voting meetings House Appropriations Committee 10/16/18, 12:30 p.m., Room 140 Main Capitol By Mike Howells, Pennsylvania Legislative Services
The committee met to consider legislation.
SB 353 Rafferty, John - (PN 2088) Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, to grant and convey to the Pennhurst Memorial Preservation Alliance, or its assigns, a certain tract of land with certain improvements on it situate in East Vincent Township, Chester County; authorizing and directing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to 812 Market, Inc., or its assigns, certain lands and improvements situate in the City of Harrisburg, Dauphin County; authorizing the Department of Transportation, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Two Farms Inc., certain lands situate in the Collegeville Borough, Montgomery County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey, at a price to be determined through a competitive bid process, certain lands, buildings and improvements situate in the Borough of Chambersburg, Franklin County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Department of Transportation and the Governor, to grant and convey, at a price to be determined through a competitive bid process, certain lands, buildings and improvements situate partially in the 6th Ward City of Washington and situate partially in South Strabane Township, Washington County; and authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Governor, to grant and convey to Jose L. Ramos and Lisa Ramos, husband and wife, certain lands situate in the Township of Whitemarsh, Montgomery County. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 377) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
SB 798 Alloway, Richard - (PN 1078) Amends Title 12 (Commerce and Trade), in Pennsylvania Military Community Enhancement Commission, further providing for establishment and membership by adding that the active duty retired military officer on the commission may be one-star or two-star. Currently the officer must be three- or four-star. The officer shall also be a resident of Pennsylvania. Effective in 60 days. -The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
SB 897 Stefano, Patrick - (PN 1760) Amends Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), in authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for restitution for injuries to person or property; and, in sentencing, further providing for victim impact statements. The stated intent of the bill is to expand the scope of restitution for victims to include government agencies, non-profits, corporations and other similar organizations. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 1199) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
SB 915 Greenleaf, Stewart - (PN 1534) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary) adding a new subchapter relating to Victim and Witness Outreach. Also amends section 9545 relating to jurisdiction and proceedings extending the time period from 60 days to one year for a person bringing a petition for a post-conviction relief action. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
SB 916 Greenleaf, Stewart - (PN 1535) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), in post-trial matters, further providing for postconviction DNA testing. The stated intent is to update the law by removing the supervision requirement, allowing those who plead guilty to access testing, requiring the Commonwealth to identify all physical evidence in a case, allowing testing when new DNA testing technology becomes available, and matching with DNA profiles the FBI›s DNA database. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
SB 1092 Mensch, Bob - (PN 1710) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) adding a new section providing for sentencing for offenses involving domestic violence in the presence of a minor. Requires the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Sentencing to provide for a sentence enhancement for an offense under Title 18, section 2701 relating to simple assault and section 2702 relating to aggravated assault specifying variations from the range of sentences applicable based on such aggravating circumstances as the assault was committed against a family or household member and the defendant knew the crime was witnessed, either through sight or sound, by a minor who is also a family or household member of the defendant or the victim. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1577) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
3 SB 1209 Langerholc, Wayne (F) - (PN 1886) Amends the Sexual Assault Testing and Evidence Collection Act further providing for sexual assault evidence collection program by establishing a designated telephone number for the use of health care facilities who have notified local law enforcement to take possession of sexual assault evidence that has not been completed within 72 hours; and requiring the Pennsylvania State Police to complete and submit a report related to sexual assault volume, evidence, and testing. Portions are effective immediately, with the remainder effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
SB 1127 Aument, Ryan - (PN 1827) Amends Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 62 (Procurement), in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, providing for order authorizing interception of wire, electronic or oral communications; in trade and commerce. Further provides for buying or exchanging Federal food order coupons, stamps, authorization cards or access devices and for fraudulent traffic in food orders based on the amount involved. Also provides for debarment or suspension. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1643) - The bill was reported as committed by a vote of 26-7, with Representatives Donna Bullock (D-Philadelphia), Maria Donatucci (D-Philadelphia), Ed Gainey (D-Allegheny), Patty Kim (D-Dauphin), Stephen Kinsey (D-Philadelphia), Leanne Krueger-Braneky (D-Delaware), and Pete Schweyer (D-Lehigh) voting in the negative.
Senate Health and Human Services Committee 10/16/18, 10:00 a.m., North Office Building Hearing Room One By Jessica Richardson, Pennsylvania Legislative Services Video: (click here)
The committee met to consider SB 1270 Yudichak, John - (PN 2065) The Childhood Blood Lead Test Act provides for blood lead testing of certain children and pregnant women by health care providers; imposes duties on the Department of Health; and requires certain health insurance policies to cover blood lead tests. Effective in 60 days. (PN 2065) The Childhood Blood Lead Test Act provides for blood lead testing of certain children and pregnant women by health care providers; imposes duties on the Department of Health; and requires certain health insurance policies to cover blood lead tests. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) commented the Childhood Blood Test Act is bipartisan legislation. Pennsylvania was previously one of the highest states with lead content in the water system and third in the nation of most houses built prior to 1978, Sen. Yudichak said. He added lead based paint remains the primary source of lead poisoning in children. Over 200,000 children go untested every year and with this act two blood tests would be conducted between 9-24 months and one test at 24 months, Sen. Yudichak said.
Chairman Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) stated she appreciates working with this Senator on this issue and for his work on SR 33. She noted pediatricians have said public programs test children but other insurances don’t so the state is missing many children. “This could save lives and protect our children,” Sen. Baker said.
Senate Health and Human Services and Senate Republican Policy Committees 10/16/18, 10:15 a.m., North Office Building Hearing Room One By Jessica Richardson and Robert Cochran, Pennsylvania Legislative Services The committees held a joint hearing on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Pennsylvania. Chairman Baker thanked everyone for participating in the hearing as the information received today will help the General Assembly decide what steps to take.
Minority Chairman Schwank commented that Medicaid serves 2.3 million people and every dollar is important. She said she hears issues of people not getting the services they need to stay healthy. Chairman Schwank noted she is interested to hear how to make the most of the dollars allocated to Medicaid.
4 Chairman Argall stated that there is new research and technology changing health care every day to deliver services more efficiently. He said the state may be able to do better and save a considerable amount of taxpayer dollars.
Sen. Richard Alloway (R-Franklin) explained that the issue of questionable practices by PBMs came to his attention by his local community pharmacists. He said he hears over and over again that PBMs are making it impossible to serve patients. Sen. Alloway commented that PBMs are not regulated and are not transparent as they refuse to provide information when asked. He noted SB 1105 would make it so PBMs cannot pay less than what the drugs costs. He said this hurts community pharmacies and the patients they help.
Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) noted the issue came to him in a similar experience. He said his community depends on small independent pharmacies to provide service, but the pharmacist told him when a prescription is filled the pharmacy loses money. Rep. Heffley commented if his community loses the local pharmacy people will have to drive almost one hour to get their prescriptions filled. He said HB 2212 will allow the Department of Health to have oversight and access to the contracts in order to shed light on the issue.
Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair) explained SB 1166 is geared toward the public contracts in place. He stated New Jersey is the first state in the country to address the PBM situation. Sen. Eichelberger explained New Jersey hasadifferent structure than Pennsylvania but they used a single contract and changed the bidding process for pharmaceuticals. New Jersey started a three year contract with employees and is estimated to have saved $1.6 billion over that period, he said. He explained the bill would set up a standalone procurement law.
Sen. Eichelberger commented PBMs will use proprietary interest as an excuse to hide how they make their money but they should be focused on transparency.
Chairman Baker asked what the appeals process is for Rep. Heffley›s and Sen. Alloway›s legislation. Sen. Alloway replied a problem with the current appeals process is that it is an automatic denial because the PBM is the one who makes the decision. He said his own pharmacist is scared to go against the PBM because of retribution. Rep. Heffley noted pharmacists would not come to a hearing on the matter for fear of retribution. He said the Department of Human Services (DHS) would have oversight.
Chairman Baker questioned who would operate the procurement process. Sen. Eichelberger stated it would be whoever is providing the contracts now.
Chairman Schwank commented that in her experience many of the local pharmacies serve low-income neighborhoods. She asked if the legislators have also heard this. Rep. Heffley responded that he has heard that and his legislation deals with Medicaid, which serves a lot of struggling people.
Chairman Argall inquired if anyone in the Budget Office or the Appropriations Committee was able to quantify the $1.6 billion savings in New Jersey to a number in Pennsylvania. Sen. Eichelberger replied he does not know an exact number but that it would be much larger. He commented if the state were to put the prison system in the contract, it would be a big chunk of prescriptions to help save money. Chairman Argall asked if these are General Fund savings and who loses in this scenario. Sen. Eichelberger responded yes, and the PBMs would get less money.
Sen. Street inquired who would issue the contract under Sen. Eichelberger›s legislation. Sen. Eichelberger said it would follow the current procurement process. Sen. Street asked how New Jersey dealt with the aggregation of the contracts. Sen. Eichelberger stated New Jersey is more centralized than Pennsylvania, so Pennsylvania would have to change the law to have one contract. Sen. Street noted there is cost savings somewhere in here and he is interested in working with members to create a tangible program.
Sen. Haywood asked if Sen. Eichelberger›s legislation is for employees only and not Medicaid recipients. Sen. Eichelberger replied New Jersey did include employees but it would be up to the state for how it is done in Pennsylvania. Sen. Haywood questioned if it would be a single PBM. Sen. Eichelberger said yes, it would be the lowest bidder.
Sen. Martin commented this concept is not new and there is great potential for this model.
5 Sally Kozak, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Medical Assistance Programs, DHS, was joined by Laurie Rock, Director of the Bureau of Managed Care Operations, and Kristin Hoover, Clinical Pharmacy Manager. Kozak stated there are about 2.9 million Pennsylvanians that receive their physical health care under the Medical Assistance (MA) program. She said under the current managed care model, DHS pays a per-member, per-month rate called a capitation rate to managed care organizations (MCOs). Kozak explained MCOs are permitted to use PBMs and establish their own drug rebates and discounts for drug products. There is no standard model or template for PBM subcontracts, and the way each MCO subcontracts with its PBM is customized depending on the responsibilities of the PBM, Kozak said.
Kozak continued that the term associated with a perceived lack of transparency and potential increased cost is spread pricing, which occurs when the payment that the MCO makes to the PBM for a drug dispensed by a pharmacy is higher than the amount the PBM pays the pharmacy that dispensed the drug. The difference is considered the spread, which PBM retains as revenue, Kozak said. She noted that, beginning in 2017, DHS periodically received complaints from an association of independent pharmacies claiming that the payments for drugs dispensed to MCO members were inadequate. The department investigated every complaint and found no evidence of MCO non-compliance.
Kozak explained the investigation did show that the MCOs were not interpreting the term paid amount consistently. In response, she said, DHS is amending the 2019 MCO Agreements to provide for greater transparency in payment for drugs and more specificity in the reporting and documenting when a PBM administers pharmacy services to MA program beneficiaries. Kozak commented DHS believes the amendments to its agreements with the MCOs is a comprehensive approach that provides the potential to be more informative and effective in the long-term than the actions being taken by neighboring states.
Chairman Baker commented that the department intends to deal with the issue of PBMs through the contracting process while others say it should be done statutorily. She asked if the department can talk about why it prefers changing the contracting process. Kozak replied the contracts give the leverage to make changes as necessary and regulation will not allow as much flexibility. Chairman Baker asked if the language is designed to make sure the amount charged to patients and the amount reimbursed is known. She also asked if the new language deals with the elimination of gag order clauses. Kozak said the language included is to give greater insight between MCOs and PBMs. She stated she is not familiar with the gag order clauses in contracts because MCOs contract with any willing pharmacists and take on the risks. Hoover noted the department does review subcontracts that MCOs have with PBMs, but one issue is the department has problems seeing those rates.
Chairman Argall questioned if the department has a position on Sen. Eichelberger’s belief on the potential money savings. Kozak replied she has not seen the proposal he is talking about.
Sen. Haywood inquired if contract reforms will cost DHS money. Kozak said the implementation will not cost any additional money. Sen. Haywood asked if there will be cost savings with the proposed changes. Kozak replied there is no estimate but what changes is the transparency of the process. Sen. Haywood asked if the department is aware of multiple pricing for the same prescription. Hoover noted any pharmacy willing to meet the terms and conditions of an MCO contract enter into the same arrangements, which should include the same payment rates.
Sen. McGarrigle noted he had the opportunity to attend some of the hearings the Auditor General held on the cost of prescriptions. He said he finds it hard to believe the department does not know about gag orders in the contracts because it is common knowledge. Sen. McGarrigle asked if it is common that the PBM pays less than the cost of the drug. Kozak stated in spread pricing the PBM pays the pharmacies less than what the MCO pays the PBM. Sen. McGarrigle commented that in testimony the committee has heard it is common practice for small pharmacies to be paid less. He asked how long the department thinks until the state loses local pharmacies. He said this is something the department needs to make sure is more transparent.
Chairman Baker inquired if DHS would have oversight if a dispute was not resolved. Kozak stated the department has oversight of the process but the intention is for disputes to be resolved by the MCOs. Chairman Baker asked if DHS has looked at the President signing the Know Your Lowest Price Act. Hoover said it is important patients see the cost of the drug. Chairman Baker asked that the committee be provided with the gag order clauses for the nine PBMs that deal with MCO programs. 6 Sen. Aument questioned what MCOs and PBMs think of the contract changes. Kozak replied DHS has received at least one MCO response indicating it was less than happy about the changes, but the changes are only requesting changes in the way the reporting is done and not the contract itself.
Sen. Street inquired if the Commonwealth Community Health Choices Program has any expectation on savings relating to pharmaceutical drugs and if it has impacted the way the commonwealth does business. Kozak stated the Community Health Choices Program is paid on capitation rates. She said MCOs have to report discounts and rebates received.
Lauren Rowley, Vice President of State Affairs, Pharmaceutical Care Management Association was joined by Ben Twilley, Director of State Government Affairs, Express Scripts; Erik Woehrmann, Director of Government Affairs, CVS Health; and Natalie Pons, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, OptumRx. Rowley stated 80 percent of independent pharmacies actually contract with PBMs through Pharmacy Services Administrative Organizations (PSAOs), which represent multiple pharmacies and negotiate contracts with PBMs. She noted PBMs are regulated directly and indirectly across the country and in Pennsylvania. She added there are two public reports, one in Washington State that found that most PBMs were paying chains less than independent pharmacies, and one in Ohio that found that the company was alleged to have been paying its affiliates more than independents. Rowley noted the group is 100 percent supportive of the gag bill and believes consumer patients should always pay the lowest price.
Pons added that in New Jersey there were savings through the competitive process because of the competition. She said there will always be some tension in the process, but the group wants to ensure pharmacies are paid fairly. Pons noted companies like hers use a variety of sources to estimate what the cost of the drug is for pharmacies.
Chairman Baker asked if any of the testifiers limit the PSAOs they contract with. Pons replied she does not. Twilley stated Express Scripts limits it to four but pharmacies can also contract with them directly. Chairman Baker inquired if that is a difficult process. Twilley stated it is not difficult but it is different. He said with pharmacies contracting directly there are some negotiations back and forth. Chairman Baker questioned how the appeals process works and who determines if a fair rate is being paid. Twilley replied the process is within the contract and for Express Script it is done by Express Script. Chairman Baker asked to have information on how many appeals on average are denied. Rowley added the companies have to look at a basket of drugs so an independent pharmacy may be losing money on one drug but in the same basket making a profit on another.
Chairman Baker inquired more information on the concerns DHS has about not being able to view the contracts between PBMs and MCOs. Rowley responded the information is proprietary because MCOs contract outside of the state and like any business contract they are confidential. She said what makes PBMs competitive are the rebates so this protects that information.
Chairman Argall asked if the panel believes the changes made in New Jersey resulted in $1.6 billion in savings. Rowley said she does not know, but noted the process still involved competition of PBMs.
Sen. Street commented that the legislature needs data to understand what to do regarding pharmaceutical pricing, but the data is proprietary. He asked what data the legislature should be looking at in relation to cost structure. Rowley noted there is no correlation between price increases and rebates. She stated there is no correlation between pharmaceuticals raising prices and PBMs getting those rates.
Chairman Baker inquired if PBMs pay all pharmacies the same rate for drugs or if it varies. Rowley responded PBMs pay chains less because of the high volume, and independent pharmacies have extreme leverage with PBMs because they have to be in-network. Chairman Baker commented there are a lot of complaints about how after a PBM reduces payments to a local pharmacy, the pharmacy is then contacted about selling their business. She asked for comment. Woehrmann said CVS has a firewall protection in place and any retail acquisition is separate from the PBM network.
Chairman Schwank asked if CVS is looking for pharmacies to buy in low-income neighborhoods to close up the business. Woehrmann said he cannot give that information. Rowley added more independent pharmacies receive letters from Rite Aid. Pons added the Federal Trade Commission did a thorough investigation when CVS merged with Caremark.
7 Sen. Stefano asked if the PBMs present today that have retail chains have ever had appeals to the PBMs. Woehrmann said he cannot answer questions regarding operations. Rowley said CVS is the only PBM present that has a retail pharmacy. She noted Express Script has a mail order company but that company is part of the PBM.
Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said regulating PBMs is one of the most complicated and complex issues his department has worked on. DePasquale claimed he became aware of the problems surrounding PBMs early this year through the Medicaid and independent pharmacy systems. Throughout the past several months, DePasquale indicated he held five hearings across the state to learn from legislators, pharmacists, academics, PBMs and physicians toget comprehensive and thorough information for an upcoming report. DePasquale said the department›s goal is to have the report done by December for the next legislative term.
DePasquale said transparency in pricing is a problem for both the public and elected officials, but stated blame cannot be placed on one entity for lack of transparency. According to DePasquale, President Donald Trump›s administration looked into forcing detailed pricing for prescriptions drugs as part of Medicaid rules because it is a significant issue across the country and for the federal government.
“Last year Pennsylvania paid over $2.8 billion to PBMs, a 100 percent increase since 2013,” DePasquale stated, suggesting that what the state got for the increase in price was not justified. If the price increases are not justified, DePasquale stated, “We have to figure out how we can prevent that moving forward.”
Reduced reimbursements from PBMs were another concern of DePasquale, stating independent pharmacies are being hurt by the chain pharmacies. DePasquale indicated a broader concern relating to the decrease in independent pharmacies is the lack of competition, potentially setting up a health care and fiscal disaster for Pennsylvania.
DePasquale stated it is important to see evidence of taxpayer savings and a fair playing field for both chain and independent pharmacies. DePasquale indicated he is not convinced a firewall exists, but said there is potential of being a coordinated effort.
Pharmacy benefit managers would need to provide more evidence for working on reducing drug costs, DePasquale opined. He added that getting rid of PBMs would not be a good approach because they could potentially negotiate with big pharmaceutical companies to lower costs, saying PBMs could play that role. Because independents do not have the ability to negotiate big pharmaceutical companies, DePasquale said, despite needing to reform, PBMs could embrace that role.
DePasquale concluded saying this issue is important and a bipartisan concern because it affects all regions in the commonwealth.
Chairman Baker agreed that regulating PBMs is a complicated subject. She said the committee is wrestling to reduce cost and asked if the 100 percent increase is all attributed to pharmaceutical benefits. DePasquale said that was one of the issues being worked on in the upcoming report, but indicated payments to PBMs are all pharmacy related, but was not entirely sure if it is all drug related. Chairman Baker asked if he would request audit authority for PBMs. DePasquale said his upcoming report would include allowing an entity to negotiate on behalf of independent pharmacies and for either his department or DHS to have the ability to request an audit of only PBMs› state tax dollars. DePasquale said his department would be a better fit to conduct the audit than DHS and cautioned the legislature about the language permitting the audit.
Chairman Baker said DHS claimed to handle this audit and asked if he would agree. DePasquale was not convinced that DHS alone could fix the issues around PBMs. Chairman Baker asked if his statement was a recommendation. The auditor general indicated it was.
Chairman Schwank said PBM concerns are just one piece of the high cost of health care and the commonwealth has to look at how to reduce the costs overall. Chairman Schwank asked if his report looked at other states› models and legislation for cost savings. DePasquale said yes, specifically in Ohio, but added that he is not convinced one state has the model for Pennsylvania. Chairman Schwank said prescription drug access for communities is important. DePasquale said the decrease in public transportation also hurts access to prescription drugs, as well as less retail access. DePasquale said this problem is not the fault of chain pharmacies, but the state has to address the issue. Chairman Schwank said those served 8 by Medicaid would be particularly hurt by decreased access.
Chairman Argall asked if the New Jersey example would be considered in his report. DePasquale said the report will look at New Jersey as well but the focus would be on evaluating all. DePasquale added his report will look at two things: what savings could be and the implementation of that idea. DePasquale said reform is not a partisan issue and has a lot of merit, but could get stuck in an agency and may never be followed through. DePasquale said the state cannot lose focus on this issue once the bill is passed.
Chairman Baker said West Virginia moved to fee-for service for pharmacies. DePasquale said the department is looking at West Virginia, but Ohio and New Jersey are more relevant because of their size and diversity.
Pat Epple, Chief Executive Officer, Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association, said in her experience, the PBM issue has been a constant battle and continues to get worse. Epple said community pharmacies are at the bottom of the food chain and are being squeezed by PBMs. Epple added that pharmacies are also the ones who face the patients, not PBMs. Epple indicated, despite legislation that addressed audits, MAC pricing and registration, the law isn’t being fully implemented because of the different sources who handle this issue. Epple said the Department of Insurance can only examine commercial plans and the department is not doing an adequate job for those objectives.
Last fall CVS significantly reduced reimbursements below the costs significantly, Epple said, resulting in immediate outcry. For a three-month period, the association heard complaints and eventually met with DHS staff who also expressed concern, Epple claimed. According to Epple, Gateway Health worked with the association, but CVS had no interest in addressing the issue, simply denying all appeals.
Epple said she doesn’t know where the figures regarding the expansion of independent pharmacies came from, saying the numbers do not match the State Board of Pharmacy’s statistics and suggested the figure may be the total number of pharmacies. Epple indicated numerous local pharmacies closed in the past couple months. Despite the firewall, Epple claimed, reimbursements are so low chain pharmacies could take up independent ones.
According to Epple, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requested all states to provide fair reimbursement for pharmacies in the Medicaid program. Epple claimed the fair dispensing fee was set at $10 and managed care pharmacies receive 25 cents to cover all costs from medication, still well below the cost of the drug. Epple said pharmacies are working to help patient care, but are being jeopardized by the low reimbursements. Epple concluded saying PBM do have a role, but need to be operated more fairly. Epple continued, adding that PBMs only look save money and do not deal with patient care.
Mel Brodsky, Executive Director of Philadelphia Association of Retail Druggists (PARD), said pharmacies face numerous abusive practices because of PBMs, mostly due to reimbursement issues and the appeal process. According to Brodsky, since January 2017, 18 pharmacies he represents closed. Brodsky indicated 20 to 25 percent of prescriptions filled are at a loss. PBMs set pricing for every drug by using a maximum allowable cost (MAC) list, Brodsky explained, adding that PBMs claimed pharmacies should be able to purchase drugs at MAC prices or better, but often that is not the case. Brodsky said PARD owns a group purchasing organization which negotiates pricing with wholesalers and distributors because he knows how PBMs function. Previously, state legislation mandated that PBMs update their pricing on a weekly basis, Brodsky explained and noted that pharmacies that cannot afford pharmacy prices could file for an appeal. He added, however, that 99 percent of appeals filed are automatically rejected. PBMs claimed to supply stores with an alternative drug manufacturer at a better price, Brodsky stated, adding that throughout the past two years, he has not found one available for his pharmacies at a better price. Brodsky indicated there is no method to appeal because the Insurance Department does not have jurisdiction over Medicare, Medicaid or self-funded plans due to federal regulations, which are presently being contested in federal court. According to Brodsky, this restriction covered 75 percent of prescriptions filled at a pharmacy. Brodsky said he believes PBMs use contracted pricing from their mail-order facility to low-ball prices. Brodsky included testimony from Dan Hussar, Dean Emeritus and Remington Professor Emeritus, and the National Pharmacy Organizations
Gregory Drew, R.Ph., President of Value Drug Company, said PBMs have the ability to control networks by preferential treatment and pricing. Dr. Drew said PBMs take away the ability for independent pharmacies to negotiate. He indicated that PSAOs provide group contract negotiation for independent pharmacies.
9 Chairman Baker asked how many PSAOs operate in the commonwealth. Dr. Drew could not provide an exact number, but said it is probably close to 15 that work exclusively in Pennsylvania. Chairman Baker asked why independent pharmacies do not have leverage in negotiations. Dr. Drew explained that independent pharmacies must accept what is provided by PBMs with very little room for negotiation. Dr. Drew indicated all PBMs have mail order facilities, hurting commercial plans. Dr. Drew also said the claim that PBMs do not know drug costs is “ludicrous.”
Dr. Drew said nobody believes PBMs need to go away, but rather they need to be reformed because they offer value for the system. Dr. Drew said between 2010 and 2017 utilization of pharmacies went up significantly and the commonwealth needs more pharmacies, not fewer. Dr. Drew stated the lack of transparency places a greater burden on managed care organizations. The appeal success rate for his PSAO was less than 5 percent, Dr. Drew stated.
Chairman Baker said she appreciated the information because this issue is very complicated. She asked what is the most important the step the legislature should take in handling the current system. Dr. Drew said transparency because more partners could collaborate and find solutions around the other issues. Brodsky said studies show independent stores are being under reimbursed compared to bigger chains.
Sen. Aument asked about Express Scripts and the need for transparency on the matter, saying Express Scripts took back a significant amount of money from pharmacies in his district because of a billing error. Dr. Drew said special pharmacy pricing which dated back to 2014 was the only explanation for using the wrong pricing methodology, but indicated pharmacies cannot appeal that far back.
Chairman Argall asked if anyone had information on New Jersey’s independent pharmacies because of their legislation change. Dr. Drew said he has not seen a response from the state pharmacy association regarding that legislation.
Chairman Schwank asked about the advantages and disadvantages to the spread model. Dr. Drew said he could not give the issue justice in a brief response, but indicated the spread model is the most transparent and negotiable model. Brodsky said the auditor general report may show the differences paid in services and the differences for managed care organizations can be viewed online.
Samuel Marshall, President and CEO of Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania, said he uses PBM because they help meet responsibility for better care. Marshall said today’s hearing juxtaposed PBMs against local pharmacies, which he discouraged. Marshall indicated PBMs should take on big pharmacy companies, to which the real lack of transparency could be related. Marshall indicated PBMs could help find the exact cost of drugs from larger pharmacy companies. Marshall added that as regulation on PBMs continue, it should not protect outdated models but rather be based on the consumer access. Marshall urged the committee not to protect any pharmacy company through regulations, rather encourage regulations to protect consumers.
Chairman Baker thanked Marshall for his advice and insight. She asked, in light of action being taken at the federal level, what is the next step for the state legislature. Marshall said any reform should include recommendations from the auditor general’s report. Marshall also said he hopes the General Assembly would include big pharmacy companies because they are not in this hearing and have to be included in any resolution. Marshall added that regulations may not increase coverage if big pharmacy companies are not at the table. Chairman Baker said another committee is looking at that issue as well and this is not going to be the only hearing on the matter.
Chairman Schwank said Marshall’s advice was good regarding getting everyone at the table to come up with the best solution. Chairman Schwank asked for further advice to prevent pitfalls. Marshall said one challenge is getting everyone to recognize bias in government regulation. Marshall indicated government regulation works best in a model which preserves consumers rather than pressing one industry against another. Marshall concluded that having this discussion without drug companies is evading the problem at hand.
Written testimony was provided by the following: Arthritis Foundation National Multiple Sclerosis Society Patrick Lavella, RPh 10 Senate Judiciary Committee 10/16/18, 11:30 a.m., Room 8E-B East Wing By Jeff Cox, Pennsylvania Legislative Services The committee held a public hearing to consider the nominations of Leo Dunn and Charles James Fox to the Board of Probation and Parole. Chairman Greenleaf explained that Leo Dunn is a constituent of Sen. John DiSanto (R-Dauphin) but Sen. DiSanto was unable to attend the hearing and said he would introduce Dunn to the committee. Regarding Dunn, Chairman Greenleaf commented, “You couldn›t ask for a better qualified but, most importantly, committed nominee to the Probation and Parole Board.” He continued, “The approach that he takes in helping healthy people to recover and live a lawful life, he is just perfect for that position.” Chairman Greenleaf noted Dunn is the current chairman of the Board of Probation and Parole. He reported that during his time as chairman, Dunn has “made some excellent improvements at the board.”
Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) introduced his constituent, Charles James Fox. He pointed out that Fox has worked as a police officer, a federal probation officer, a police training director and a dean of public safety. Sen. Folmer also pointed out this appointment would mark Fox’s return to the Board, as he previously served on the Board as a member and as the chief hearing examiner. He told committee members, “I believe Jim will be a great asset to the Board as he has been in the past and I hope to see his appointment confirmed in the near future.”
Dunn reported that in the last three years at the Board, one of the biggest things they have done besides working more closely with the Department of Corrections has been moving the Board from paper-based processing to electronic-based processing. He also reported that the Board has transitioned about 88,000 files from paper to electronic. Dunn also spoke of efforts to speed up processing from the time the Board gets a file together on an inmate, to getting them interviewed, getting a decision and, if they are paroled, getting the inmate out the door. According to Dunn, by the end of this calendar year, the Board will get to vote their parole decisions electronically. He told committee members the Board has dramatically changed their processing and they have cut the processing staff in half through attrition in the last three years.
Fox commented that he was honored to be selected as a nominee for this position. He added, “I know it is very important work, I know because I am returning to it.” Fox told lawmakers, “As a Board member from 2007 to 2013, we worked very hard to make a lot of progress in terms of evidence-based practices.”
Sen. Vulakovich spoke of the importance of victims in the Board’s decision-making process when considering an inmate for parole. Dunn reported the Board is in its fifth year of doing victim face to face testimony and he commented, “I believe that has gone extremely well.” He described it as “an extremely critical part of filling in all of the pieces of the puzzle” when it comes to making a decision on an individual. Fox commented that starting his career as a police officer and working nine years as a federal probation officer allowed him to see the victimization face to face. He noted he was on the Board when they started the face to face interviews. Fox described the interviews as “very insightful and very impactful in terms of how we make our decisions.” He added, “It is a very important issue to be very respectful of the victims and make sure that they have their say in our decision-making.”
The nominations were unanimously reported.
11 Senate Appropriations Committee 10/16/18, 4:05 p.m., Senate Rules Room By Derek Snyder, Pennsylvania Legislative Services
The committee met to consider legislation.
HB 270 Farry, Frank - (PN 4245) Amends the State Lottery Law, in pharmaceutical assistance for the elderly, further providing for definitions, for program generally and for generic drugs, authorizes medication synchronization, further providing for the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier (PACENET) and for board and providing for medication therapy management. The bills stipulates that the program payment shall be the lower of the following amounts: (1) the NADAC per unit with the addition of a professional dispensing fee of thirteen dollars per prescription and the subtraction of the copayment; or (2) the pharmacy›s usual and customary charge for the drug dispensed with the subtraction of the copayment. If the NADAC per unit is unavailable, the program payment shall be the lower of the wholesale acquisition cost plus 3.2 percent with the addition of a professional dispensing fee of $13 per prescription and the subtraction of the copayment; or the pharmacy›s usual and customary charge for the drug dispensed with the subtraction of the copayment. Regarding generic drugs, the department shall reimburse providers based upon the most current listing of the NADAC per unit plus a professional dispensing fee of $13 per prescription. Maximum income limits in the PACENET program are increased from $23,500 to $31,000 for a single person and from $31,500 to $41,000 for a married couple. The Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board is reconstituted with nine public members. The board shall advise on: (1) The development and implementation of the department proposals for medication synchronization and medication therapy management programs and reimbursement methodologies; (2) Adjustment of the dispensing fee, as needed; and (3) Cost- of-living adjustment increases for medication synchronization, medication therapy management and the dispensing fee. The board shall meet at least two to four times per year. PACE shall, in consultation with the board, develop a proposal for a medication therapy management program by using retail community pharmacies enrolled in the program and submit the proposal to the legislature within a year. Provides that the department may pay the LEP of Part D enrollees in excess of the regional benchmark premium. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 949, 4210) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
HB 324 Kampf, Warren - (PN 321) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary), in judgments and other liens, further providing for exemption of particular property by exempting an allocated or unallocated group annuity contract issued to an employer, or a pension plan for the purpose of providing retirement benefits under a defined benefit plan, from attachment or execution ona judgment. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was reported as committed with the Democratic members voting in the negative.
Sen. Bob Mensch (R-Montgomery) commented that he was happy to second the vote and support it in committee, but wanted more information before voting for it on the floor.
HB 645 O›Neill, Bernie - (PN 4148) Amends the Tax Reform Code, in neighborhood assistance tax credit, further providing for tax credit and for grant of tax credit and providing for reporting. The bill changes the dollar limit of tax credit granted for programs approved under the act from $18 million to $36 million and establishes that on the effective date of the subsection, no additional tax credits shall be granted under the article. The Department of Community and Economic Development shall issue a report within 12 months of the effective date and each five years thereafter including a funding evaluation of the neighborhood assistance program and recommendations for the tax credit, submitted to each Finance committee. Effective July 1, 2019. (Prior Printer Number: 688) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
HB 1228 English, Hal - (PN 3299) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, providing for sun protection of students, including the application of nonprescription sunscreen. Each school entity shall allow the following during school hours, at a school-sponsored activity or while under the supervision of school personnel: (1) The outdoor use by students of sun-protective clothing, including, but not limited to, a hat; and (2) The possession, application and use by a student of a nonaerosal topical sunscreen topical sunscreen product without a physician›s note or prescription if the Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use for the purpose of limiting ultraviolet light-induced skin damage and the parent and guardian of the student submits a form provided by the school entity to the appropriate school personnel. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1455) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
HB 1233 Murt, Thomas - (PN 3188) Amends the Mental Health Procedures Act adding language providing for assisted 12 outpatient treatment plans. Further provides for scope of act, definitions, for determination of need for assisted outpatient treatment implementation by counties, procedures for initiating assisted outpatient treatment for persons already subject to involuntary treatment, procedures for initiating assisted outpatient treatment for persons not in involuntary treatment, and for additional periods of court-ordered involuntary treatment. Also adds provisions relating to assisted outpatient treatment. Effective in 180 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1460, 1838, 2083) -The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
HB 1469 Heffley, Doyle - (PN 3795) Amends the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, in adoption and enforcement by municipalities, further providing for administration and enforcement. Adds language allowing a municipal code official to utilize third-party agencies to supplement the municipal code enforcement program›s plan review and inspection services in categories which its program does not possess the necessary personnel to administer. Provides for administration and enforcement by third-party agencies subject to certain requirements when a municipality opts to administer and enforce the act by retaining two or more third-party agencies. Also allows a city of the first class (Philadelphia) to designate an existing departmental board that has jurisdiction over building standard appeals to act as the board of appeals of the city of the first class. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 1874, 2016, 2186) - The bill was reported as committed with Sen. Mensch, Sen. Mario Scavello (R-Monroe), Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), and Sen. Tom Killion (R-Delaware) voting in the negative.
Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna) commented that he will support the bill out of committee but will be adding an amendment to the bill once it is on the full floor.
Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) said that she had some issues with the bill in its current form but would also support voting it out of committee.
HB 1497 Jozwiak, Barry - (PN 2185) Amends the Liquor Code, in preliminary provisions, further defining “alcoholic cider” as a beverage produced through alcoholic fermentation of any fruit or fruit juice which is primarily derived from apples, apple juice concentrate and water, pears or pear juice concentrate and water. Adds language allowing wine and spirits auction permits for any community-based voluntary health organization committed to fighting cancer. Also adds language allowing a person who has an ownership interest in a limited winery license to be employed by an entity that holds a hotel, restaurant, eating place or club license under certain conditions. Extends the hours that performing arts centers may sell liquor and malt or brewed beverages on Sundays. Provides a tiered level of penalties for a distributor who delivers to a licensee outside the designated geographical area and a licensee who accepts product in violation of section 431. Adds language to allow ballot questions as to whether certain types of liquor licenses should be issued within a municipality on the ballot at any other election than a special election. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1907, 2007) - The bill was reported as committed with Senators Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia), Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia), and Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), and Minority Chairman Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia) voting in the negative.
HB 1511 Quinn, Marguerite - (PN 4149) Amends the Tax Reform Code, in hotel occupancy tax, further providing for definitions and for imposition of tax and establishing the Tourism Promotion Fund. The bill stipulates that if a booking agent, acting for an operator, collects payment for the rent, the booking agent must collect and remit the tax. An operator shall not be liable for tax owed regarding an accommodation fee. A booking agent shall not be required to separately disclose to an occupant the amount of the tax imposed that relates to a discount room charge versus an accommodation fee. The tax collected by a booking agent on accommodation fees shall be deposited in the Tourism Promotion Fund and disbursed upon appropriation for the purpose of promoting tourism in this commonwealth. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1936, 3807) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
Sen. Scavello stated that there had been comments that this bill will tax commissions, which is not correct.
Sen. Blake said that he was concerned that they were taxing fees on online tourism, adding that the benefits of the bill are worth his support in both the committee and on the floor.
HB 1822 Schlossberg, Mike - (PN 4045) Amends Title 24 (Education) providing for suicide prevention in institutions of higher education by authorizing institutions of higher education to develop and implement a plan to advise students and staff on mental health and suicide prevention programs available both on campus and off campus. The bill provides for content and posting of the plan. If an institution adopts a plan, it shall transmit a copy of the plan to the Department of Education 13 by August 1 of each year. The department shall post the plan on its website, designate the institution as a certified suicide prevention institution of higher education, and may adopt or create a logo for institutions of higher education that have been certified as certified suicide prevention institutions of higher education. Effective in 120 days. (Prior Printer Number: 2479) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
HB 1886 Ryan, Frank (F) - (PN 2641) Amends Title 20 (Decedents, Estates & Fiduciaries), in incapacitated persons, further providing for provisions concerning powers, duties and liabilities. The bill establishes no less than quarterly, the clerk of the orphans› court shall transmit to the court a list of guardians who are delinquent at least 30 days in filing the required reports, and the court shall take appropriate enforcement action against such guardians. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
HB 1951 Toohil, Tarah - (PN 2762) Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses), in minors, establishing the offense of access of minors to dextromethorphan (known as DM or DXM) and imposing a penalty. A person commits a summary offense if he knowingly sells or purchases with the intent to sell a finished drug product containing any quantity of dextromethorphan to a person who is less than 18 years of age. Similarly, a person commits a summary offense if he falsely represents himself to be 18 years of age or older to another for the purpose of procuring a finished drug product containing any quantity of dextromethorphan. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
HB 2052 Reese, Mike - (PN 3593) Amends the Public School Code, in professional employees, providing for military parent student support by adding that each school district shall, at the beginning of the school year, distribute to students and parents or guardians a form to be filled out by the parent or guardian identifying the parent›s or guardian›s service branch and status. The submission of the form by each parent or guardian shall be voluntary. If a school district has been informed of an activation of a parent or guardian for active duty military service, the school district must provide the student and parent or guardian with information and access to: (I) a certified school counselor; (II) a certified school psychologist; (III) school social workers; or (IV) certified home and school visitors. The district must also provide information regarding: (I) existing federal and state military support services and (II) any other service, agency or resource necessary to support or provide assistance to the student, parent or guardian. The Department of Education shall coordinate with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to carry out this new requirement including posting information about the requirements of this section to their website and providing informational materials for use by public school entities to inform parents and guardians of the supports available. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 2978) -The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
HB 2131 Quigley, Thomas - (PN 3592) Amends the State Highway Law, in construction, improvement, maintenance and repair of State highways, by requiring the department to plant vegetation that is native to Pennsylvania and that will thrive in that plant hardiness zone and under the environmental conditions of the highway right-of-way. If it is not feasible to plant native vegetation, the department may authorize the use of nonnative vegetation, provided that the nonnative vegetation is not a federally listed invasive plant or a noxious weed or controlled plant. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 3105) - The bill was passed over.
HB 2154 Causer, Martin - (PN 3477) The Conventional Oil and Gas Wells Act relates to conventional wells and the development of oil, gas and coal; imposes powers and duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; and provides for preliminary provisions, for general requirements, for underground gas storage, for enforcement and remedies, for related funds, parties and activities and for miscellaneous provisions. The purposes of this act are to: (1) Permit the optimal development of the oil and gas resources of Pennsylvania consistent with the property rights of owners of the oil and gas resources and the protection of the health, safety, environment and property of the residents of this Commonwealth; (2) Protect the safety of personnel and facilities employed in the exploration, development, storage and production of natural gas or oil or the mining of coal; (3) Protect the safety and property rights of persons residing in areas where exploration, development, storage or production occurs; (4) Protect the natural resources, environmental rights, property rights and values secured by the Constitution of Pennsylvania; and (5) Provide a flexible and cost-effective way to implement and enforce the provisions of this act. Further provides the requirements of the Coal and Gas Resource Coordination Act shall apply to this act for the issuance of a permit. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 3187) - The bill was passed over.
HB 2157 Grove, Seth - (PN 3278) Amends the Public School Code adding language requiring the Commission for Agricultural Education Excellence to issue guidelines and update the guidelines every five years to identify the circumstances when
14 a student who successfully completes an academic course, program or activity for credit may apply the credit toward completion of an agriculture education program. Requires the Department of Education to issue guidelines and update the guidelines every five years to identify the circumstances when a student who successfully completes a course, program or activity in science, technology, engineering or mathematics for credit may apply the credit toward the completion of a course, program or activity offered by any area vocational-technical school, technical institute or vocational school or department. Also requires the department to establish a standard application form for a public school entity seeking approval to establish or renew a classification of program code. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was reported as committed with Sen. Tartaglione, Sen. Costa, and Chairman Hughes voting in the negative.
HB 2557 Rothman, Greg - (PN 4247) The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authorities Act for Cities of the Third Class establishes intergovernmental cooperation authorities for certain cities of the third class; provides for powers and duties; and makes an appropriation of $100,000 from the General Fund to an authority which holds its initial organizational meeting under the bill on or before May 1, 2019. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 4139, 4196) - The bill was reported as committed with Sen. Schwank voting in the negative.
Sen. Schwank objected that other communities would not benefit from the same opportunities as Harrisburg that this bill would provide.
Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair) agreed with Sen. Schwank›s comments, noting that he would support moving the bill out of committee but would not be voting for it on the floor.
HB 2638 Stephens, Todd - (PN 4211) Amends the Transit Revitalization Investment District Act, in general provisions, further providing for declaration of policy and for definitions; adding provisions relating to military installation remediation and water, sewer and storm water systems remediation projects; and establishing the remediation fund. The bill provides for “remediation program” instead of “military installation remediation program.” Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 3984, 4027) - The bill was reported as committed with Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) voting in the negative.
NEW LEGISLATION
HB 2719 Comitta, Carolyn (F) (D) Amends the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act further providing for drug overdose response immunity. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HB 2720 Comitta, Carolyn (F) (D) Amends Title 18 (Crimes & Offenses), in minors, further providing for purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HB 2721 Mehaffie, Thomas (F) (R) (PN 4256) Amends the Professional Nursing Law further providing for definitions, for State Board of Nursing, for dietitian nutritionist license required, for examinations and certificates, for fees and qualifications for licensure, for persons entitled to practice, for licenses and durations and renewal fee and inactive status, for reporting of multiple licensure, for setting of fees and disposition of fees, fines and civil penalties, for continuing nursing education, for punishment for violations, for refusal, suspension or revocation of licenses and for injunction or other process. The bill establishes that it is unlawful for an individual who is not licensed under the act to engage in any of the following actions: practice dietetics and nutrition or provide medical nutrition therapy or other nutrition care; use the title or an abbreviation of the title of “dietitian,” “dietician,” “dietitian nutritionist,” “nutritionist,” “licensed dietitian nutritionist” or “LDN”; hold oneself out as a dietitian, dietician, dietitian nutritionist or nutritionist; or imply that the individual is authorized to provide medical nutrition therapy. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Introduced and referred to committee on House Professional Licensure
15 HB 2722 Madden, Maureen (F) (D) Act providing for financial protection of individuals receiving long-term care services; & prohibiting employees of long-term care providers from being guardians, power of attorney, beneficiaries or executors of estates. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HB 2723 Madden, Maureen (F) (D) Amends the Dog Law, in injury to dogs, providing for contracts for sale of dogs and cats. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HB 2724 Miller, Daniel (D) (PN 4257) Amends the Insurance Company Law, in casualty insurance, providing for billing eligible insureds for services by out-of-network provider. The bill establishes that an out-of-network provider that renders mental health care, substance use disorder treatment or treatment for a disability to an eligible insured in this Commonwealth is prohibited from billing an eligible insured for any amount in excess of the cost-sharing amounts that would have been imposed if the mental health care, substance use disorder treatment or treatment for a disability had been rendered by an in-network provider. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance
HB 2725 Mehaffie, Thomas (F) (R) (PN 4258) The Behavior Analyst Licensure Act provides for licensure of behavior analysts; establishes the Behavior Analyst Licensing Board and provides for its membership, powers and duties; establishes the Behavior Analyst Licensure Fund; and provides for penalties. Effective in one year. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Introduced and referred to committee on House Professional Licensure
HB 2726 Fee, Mindy (R) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, further providing for dental examinations and dental hygiene services. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HB 2727 Heffley, Doyle (R) Act providing for the warm hand-off of overdose survisiors to addiction treatment; est. the Warm Hand-Off Initiative Grant Program & Overdose Recovery Task Force; & providing for overdose stabilization & warm hand-off centers. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HB 2728 Metzgar, Carl (R) Amends Title 61 (Prisons & Parole) in miscellaneous provisions relating to inmate confinement, further providing for inmate uniforms. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HB 2729 Metzgar, Carl (R) Amends Title 61 (Prisons & Parole), in general administration, providing for guard and magazine capacity requirement. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HB 2730 Metzgar, Carl (R) Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses), in assault, further providing for the offense of assault by prisoner. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HB 2731 Metzgar, Carl (R) Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses), in assault, further providing for the offense of assault by prisoner, for aggravated harassment by prisoner and for the offense of assault by life prisoner. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
16 HB 2732 Metzgar, Carl (R) Amends Title 61 (Prisons and Parole), in general administration, providing for inmate transfer to restricted unit. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HB 2733 Metzgar, Carl (R) Amends Title 61 (Prisons and Parole), in misc. provisions relating to inmate confinement, providing for inmate assault and account restriction. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HB 2734 Metzgar, Carl (R) Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses), in assault, further providing for the offense of assault by prisoner and for the offense of assault by life prisoner. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HB 2735 Rabb, Christopher (F) (D) Amends Title 18 (Legislature), providing for demographic impact statements in consideration of legislation. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HB 2736 Rabb, Christopher (F) (D) Amends Title 44 (Law & Justice), in other officers, providing for interdepartmental police hiring reform. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HB 2737 Rabb, Christopher (F) (D) Amends the Unemployment Compensation Law, in compensation, further providing for benefits based on service for educational institutions. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HB 2738 Rabb, Christopher (F) (D) Act providing for fair treatment and equal pay for part-time and other nontenure-track faculty at institutions of higher education in this Commonwealth. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HB 2739 Rabb, Christopher (F) (D) Act providing for a living wage for employees and contractors of institutions of higher education in this Commonwealth; and imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
HR 1166 Barrar, Stephen (R) (PN 4259) Resolution designating October 27 through November 11, 2018, as “Military Appreciation Week” in Pennsylvania in coordination with The Pennsylvania State University. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed Oct 16, 2018 - H-Introduced as noncontroversial resolution
HR 1167 Bullock, Donna (D) (PN 4260) Resolution designating the month of October 2018 as “Halloween Safety Month” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed Oct 16, 2018 - H-Introduced as noncontroversial resolution
HR 1168 Tai, Helen (F) (D) (PN 4261) Resolution recognizing the month of October 2018 as “Eczema Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed Oct 16, 2018 - H-Introduced as noncontroversial resolution
17 HR 1169 Hill-Evans, Carol (F) (D) (PN 4262) Resolution recognizing November 15, 2018, as “The Great American Smokeout Day” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed Oct 16, 2018 - H-Introduced as noncontroversial resolution
HR 1170 Madden, Maureen (F) (D) (PN 4263) Resolution recognizing the month of November 2018 as “National Diabetes Month” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed Oct 16, 2018 - H-Introduced as noncontroversial resolution
HR 1171 Brown, Rosemary (R) (PN 4264) Resolution designating the month of October 2018 as “Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed Oct 16, 2018 - H-Introduced as noncontroversial resolution
HR 1172 Brown, Rosemary (R) (PN 4265) Resolution designating the month of November 2018 as “American Music Month” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed Oct 16, 2018 - H-Introduced as noncontroversial resolution
HR 1173 Brown, Rosemary (R) (PN 4266) Resolution recognizing the month of November 2018 as “Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed Oct 16, 2018 - H-Introduced as noncontroversial resolution
HR 1174 English, Hal (R) (PN 4267) Resolution recognizing the month of January 2019 as “Learn a Snow Sport Month” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed Oct 16, 2018 - H-Introduced as noncontroversial resolution
HR 1175 Davidson, Margo (D) (PN 4268) Resolution designating October 4, 2018, as “Henrietta Lacks Day” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed Oct 16, 2018 - H-Introduced as noncontroversial resolution
HR 1176 Davidson, Margo (D) (PN 4269) Resolution commemorating the life of Lucretia Mott, a 19th century feminist activist, abolitionist, social reformer and pacifist who helped launch the Women’s Rights Movement, including fighting for the right to vote, and designating November 6, 2018, as “Lucretia Mott Day” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed Oct 16, 2018 - H-Introduced as noncontroversial resolution
HR 1177 Boback, Karen (R) Resolution designating the week of October 15 through 19, 2018, as “National Business Women’s Week” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Filed
SR 461 Hutchinson, Scott (R) (PN 4100) Resolution designating October 15, 2018, as “Sons of the American Revolution Day” in Pennsylvania. Oct 15, 2018 - S-Filed
18 SR 462 Yudichak, John (D) (PN 2101) Resolution designating the week of September 17 through 21, 2018, as “SepticSmart Week” in Pennsylvania to increase awareness of the importance of proper maintenance and service of on-lot septic systems. Oct 15, 2018 - S-Filed
SR 463 Bartolotta, Camera (R) (PN 2102) Resolution designating the week of November 11 through 17, 2018, as “Nurse Practitioner Week” in Pennsylvania. Oct 15, 2018 - S-Filed
SR 464 Martin, Scott (F) (R) (PN 2103) Resolution designating the month of October 2018 as “Down Syndrome Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Oct 15, 2018 - S-Filed
LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
HB 26 White, Martina (R) (PN 4146) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in registration of vehicles, establishing a history military vehicle registration plate; allows for the issuance of organization registration plates for motorcycles; provides for the design and issuance of a distracted driving awareness plate, an “honoring our women veterans” plate, places for recipients of the Soldier’s Medal, plates for recipients of the Presidential Service Badge; exempts various EMS vehicles from vehicle registration fees. Effective in 120 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1142, 2010, 4135) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Final Passage by a vote of 48 YEAS 1 NAYS
HB 99 Zimmerman, David (R) (PN 424) Amends Title 8 (Boroughs & Incorporated Towns) to establish in contracts or purchases made in cases of emergencies, the actual emergency and the nature of the procurement shall be stated in a resolution by council and adopted at the next public meeting. Utility service is expanded to definitively include electricity. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 79, 2819) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Final Passage by a vote of 49 YEAS 0 NAYS
HB 149 Knowles, Jerry (R) (PN 113) Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) adding a new section providing for the unlawful use of an audio or video device in court. Provides a person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if the person in any manner or for any purpose uses or operates an audio or video device within a hearing room, courtroom or the environs of a hearing room or courtroom without the approval of the court or presiding judicial officer or except as provided by the rules of court. Further provides for a definition of “environs.” Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Final Passage by a vote of 49 YEAS 0 NAYS
HB 163 Saccone, Rick (R) (PN 4053) Amends Title 4 (Amusements), Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and Title 75 (Vehicles) eliminating the driver’s license suspension for multiple non-driving infractions. Effective in 180 days. (Prior Printer Number: 127, 3123, 3327) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-1 Floor amendment(s) adopted Oct 16, 2018 - S-Over in Senate
19 HB 270 Farry, Frank (R) (PN 4245) Amends the State Lottery Law, in pharmaceutical assistance for the elderly, further providing for definitions, for program generally and for generic drugs, authorizes medication synchronization, further providing for the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier (PACENET) and for board and providing for medication therapy management. The bills stipulates that the program payment shall be the lower of the following amounts: (1) the NADAC per unit with the addition of a professional dispensing fee of thirteen dollars per prescription and the subtraction of the copayment; or (2) the pharmacy’s usual and customary charge for the drug dispensed with the subtraction of the copayment. If the NADAC per unit is unavailable, the program payment shall be the lower of the wholesale acquisition cost plus 3.2 percent with the addition of a professional dispensing fee of $13 per prescription and the subtraction of the copayment; or the pharmacy’s usual and customary charge for the drug dispensed with the subtraction of the copayment. Regarding generic drugs, the department shall reimburse providers based upon the most current listing of the NADAC per unit plus a professional dispensing fee of $13 per prescription. Maximum income limits in the PACENET program are increased from $23,500 to $31,000 for a single person and from $31,500 to $41,000 for a married couple. The Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board is reconstituted with nine public members. The board shall advise on: (1) The development and implementation of the department proposals for medication synchronization and medication therapy management programs and reimbursement methodologies; (2) Adjustment of the dispensing fee, as needed; and (3) Cost-of-living adjustment increases for medication synchronization, medication therapy management and the dispensing fee. The board shall meet at least two to four times per year. PACE shall, in consultation with the board, develop a proposal for a medication therapy management program by using retail community pharmacies enrolled in the program and submit the proposal to the legislature within a year. Provides that the department may pay the LEP of Part D enrollees in excess of the regional benchmark premium. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 949, 4210) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Rereferred to Senate Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - S-Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations
HB 285 Stephens, Todd (R) (PN 2221) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), in sentencing, further providing for collection of restitution, reparation, fees, costs, fines and penalties by stipulating that the Department of Corrections or the correctional facility to which the offender has been sentenced shall make monetary deductions of 25 percent of all deposits made to inmate personal accounts for the purpose of collecting restitution, costs imposed, filing fees, and any other court-ordered obligation. Deductions shall be in addition to the full amount authorized to be collected pursuant to any order for support. The Department of Corrections shall develop guidelines to that end and incorporate such guidelines into any contract entered into with a contract corrections facility. Authorizes the county correctional facility to which the offender has been sentenced to make monetary deductions from inmate personal accounts for the purpose of collecting restitution, costs, filing fees and other court-ordered obligation. These deductions shall be in addition to the full amount to be collected pursuant to any order for support and shall be transmitted by county facility to the probation department of the county or other agent designated by the county commissioners with the approval of the president judge of the county in which the offender was convicted. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 271, 2197) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-2 Floor amendment(s) adopted Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid on the table Oct 16, 2018 - S-Removed from the table Oct 16, 2018 - S-Over in Senate
HB 324 Kampf, Warren (R) (PN 321) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary), in judgments and other liens, further providing for exemption of particular property by exempting an allocated or unallocated group annuity contract issued to an employer, or a pension plan for the purpose of providing retirement benefits under a defined benefit plan, from attachment or execution on a judgment. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - S-Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations
20 HB 353 Nesbit, Tedd (R) (PN 3779) Amends the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act further providing for definitions and for professional prescription, administration, and dispensing by requiring electronic prescriptions for Schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances, except in situations as prescribed by regulation. The bill allows exceptions for veterinarians, circumstances when an electronic prescription is not available due to temporary technological or electrical failure by providing a practitioner shall within 72 hours correct any cause for the failure, when dispensed by a pharmacy outside Pennsylvania, lack of internet access or an electronic health record system, where an electronic prescription would cause an untimely delay in an emergency department, patients enrolled in a hospice program or residing in a nursing home or residential health care facility, controlled substance compounded prescriptions and prescriptions containing certain elements required by the food and drug administration not able to be accomplished with electronic prescribing, a prescription issued pursuant to an established and valid collaborative practice agreement between a practitioner and a pharmacist, a standing order or a drug research protocol, a prescription issued in an emergency situation, circumstances where the pharmacy that receives the prescription is not set up to process electronic prescriptions, or controlled substances that are not required to be reported to the prescription drug monitoring program system. Establishes pharmacist responsibility if there is belief that a patient may be seeking a monitored prescription drug for a purpose other than the treatment of an existing medical condition. Effective in one year. (Prior Printer Number: 365, 1911, 2066) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Final Passage by a vote of 49 YEAS 0 NAYS
HB 466 Marshall, Jim (R) (PN 3355) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) adding language granting that sheriffs and deputy sheriffs who have successfully completed the same type of training as municipal police officers shall have and may exercise the same powers as municipal police officers to make arrests, without warrants for all crimes and offenses, including, including all offenses for all violations to under Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses), Title 75 (relating to vehicles) and The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 608) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid on the table Oct 16, 2018 - H-Removed from the table
HB 544 Moul, Dan (R) (PN 3213) Amends the act entitled “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,” further providing for liability for landowners to recreational users. The bill encourages landowners to make land and water areas available to the public for recreational purposes by limiting their liability to recreational users and persons or property, based on acts of omission by landowners or acts or acts of omission by recreational users. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 710, 2193) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-1 Floor amendment(s) adopted Oct 16, 2018 - S-Over in Senate
HB 562 Donatucci, Maria (D) (PN 587) Amends the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Screening Act stipulating that eligibility for the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Screening Program is women age 30 to 65 (changed from 40 to 49) Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
21 HB 645 O’Neill, Bernie (R) (PN 4148) Amends the Tax Reform Code, in neighborhood assistance tax credit, further providing for tax credit and for grant of tax credit and providing for reporting. The bill changes the dollar limit of tax credit granted for programs approved under the act from $18 million to $36 million and establishes that on the effective date of the subsection, no additional tax credits shall be granted under the article. The Department of Community and Economic Development shall issue a report within 12 months of the effective date and each five years thereafter including a funding evaluation of the neighborhood assistance program and recommendations for the tax credit, submitted to each Finance committee. Effective July 1, 2019. (Prior Printer Number: 688) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-1 Floor amendment(s) adopted Oct 16, 2018 - S-Over in Senate
HB 927 Rader, Jack (R) (PN 1080) Amends the Municipal Waste, Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, in recycling and waste reduction, stipulating that a municipality other than a county that has a population of more than 5,000 people and a population density of 500 or fewer people per square mile shall be exempt from establishing a leaf waste collection program provided that the municipality has enacted an ordinance prohibiting the burning of leaf waste. Further, a municipality that has not enacted an ordinance prohibiting the burning of leaf waste shall be subject to “large population” requirements if the municipality has a population of 10,000 or more people; or shall be subject to “small population” if the municipality has a population of more than 5,000 people but less than 10,000 people and has a population density of more than 300 people per square mile. The bill also makes editorial updates. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Final Passage by a vote of 34 YEAS 15 NAYS
HB 1013 Barrar, Stephen (R) (PN 4069) Amends the Insurance Company Law, in quality health care accountability and protection, further providing for definitions and for emergency services by establishing that if an emergency medical services agency is dispatched by a public safety answering point and provides medically necessary emergency services to an enrollee and the enrollee does not require transport or refuses to be transported, the managed care plan shall pay all reasonably necessary costs associated with the emergency services provided during the period of the emergency. The managed care plan may not make a determination that emergency services were not medically necessary solely on the basis that the enrollee did not require transport or refused to be transported. Imposes certain restrictions on vision benefit plans. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1172, 1709) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Final Passage by a vote of 49 YEAS 0 NAYS
HB 1097 James, Lee (R) (PN 3743) Amends the Public School Code, in terms and courses of study, allowing school entities to offer a hands-only CPR instruction to all students in grades nine through twelve. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1291) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - H-1 Floor amendment(s) adopted Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Over in House Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
22 HB 1216 Farry, Frank (R) (PN 3819) Amends Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of neglect of animal if a person fails to provide for the basic needs of each animal to which the person has a duty of care including water, shelter, and necessary veterinary care; and, in particular rights and immunities, providing for rescue from motor vehicle by waiving liability for a good-faith rescue of a dog or cat from a motor vehicle if the animal is believed to be in imminent danger. The rescuer must make an effort to locate the driver and contact emergency response. Further provides for the offense of attack of service, guide of support dog. Also provides for the offense of discrimination on account of service, guide or support dog or other aid animal Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1444, 2166, 2203, 3608) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-1 Floor amendment(s) adopted Oct 16, 2018 - S-Over in Senate
HB 1228 English, Hal (R) (PN 3299) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, providing for sun protection of students, including the application of nonprescription sunscreen. Each school entity shall allow the following during school hours, at a school- sponsored activity or while under the supervision of school personnel: (1) The outdoor use by students of sun-protective clothing, including, but not limited to, a hat; and (2) The possession, application and use by a student of a nonaerosal topical sunscreen topical sunscreen product without a physician’s note or prescription if the Food and Drug Administration for over- the-counter use for the purpose of limiting ultraviolet light-induced skin damage and the parent and guardian of the student submits a form provided by the school entity to the appropriate school personnel. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1455) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations
HB 1233 Murt, Thomas (R) (PN 3188) Amends the Mental Health Procedures Act adding language providing for assisted outpatient treatment plans. Further provides for scope of act, definitions, for determination of need for assisted outpatient treatment implementation by counties, procedures for initiating assisted outpatient treatment for persons already subject to involuntary treatment, procedures for initiating assisted outpatient treatment for persons not in involuntary treatment, and for additional periods of court-ordered involuntary treatment. Also adds provisions relating to assisted outpatient treatment. Effective in 180 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1460, 1838, 2083) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations
HB 1469 Heffley, Doyle (R) (PN 3795) Amends the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, in adoption and enforcement by municipalities, further providing for administration and enforcement. Adds language allowing a municipal code official to utilize third-party agencies to supplement the municipal code enforcement program’s plan review and inspection services in categories which its program does not possess the necessary personnel to administer. Provides for administration and enforcement by third- party agencies subject to certain requirements when a municipality opts to administer and enforce the act by retaining two or more third-party agencies. Also allows a city of the first class (Philadelphia) to designate an existing departmental board that has jurisdiction over building standard appeals to act as the board of appeals of the city of the first class. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 1874, 2016, 2186) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations
23 HB 1497 Jozwiak, Barry (R) (PN 2185) Amends the Liquor Code, in preliminary provisions, further defining “alcoholic cider” as a beverage produced through alcoholic fermentation of any fruit or fruit juice which is primarily derived from apples, apple juice concentrate and water, pears or pear juice concentrate and water. Adds language allowing wine and spirits auction permits for any community-based voluntary health organization committed to fighting cancer. Also adds language allowing a person who has an ownership interest in a limited winery license to be employed by an entity that holds a hotel, restaurant, eating place or club license under certain conditions. Extends the hours that performing arts centers may sell liquor and malt or brewed beverages on Sundays. Provides a tiered level of penalties for a distributor who delivers to a licensee outside the designated geographical area and a licensee who accepts product in violation of section 431. Adds language to allow ballot questions as to whether certain types of liquor licenses should be issued within a municipality on the ballot at any other election than a special election. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1907, 2007) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Rereferred to Senate Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - S-Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations
HB 1511 Quinn, Marguerite (R) (PN 4149) Amends the Tax Reform Code, in hotel occupancy tax, further providing for definitions and for imposition of tax and establishing the Tourism Promotion Fund. The bill stipulates that if a booking agent, acting for an operator, collects payment for the rent, the booking agent must collect and remit the tax. An operator shall not be liable for tax owed regarding an accommodation fee. A booking agent shall not be required to separately disclose to an occupant the amount of the tax imposed that relates to a discount room charge versus an accommodation fee. The tax collected by a booking agent on accommodation fees shall be deposited in the Tourism Promotion Fund and disbursed upon appropriation for the purpose of promoting tourism in this commonwealth. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1936, 3807) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Final Passage by a vote of 43 YEAS 6 NAYS
HB 1539 Pashinski, Eddie Day (D) (PN 3353) Amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations), in standby guardianship, further providing for definitions and for scope and providing for temporary guardianship. Also in child protective services, further providing for release of information in confidential reports. Establishes temporary guardianship appointed when an individual who is a parent of aminorhas entered a rehabilitation facility for treatment of a drug or alcohol addiction and is limited to no more than 60 days from the entry of the order. Provides the content of the petition to be filed by a family member in cases of a custodial patient who has been subject to emergency medical intervention due to abuse of drugs or alcohol and a written designation has not been executed. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1996, 3311) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Final Passage by a vote of 49 YEAS 0 NAYS
HB 1573 Harper, Kate (R) (PN 2051) Amends Titles 8 (Boroughs and Incorporated Towns) and 11 (Cities), in powers and duties of elected officials, further providing for completion, filing and publication of auditor’s report and financial statement; and, in accounts and finances, further providing for annual reports, publication, filing report with Department of Community and Economic Development and penalty. The bill repeals the current requirements of the published financial statement and provides that auditors shall publish concise financial information prepared or approved by the auditors and consistent with the audited financial statements for total assets, total liabilities and total net position at the end of the fiscal year and total revenue, total expenses and changes in total net position for that fiscal year and a reference to a place within the borough where copies of the financial statements and accompanying audit report may be examined. If the full financial statements and accompanying audit report are not published, copies shall be supplied to the publishing newspaper when the request for publication is submitted. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid on the table Oct 16, 2018 - H-Removed from the table
24 HB 1574 Harper, Kate (R) (PN 2052) Amends the First Class Township Code, in auditors, further providing for surcharges, auditors’ report and publication of financial statements. The bill repeals the current requirements of the published financial statement and provides that auditors shall public concise financial information prepared or approved by the auditors and consistent with the audited financial statements for total assets, total liabilities and total net position at the end of the fiscal year and total revenue, total expenses and changes in total net position for that fiscal year and a reference to a place within the borough where copies of the financial statements and accompanying audit report may be examined. If the full financial statements and accompanying audit report are not published, copies shall be supplied to the publishing newspaper when the request for publication is submitted. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid on the table Oct 16, 2018 - H-Removed from the table
HB 1575 Harper, Kate (R) (PN 2053) Amends the act entitled “An act for the election of the mayor, members of town council, and auditors, in incorporated towns of the Commonwealth; regulating the manner of voting for such officers, and repealing inconsistent general, local and special laws,” further providing for publication of audit report by repealing the current concise summary requirement and requiring instead the publication, whenever any town has provided by ordinance for the audit of its accounts, of concise financial information prepared or approved by the auditors and consistent with the audited financial statements for total assets, total liabilities and total net position at the end of the fiscal year and total revenue, total expenses and changes in total net position for that fiscal year and a reference to a place within the town where copies of the financial statements and accompanying audit report may be examined. If the full financial statements and accompanying audit report are not published, copies shall be supplied to the publishing newspaper when the request for publication is submitted. Effective in 60 days Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid on the table Oct 16, 2018 - H-Removed from the table
HB 1822 Schlossberg, Mike (D) (PN 4045) Amends Title 24 (Education) providing for suicide prevention in institutions of higher education by authorizing institutions of higher education to develop and implement a plan to advise students and staff on mental health and suicide prevention programs available both on campus and off campus. The bill provides for content and posting of the plan. If an institution adopts a plan, it shall transmit a copy of the plan to the Department of Education by August 1 of each year. The department shall post the plan on its website, designate the institution as a certified suicide prevention institution of higher education, and may adopt or create a logo for institutions of higher education that have been certified as certified suicide prevention institutions of higher education. Effective in 120 days. (Prior Printer Number: 2479) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Rereferred to Senate Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - S-Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations
HB 1840 Kauffman, Rob (R) (PN 4147) Amends the Workers’ Compensation Act, in liability and compensation, further providing for schedule of compensation, for computation of benefits and for physical examination or expert interview. Allows employers to request an Impairment Rating Evaluation after an employe has received total disability compensation for a period of 104 weeks. Requires the employe to submit to a medical evaluation which shall be requested by the insurer within 60 days upon the expiration of the 104 weeks to determine the degree of impairment due to compensable injury. If such determination results in an impairment rating that meets a threshold impairment rating that is equal to or greater than 35 per centum impairment, the employe shall be presumed to be totally disabled and shall continue to receive total disability compensation benefits. If the determination is less than 35 percent, the employe shall then receive partial disability benefits provided that no reduction shall be made until sixty days’ notice of modification is given. Further provides for physical examination or expert interview. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 2513, 3595, 3802) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-Senate Corman motion to revert to prior printer number, PN 3802 - Agreed to Oct 16, 2018 - S-Over in Senate
25 HB 1885 Ryan, Frank (F) (R) (PN 3167) Amends Title 20 (Decedents, Estates & Fiduciaries), in personal representative and bond, further providing for requiring or changing amount of bond. The bill establishes if, after examining the inventory or inheritance tax return, the register determines that the register has required insufficient security, the register may direct the personal representative to post additional security. Requires that any waiver to the requirement for additional surety must be on forms as required by the register. Effective in 60 days. (Past Printer Number: 2640) 3167 Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Final Passage by a vote of 49 YEAS 0 NAYS
HB 1886 Ryan, Frank (F) (R) (PN 2641) Amends Title 20 (Decedents, Estates & Fiduciaries), in incapacitated persons, further providing for provisions concerning powers, duties and liabilities. The bill establishes no less than quarterly, the clerk of the orphans’ court shall transmit to the court a list of guardians who are delinquent at least 30 days in filing the required reports, and the court shall take appropriate enforcement action against such guardians. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - S-Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations
HB 1936 Wentling, Parke (R) (PN 2753) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, further providing for operation by persons under age sixteen and for mufflers and sound controls. The bill establishes no person shall operate an ATV bearing a certification label conforming to ANSI/SVIA 1 - 2010, or its successor standard, in violation of the age recommendation warning label affixed by the manufacturer. It also makes a technical change by replacing “noise” with “sound”. Effective immediately. Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-1 Floor amendment(s) adopted Oct 16, 2018 - S-Over in Senate
HB 1951 Toohil, Tarah (R) (PN 2762) Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses), in minors, establishing the offense of access of minors to dextromethorphan (known as DM or DXM) and imposing a penalty. A person commits a summary offense if he knowingly sells or purchases with the intent to sell a finished drug product containing any quantity of dextromethorphan to a person who is less than 18 years of age. Similarly, a person commits a summary offense if he falsely represents himself to be 18 years of age or older to another for the purpose of procuring a finished drug product containing any quantity of dextromethorphan. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - S-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Rereferred to Senate Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - S-Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations
HB 1958 Rothman, Greg (R) (PN 3774) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in rules of the road in general, providing for platooning; and providing for highly automated vehicles. The bill states that nonlead vehicles in a platoon shall not be subject to the provisions of section 3310 (relating to following too closely) with restrictions including a maximum of three vehicles in a platoon, platooning only on limited access highways or interstate highway unless otherwise permitted by the department or turnpike, and restrictions for emergency conditions. Also states the department or the commission, as applicable, shall authorize the locations in Pennsylvania, on a periodic basis, to permit the deployment of a highly automated work zone vehicle. Effective in 90 days. (Prior Printer Number: 2794, 2916) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-1 Floor amendment(s) adopted Oct 16, 2018 - S-Over in Senate
HB 2049 Moul, Dan (R) (PN 3127) The Assistance and Service Animal Integrity Act outlines requirements for documentation of the need for an
26 assistance animal or service animal in housing and for the offenses of misrepresentation of entitlement to assistance animal or service animal and misrepresentation of animal as assistance animal or service animal. Also applies to cooperatives, condominiums, and planned communities. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 2976) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Final Passage by a vote of 48 YEAS 1 NAYS
HB 2052 Reese, Mike (R) (PN 3593) Amends the Public School Code, in professional employees, providing for military parent student support by adding that each school district shall, at the beginning of the school year, distribute to students and parents or guardians a form to be filled out by the parent or guardian identifying the parent’s or guardian’s service branch and status.The submission of the form by each parent or guardian shall be voluntary. If a school district has been informed of an activation of a parent or guardian for active duty military service, the school district must provide the student and parent or guardian with information and access to: (I) a certified school counselor; (II) a certified school psychologist; (III) school social workers; or (IV) certified home and school visitors. The district must also provide information regarding: (I) existing federal and state military support services and (II) any other service, agency or resource necessary to support or provide assistance to the student, parent or guardian. The Department of Education shall coordinate with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to carry out this new requirement including posting information about the requirements of this section to their website and providing informational materials for use by public school entities to inform parents and guardians of the supports available. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 2978) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations
HB 2075 Charlton, Alexander (F) (R) (PN 4071) Amends Title 66 (Public Utilities), in rates and distribution systems, further providing for valuation of and return on the property of a public utility. The value of the property of a public utility providing water or wastewater service shall include the original cost incurred by the public utility for the replacement of a customer-owned lead water service line or a customer- owned damaged wastewater lateral, performed concurrent with a scheduled utility main replacement project or under a commission-approved program, notwithstanding that the customer will hold legal title to the replacement water service line. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 3022, 3776) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Final Passage by a vote of 48 YEAS 1 NAYS
HB 2124 Quinn, Chris (R) (PN 3674) Amends the Public School Code, in preliminary provisions, providing for information regarding education loans. The bill establishes that an institution of higher education that receives Federal education loan information or other student loan information regarding a student enrolled at the institution shall provide the following to the student on an annual basis at a time determined by the school, but no later than July 1 each year: an estimate of the total amount of Federal education loans or other student loans which are disbursed by the institution of higher education taken out by the students; total payoff amount of the Federal education loans and other student loans incurred by the student enrolled at the institution of higher education; monthly repayment amounts; and number of years used in determining the potential payoff amount; information on how the student can access online repayment calculators. The information provided to the student may include a statement that any estimate or range provided is general in nature and not intended to be a guarantee or promise of an actual projected amount. The statement may include a disclaimer that the information provided pertains only to federal loans disbursed at the institution that is providing the information or any loans disbursed directly from the institution. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 3079, 3122) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-1 Floor amendment(s) adopted Oct 16, 2018 - S-Over in Senate
HB 2131 Quigley, Thomas (R) (PN 3592) Amends the State Highway Law, in construction, improvement, maintenance and repair of State highways,
27 by requiring the department to plant vegetation that is native to Pennsylvania and that will thrive in that plant hardiness zone and under the environmental conditions of the highway right-of-way. If it is not feasible to plant native vegetation, the department may authorize the use of nonnative vegetation, provided that the nonnative vegetation is not a federally listed invasive plant or a noxious weed or controlled plant. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 3105) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Passed over in committee Senate Appropriations
HB 2154 Causer, Martin (R) (PN 3477) The Conventional Oil and Gas Wells Act relates to conventional wells and the development of oil, gas and coal; imposes powers and duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; and provides for preliminary provisions, for general requirements, for underground gas storage, for enforcement and remedies, for related funds, parties and activities and for miscellaneous provisions. The purposes of this act are to: (1) Permit the optimal development of the oil and gas resources of Pennsylvania consistent with the property rights of owners of the oil and gas resources and the protection of the health, safety, environment and property of the residents of this Commonwealth; (2) Protect the safety of personnel and facilities employed in the exploration, development, storage and production of natural gas or oil or the mining of coal; (3) Protect the safety and property rights of persons residing in areas where exploration, development, storage or production occurs; (4) Protect the natural resources, environmental rights, property rights and values secured by the Constitution of Pennsylvania; and (5) Provide a flexible and cost-effective way to implement and enforce the provisions of this act. Further provides the requirements of the Coal and Gas Resource Coordination Act shall apply to this act for the issuance of a permit. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 3187) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Passed over in committee Senate Appropriations
HB 2157 Grove, Seth (R) (PN 3278) Amends the Public School Code adding language requiring the Commission for Agricultural Education Excellence to issue guidelines and update the guidelines every five years to identify the circumstances when a student who successfully completes an academic course, program or activity for credit may apply the credit toward completion of an agriculture education program. Requires the Department of Education to issue guidelines and update the guidelines every five years to identify the circumstances when a student who successfully completes a course, program or activity in science, technology, engineering or mathematics for credit may apply the credit toward the completion of a course, program or activity offered by any area vocational-technical school, technical institute or vocational school or department. Also requires the department to establish a standard application form for a public school entity seeking approval to establish or renew a classification of program code. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - S-Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations
HB 2303 Corr, Michael (F) (R) (PN 3458) Amends the Tax Reform Code, in personal income tax, providing for revocable trusts treated as part of estate. The bill establishes if both the executor of an estate and the trustee of a qualified revocable trust elect the treatment as provided, the trust shall be treated and taxed as part of the estate and not as a separate trust for all taxable years of the estate ending after the date of the decedent’s death and before the applicable date. This applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2018. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
HB 2307 Nesbit, Tedd (R) (PN 4067) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary) adding a new subchapter providing for victim and witness outreach. Requires a person who engages in defense-initiated victim or witness outreach to communicate in an honest manner without deception or misrepresentation and to unambiguously provide the person’s identity by name, the person’s employer and, if applicable, the name of the defendant convicted of the crime. Provides for a definition of “defense-initiated victim or witness outreach.” Also provides for eligibility for relief and for evidentiary hearing. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 3478) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Rereferred to Senate Appropriations
HB 2308 Nesbit, Tedd (R)
28 (PN 4068) Amends Titles 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 44 (Law and Justice) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in post-trial matters, further providing for postconviction DNA testing; and, in DNA data and testing, further providing for policy, for definitions, for powers and duties of State Police, for State DNA Data Base, for State DNA Data Bank, for State Police recommendation of additional offenses, for procedural compatibility with FBI and for DNA sample required upon conviction, delinquency adjudication and certain ARD cases, providing for collection from persons accepted from other jurisdictions and further providing for procedures for withdrawal, collection and transmission of DNA samples, for procedures for conduct, disposition and use of DNA analysis, for DNA database exchange and for expungement. Portions are effective immediately, portions are effective in 60 days, portions are effective December 1, 2019, and the remainder is effective in 360 days. (Prior Printer Number: 3479) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Rereferred to Senate Appropriations
HB 2453 Ellis, Brian (R) (PN 3590) Amends the Check Casher Licensing Act, in general provisions, further providing for authority of the Department of Banking and Securities; in licensing provisions, further providing for license terms and fees; in enforcement, further providing for suspension and revocation of license and civil penalties, for change of status, for restrictions on business of licensee and for civil penalty; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for applicability and repealing provisions relating to report to General Assembly. The bill establishes that the department shall have the authority to examine any instrument, document, account, book, record or file of a licensee or any person having a connection to the licensee or make other investigation as may be necessary to administer the provisions of this act; conduct connection to the licensee or make other investigation as may be necessary to administer the provisions of this act; request and receive information or records of any kind, including reports of criminal history record information from any Federal, State, local or foreign government entity regarding an applicant for a license, licensee or person related to the business of the applicant or licensee, the cost of which shall be paid for by the applicant or licensee; issue regulations, statements of policy or orders as may be necessary for the proper conduct of the check casher business by licensees, the issuance and renewal of licenses and the enforcement of this act; prohibit or permanently remove a person who violates this act from working in the person’s current capacity or in any other capacity of the person related to activities regulated by the department; order a person to make restitution for actual damages to consumers caused by any violation of this act; issue cease and desist orders that are effective immediately, subject to a hearing; and impose such other conditions as the department deems appropriate. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Final Passage by a vote of 49 YEAS 0 NAYS
HB 2476 Reed, Dave (R) (PN 4132) Amends Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 61 (Prisons and Parole) in obstructing governmental operations, further providing for weapons or implements for escape; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for contraband prohibited. The bill authorizes a commonwealth employee employed at or assigned to a state correctional institution to carry or store one lawfully owned and transported firearm and ammunition in a vehicle located at a specified location outside of the state correctional institution upon providing advance written notice to the chief administrator of the state correctional institution. If an employee carries or stores a firearm and ammunition as described, the officer shall comply with all applicable laws and policies. A chief administrator may deny or revoke the ability of the employee to carry or store a firearm and ammunition. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 3655) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Second consideration
HB 2552 Schweyer, Peter (D) (PN 3858) Amends the Insurance Company Law, in health and accident insurance, prohibiting exclusions for preexisting conditions. Effective in 30 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Press conference held HB 2557 Rothman, Greg (R) (PN 4247) The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authorities Act for Cities of the Third Class establishes intergovernmental cooperation authorities for certain cities of the third class; provides for powers and duties; and makes an appropriation of $100,000 from the General Fund to an authority which holds its initial organizational meeting under the bill on or before May
29 1, 2019. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 4139, 4196) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Rereferred to Senate Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - S-Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations
HB 2615 Owlett, Clint (F) (R) (PN 3943) An Act designating a bridge on that portion of Pennsylvania Route 14 over Fall Brook, Troy Borough, Bradford County, as the Troy Area Veterans Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
HB 2638 Stephens, Todd (R) (PN 4211) Amends the Transit Revitalization Investment District Act, in general provisions, further providing for declaration of policy and for definitions; adding provisions relating to military installation remediation and water, sewer and storm water systems remediation projects; and establishing the remediation fund. The bill provides for “remediation program” instead of “military installation remediation program.” Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 3984, 4027) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Rereferred to Senate Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - S-Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations
HR 76 Miller, Daniel (D) (PN 427) Concurrent Resolution declaring that the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is opposed to the enactment and enforcement of a State law, under a Federal mandate, that requires the suspension or revocation, or the delay of issuance or reinstatement, of the driver’s license of an individual convicted of a violation of the Controlled Substances Act or another drug offense; urging the Governor to submit a written certification stating the Governor’s opposition to the State law along with this resolution to the United States Secretary of Transportation; and accordingly preventing the United States Secretary of Transportation from withholding a specified percentage of Federal transportation apportionments under 23 U.S.C. 159. Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-Adopted by a vote of 48 YEAS 1 NAYS
HR 91 DeLuca, Anthony (D) (PN 551) Resolution strongly urging the Congress of the United States to retain certain consumer protections if the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is repealed. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Press conference held HR 760 Cruz, Angel (D) (PN 3175) Concurrent Resolution declaring that the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is committed to equal rights for individuals with cognitive disabilities to technology and information access and calling for implementation of these rights with deliberate speed. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid on the table Oct 16, 2018 - H-Removed from the table
HR 1111 Kinsey, Stephen (D) (PN 4121) Resolution designating October 16, 2018, as “Kappa Alpha Psi Day” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Adopted by a vote of 192 YEAS 0 NAYS
HR 1115 Donatucci, Maria (D) (PN 4137) Resolution recognizing the week of October 15 through 19, 2018, as “National Medical Assistants Recognition Week” in Pennsylvania in appreciation of the quality care, support and vital services provided by medical assistants in this Commonwealth. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Adopted by a vote of 192 YEAS 0 NAYS
30 HR 1118 Mackenzie, Ryan (R) (PN 4152) Resolution designating the week of October 14 through 20, 2018, as “International Central Service Week” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Adopted by a vote of 192 YEAS 0 NAYS
HR 1139 Bullock, Donna (D) (PN 4182) Resolution recognizing the week of October 21 through 27, 2018, as “National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Adopted by a vote of 192 YEAS 0 NAYS
HR 1145 Diamond, Russ (R) (PN 4186) Resolution honoring the life and achievements of Raymond D. Smith in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Adopted by a vote of 192 YEAS 0 NAYS
HR 1149 Wheeland, Jeff (R) (PN 4202) Resolution commemorating the friendship and bilateral relationship between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Taiwan. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Adopted by a vote of 192 YEAS 0 NAYS
HR 1152 Bullock, Donna (D) (PN 4215) Resolution designating the week of November 5 through 9, 2018, as “Pennsylvania Education for Youth Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week” and November 9, 2018, as “Red Shirt Day” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Adopted by a vote of 192 YEAS 0 NAYS
HR 1155 Cutler, Bryan (R) (PN 4235) Resolution recognizing the week of November 4 through 10, 2018, as “National Radiologic Technology Week” in Pennsylvania, focusing on the safe medical radiation environment and celebrating the important role that medical imaging professionals across this Commonwealth play in the health and well-being of patients. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Adopted by a vote of 192 YEAS 0 NAYS
HR 1158 Saylor, Stanley (R) (PN 4219) Resolution designating October 17, 2018, as “Libraries Move PA Forward Day” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Adopted by a vote of 192 YEAS 0 NAYS
HR 1159 Boback, Karen (R) (PN 4237) Resolution designating the week of October 22 through 26, 2018, as “Human Resources Professionals Week” in Pennsylvania. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Adopted by a vote of 192 YEAS 0 NAYS
HR 1161 Madden, Maureen (F) (D) (PN 4239) Resolution honoring East Stroudsburg University as it celebrates the 125th anniversary of its founding. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Adopted by a vote of 192 YEAS 0 NAYS
SB 2 DiSanto, John (F) (R) (PN 1776) The Education Savings Account Act allows a parent to apply for an education savings account for a school-age child who: resides within the attendance area of a low-achieving public school and has been enrolled in a public school in the Commonwealth for not less than one full semester; is entering kindergarten or the first grade; or participated in the program in the prior year and is renewing an agreement as provided under the legislation. Requires the Department of Education to review the application to determine if the applicant meets the qualifications. The account shall be administered by the State Treasury. Allows a parent to apply or seek renewal between January 1 and April 1 for the following school year. Requires the department to notify parents and school districts of approved applications by April 30. Further provides for termination; automatic termination; renewal; number; and explanation. Also provides for the amount of the grant to be deposited into an
31 account by the Secretary of Education. Provides for qualified educational expenses; audits and penalties; participating entity application and requirements; academic requirements; listing of participating entities; education records; transportation; and participating entity autonomy. Requires the State Treasury and the Department of Education to promulgate regulations within 60 days of the effective date. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1271) 1776 Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid on the table (Pursuant to Senate Rule 9)
SB 6 Regan, Mike (F) (R) (PN 1085) Amends the Public Assistance Integrity Act, in public assistance, further providing for definitions, for resources and for verification system including vehicles and lottery winnings, prohibiting eligibility for 10 years for individuals convicted of drug distribution and for certain failures of drug tests, prohibiting eligibility for violators of sexual offender registration, further providing for false statement, investigations and penalty and for prohibited use of public assistance funds by adding casino and adult entertainment funds, providing for a lost access device fee of five dollars and $100 for subsequent requests with exceptions for disasters and individuals over 65, and further providing for violation and penalty on gaming entities as a misdemeanor and fine of $1,000. Exempts a motor vehicle with a value of less than $40,000 from being an available resource. The comprehensive legislation is intended to eradicate waste, fraud, and abuse within the Commonwealth’s Public Welfare Code. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 164, 994) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - H-1 Floor amendment(s) adopted Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Over in House Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
SB 22 Boscola, Lisa (D) (PN 1865) Joint resolution proposing integrated and distinct amendments to the constitution of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, organizing the judiciary into representative districts and further providing for residency requirements and for the Legislative Reapportionment Commission for the purpose of reapportioning and redistricting the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Provides for the appointment of 11 members to the commission and their qualifications. If the General Assembly fails to approve the maps by December 31 of each year ending in one, the commission shall submit the same sets of maps for each category to the Supreme Court, which shall approve one map submitted in each category. The Supreme Court shall immediately direct the appointment of a special master. The special master shall hold a hearing and take testimony on the maps and return the record and a transcript of the testimony together with a report and recommendations as prescribed by general rules of procedure. Also establishes judicial districts for the Supreme Court, Superior Court, and Commonwealth Court and provides for qualifications of justices, judges and justices. Constitutional amendments require approval in two consecutive legislative sessions and then approval by the voters through a referendum. (Prior Printer Number: 397, 1780) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Removed from the table Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid on the table
SB 261 Scarnati, Joseph (R) (PN 631) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), in limitation of time, further providing for six months limitation, for infancy, insanity or imprisonment, for no limitation applicable and for other offenses; and, in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity, for limitations on damages, for exceptions to governmental immunity and for limitations on damages. The stated intent of the bill is to eliminate statutes of limitation only in rare circumstances in which delayed discovery of the cause of action is particularly likely and the right to defend against the claim is not significantly undermined, with exceptions for civil actions brought under section 8522(b)(10) (relating to exceptions to sovereign immunity) or 8542(b)(9) (relating to exceptions to governmental immunity). Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 243) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Press conference held
32 SB 353 Rafferty, John (R) (PN 2088) Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, to grant and convey to the Pennhurst Memorial Preservation Alliance, or its assigns, a certain tract of land with certain improvements on it situate in East Vincent Township, Chester County; authorizing and directing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to 812 Market, Inc., or its assigns, certain lands and improvements situate in the City of Harrisburg, Dauphin County; authorizing the Department of Transportation, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Two Farms Inc., certain lands situate in the Collegeville Borough, Montgomery County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey, at a price to be determined through a competitive bid process, certain lands, buildings and improvements situate in the Borough of Chambersburg, Franklin County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Department of Transportation and the Governor, to grant and convey, at a price to be determined through a competitive bid process, certain lands, buildings and improvements situate partially in the 6th Ward City of Washington and situate partially in South Strabane Township, Washington County; and authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Governor, to grant and convey to Jose L. Ramos and Lisa Ramos, husband and wife, certain lands situate in the Township of Whitemarsh, Montgomery County. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 377) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Voted favorably from committee on House Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - H-Reported as committed from House Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - H-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Final Passage by a vote of 189 YEAS 0 NAYS Oct 16, 2018 - S-Received as amended in Senate and rereferred SRULES
SB 373 Eichelberger, John (R) (PN 1908) Amends the Insurance Company Law, in uniform health insurance claim form, requiring that a check for payment of a claim covered under any dental care insurance policy for covered dental care services provided by a licensed dental provider, where the dental provider is not a participating provider under a contact with a dental insurer, shall be made out to both the dental provider and the insured. An out-of-network dental provider shall not require the insured to pay any amount above any applicable copayments, coinsurances or deductibles at the time of service. Dental insurance policies, and dental claims forms under those policies, shall allow an out-of-network provider of the dental service to request that the dental insurer’s payment be made only to the provider. Where the insured, with written attestation, agrees to the assignment of payment, the provider shall not require the insured to pay an amount in excess of the insurer’s rate for the same service performed by a network provider, except for any applicable copayments, coinsurances or deductibles. This does not preclude a dental insurer and an out-of-network dental provider from agreeing to an alternate payment arrangement. Effective in 240 days. (Prior Printer Number: 364, 1287) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
SB 403 Brewster, Jim (D) (PN 1228) Amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally), in employees, further providing for commission members by replacing the governor’s FBI special agency in charge appointee and replacing it with a member of the Pennsylvania Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, to be appointed by the governor. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 401) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
SB 627 Killion, Thomas (R) (PN 700) Amends the Tax Reform Code, in corporate net income tax, adding qualified air freight forwarding companies under the scope of “taxable income.” “Qualified air freight forwarding company” is defined as a company that is engaged in the air freight forwarding business, primarily uses an airline with which it has common ownership and control, and will use the revenue miles of the airline. The bill is effective immediately but applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2016. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
33 SB 676 Gordner, John (R) (PN 2051) Amends Workers’ Compensation Act relating to the Uninsured Employers Guarantee Fund. Provides if an employee alleges an injury that is incurred with an employer which is domiciled in another state and which has not secured the payment of compensate as required by the act, the employee is required to provide the fund and to any worker’s compensation judge hearing a petition against the fund, a written notice, denial, citation of law or court or administrative ruling from such other state or an insurer licensed to write insurance in that state as to that employer, indicating that the employee is not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in that state. No compensation shall be payable from the fund until the employee submits the required information. Requires a claim petition to be filed within 180 days after notice of the claim is made to the fund. Requires an employee to provide proof of wages before filing a claim of lost wages under the act. Adds language allowing the fund to establish lists of at least six designated health care providers that are accessible in each county in specialties relevant to the treatment of work injuries in the Commonwealth. Transfers $4 million from the Workers’ Compensation Administrative Fund to the Uninsured Employers Guarantee Fund. Also provides for uninsured employer obligations and for administrative penalties and stop-work orders. Requires the Department of Labor and Industry to annually submit a report to the House and Senate Labor and Industry committees outlining the department’s efforts to identify and prosecute uninsured employers, any penalties resulting from that activity, the status of claims and operations, including the number of claims filed, pending and paid in the past year and an analysis of the administrative expenses of the fund. Increases the Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund assessment from 0.1 percent to 0.25 percent. Requires the department to reduce the current year UEGF assessment if prior year assessment exceeds 130 percent of prior year expenditures. Reduces the cap on the excess amount that may be maintained in the Workmen’s Compensation Administration Fund from 133 percent to 120 percent. Requires the department to report reasonable suspicion of underreporting or delinquency and the department may suspend a license or certification for an employer subject to a stop-work order. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 795, 1022, 1289) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - H-House White motion to revert to prior printer number, PN 1289 - Granted by a vote of 186 YEAS 3 NAYS Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Over in House Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
SB 748 Argall, David (R) (PN 2021) The Public Safety Facilities Act provides for public safety facilities. The bill requires notification to be provided to various stakeholders, including members of the governor’s cabinet, local elected officials, and labor leaders, when a proposed closure of a public safety facility is announced. After providing notice, the public entity shall gather information, hold public hearings and issue a report. Additional notification is required after that process if the entity proceeds with the closure. “Public safety facility” is defined as a state correctional institution operated by the Department of Corrections or a station operated by the Pennsylvania State Police. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 1009) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Signed in the House
SB 771 McGarrigle, Thomas (R) (PN 969) Amends Titles 8 (Boroughs and Incorporated Towns) and 11 (Cities), in powers and duties of elected officials, further providing for completion, filing and publication of auditor’s report and financial statement; and, in accounts and finances, further providing for annual reports, publication, filing report with Department of Community andEconomic Development and penalty. The bill repeals the current requirements of the published financial statement and provides that auditors shall publish concise financial information prepared or approved by the auditors and consistent with the audited financial statements for total assets, total liabilities and total net position at the end of the fiscal year and total revenue, total expenses and changes in total net position for that fiscal year and a reference to a place within the borough where copies of the financial statements and accompanying audit report may be examined. If the full financial statements and accompanying audit report are not published, copies shall be supplied to the publishing newspaper when the request for publication is submitted. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
34 SB 772 McGarrigle, Thomas (R) (PN 970) Amends the First Class Township Code, in auditors, further providing for surcharges, auditors’ report and publication of financial statements. The bill repeals the current requirements of the published financial statement and provides that auditors shall public concise financial information prepared or approved by the auditors and consistent with the audited financial statements for total assets, total liabilities and total net position at the end of the fiscal year and total revenue, total expenses and changes in total net position for that fiscal year and a reference to a place within the borough where copies of the financial statements and accompanying audit report may be examined. If the full financial statements and accompanying audit report are not published, copies shall be supplied to the publishing newspaper when the request for publication is submitted. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
SB 773 McGarrigle, Thomas (R) (PN 971) Amends the act entitled “An act for the election of the mayor, members of town council, and auditors, in incorporated towns of the Commonwealth; regulating the manner of voting for such officers, and repealing inconsistent general, local and special laws,” further providing for publication of audit report by repealing the current concise summary requirement and requiring instead the publication, whenever any town has provided by ordinance for the audit of its accounts, of concise financial information prepared or approved by the auditors and consistent with the audited financial statements for total assets, total liabilities and total net position at the end of the fiscal year and total revenue, total expenses and changes in total net position for that fiscal year and a reference to a place within the town where copies of the financial statements and accompanying audit report may be examined. If the full financial statements and accompanying audit report are not published, copies shall be supplied to the publishing newspaper when the request for publication is submitted. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
SB 796 Gordner, John (R) (PN 1008) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in fees, exempting from fees volunteer emergency service personnel who require a certified driving record for certification under 35 Pa.C.S. Ch. 81 (relating to emergency medical services system) and the change of address on a commercial driver’s license, including a commercial driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement, if an individual’s current address has been changed by a government entity. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - H-1 Floor amendment(s) adopted Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Over in House Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
SB 798 Alloway, Richard (R) (PN 1078) Amends Title 12 (Commerce and Trade), in Pennsylvania Military Community Enhancement Commission, further providing for establishment and membership by adding that the active duty retired military officer on the commission may be one-star or two-star. Currently the officer must be three- or four-star. The officer shall also be a resident of Pennsylvania. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Voted favorably from committee on House Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - H-Reported as committed from House Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - H-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Final Passage by a vote of 189 YEAS 0 NAYS Oct 16, 2018 - S-Signed in the Senate
35 SB 801 Hutchinson, Scott (R) (PN 1012) Amends Title 8 (Boroughs & Incorporated Towns), and 11 (Cities) further providing for regulation of contracts. Adds language providing contracts or purchases of used personal property such as equipment, articles, apparatus, appliances, vehicles or parts of vehicles being purchased from volunteer emergency service organizations do not require advertising or bidding. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid on the table Oct 16, 2018 - H-Removed from the table
SB 802 Hutchinson, Scott (R) (PN 1013) Amends the First Class Township Code, in contracts, adding language allowing first class townships to purchase used equipment, vehicles and other personal property from volunteer emergency service organizations without competitive bidding. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid on the table Oct 16, 2018 - H-Removed from the table
SB 803 Hutchinson, Scott (R) (PN 2014) Amends The Second Class Township Code, in contracts, adding language allowing second class townships to purchase used equipment, vehicles and other personal property from volunteer emergency service organizations without competitive bidding. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid on the table Oct 16, 2018 - H-Removed from the table
SB 804 Hutchinson, Scott (R) (PN 2015) Amends the act entitled, An act relating to and regulating the contracts of incorporated towns and providing penalties, adding language allowing incorporated towns to purchase used equipment, vehicles and other personal property from volunteer emergency service organizations without competitive bidding. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid on the table Oct 16, 2018 - H-Removed from the table
SB 888 Rafferty, John (R) (PN 1998) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in rules of the road in general, further providing for additional parking regulations. The bill authorizes local authorities to limit access to a parking space reserved for persons with a disability and disabled veterans to a specific vehicle or other designation and may charge a reasonable fee for this. A person may not obstruct a space on public or private property reserved for a person with a disability or a part of a curb ramp or the access aisle adjacent to a parking space reserved for a person with a disability in a manner that would prevent a person or wheelchair or personal mobility device from entering or leaving a vehicle legally parked in an adjoining space. The bill provides for penalties and definitions. Effective in 180 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1154, 1242) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Signed in the House
SB 897 Stefano, Patrick (R) (PN 1760) Amends Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), in authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for restitution for injuries to person or property; and, in sentencing, further providing for victim impact statements. The stated intent of the bill is to expand the scope of restitution for victims to include government agencies, non-profits, corporations and other similar organizations. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 1199) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Voted favorably from committee on House Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - H-Reported as committed from House Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - H-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Final Passage by a vote of 191 YEAS 0 NAYS Oct 16, 2018 - S-Received as amended in Senate and rereferred SRULES
36 SB 915 Greenleaf, Stewart (R) (PN 1534) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary) adding a new subchapter relating to Victim and Witness Outreach. Also amends section 9545 relating to jurisdiction and proceedings extending the time period from 60 days to one year for a person bringing a petition for a post-conviction relief action. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Voted favorably from committee on House Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - H-Reported as committed from House Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - H-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Final Passage by a vote of 190 YEAS 0 NAYS Oct 16, 2018 - S-Received as amended in Senate and rereferred SRULES
SB 916 Greenleaf, Stewart (R) (PN 1535) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), in post-trial matters, further providing for postconviction DNA testing. The stated intent is to update the law by removing the supervision requirement, allowing those who plead guilty to access testing, requiring the Commonwealth to identify all physical evidence in a case, allowing testing when new DNA testing technology becomes available, and matching with DNA profiles the FBI’s DNA database. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Voted favorably from committee on House Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - H-Reported as committed from House Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - H-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Final Passage by a vote of 187 YEAS 3 NAYS Oct 16, 2018 - S-Received as amended in Senate and rereferred SRULES
SB 919 Haywood, Arthur (D) (PN 1549) Amends the Housing Authorities Law further providing for powers of an authority; and providing for relocation. The bill establishes a tenant who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence may request relocation if the tenant expressly requests an emergency transfer and experienced domestic or sexual violence on or near the premises within 90 calendar days of the request; or the tenant reasonably believes that the tenant or an affiliated individual is threatened with imminent harm of domestic or sexual violence if the tenant or affiliated individual remains on the premises. Effective in six months. Prior Printer Number: 1232, 1270) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
SB 947 Hutchinson, Scott (R) (PN 1330) Amends Title 8 (Boroughs & Incorporated Towns) and 11 (Cities), in corporate powers, increasing the dollar threshold for which borough personal property for sale must be advertised once in at least one newspaper prior to the opening of bids or public auction from $1,000 to $2,000. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
SB 948 Hutchinson, Scott (R) (PN 1331) Amends The First Class Township Code increasing the dollar threshold for which township personal property for sale must be advertised once in at least one newspaper prior to the opening of bids or public auction from $1,000 to $2,000. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
SB 949 Hutchinson, Scott (R) (PN 1332) Amends the act entitled “An act relating to and regulating the contracts of incorporated towns and providing penalties,” increasing the dollar threshold for which town personal property for sale must be advertised once in at least one newspaper prior to the opening of bids or public auction from $1,000 to $2,000. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
37 SB 958 Hughes, Vincent (D) (PN 1336) Amends the Insurance Company Law, in health and accident insurance, prohibiting health insurance companies from denying or excluding coverage based on an individual’s preexisting medical conditions. Effective in 30 days. Oct 16, 2018 - S-Press conference held
SB 1005 Eichelberger, John (R) (PN 2026) Amends the County Code making extensive revisions relating to preliminary provisions; names and corporate powers, classification of counties; fixing and relocating lines and boundaries; county officers; county commissioners and chief clerks; controller; auditors; treasurer; county solicitor; engineer; sheriff and coroner; prothonotary, clerks of court, clerk of orphan’s court, register of wills, recorder of deeds; district attorney, assistants and detectives; salaries of county officers; fees of salaried county officers, salary boards, payment of solicitors appointed by county officers; fiscal affairs; contracts and special powers and duties of counties; public health; aeronautics; grounds and buildings; eminent domain and injury to property; recreation places; bridges, viaducts and culverts and roads; providing for military and veterans affairs; and making editorial changes. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1394, 1563, 1782, 1896 Oct 16, 2018 - H-Signed in the House
SB 1007 Eichelberger, John (R) (PN 1396) Amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally), in consolidated county assessment, further providing for definitions, requiring the chief assessor to compile a list of each taxing district in the county, for notices, appeals and certification of values by requiring written notice, for special provisions relating to countywide revisions of assessments, for board of assessment appeals and board of assessment revision, for regulations of board and for auxiliary appeal boards and alternates; and making editorial changes. Among the changes, the bill requires members of the board and each auxiliary appeal boards to undergo training before hearing appeals. Alternates are removed. The county commissioners may establish temporary auxiliary appeal boards for terms of existence necessary to hear and determine appeals in a manner consistent with this chapter and the regulations of the board. Lastly, the county commissioners may create a pool of qualified residents for potential service as auxiliary appeal board members. Effective January 1, 2020. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
SB 1069 Costa, Jay (D) (PN 1537) Amends the Second Class County Code providing for the voluntary dissolution of the existing form of governance of a municipal corporation located in a county of the second class (Allegheny) and the creation of unincorporated districts of counties of the second class; authorizing the county to assume responsibility for the governance of the municipal corporation and delivery of public services to the citizens residing in the municipal corporation through the administration of an unincorporated district; and authorizing unincorporated district advisory committees. The bill establishes that if the governing body of a municipal corporation finds that the residents of the municipal corporation would be better served by the administration of municipal services by the county, the governing body may seek to provide for the dissolution of the municipal corporation under this article. Effective immediately. Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Final Passage by a vote of 49 YEAS 0 NAYS
SB 1090 Corman, Jake (R) (PN 1825) Amends Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), in offenses involving danger to the person, providing for antihazing and prescribing penalties; in forfeiture of assets, further providing for asset forfeiture; and making a related repeal. The bill adds a chapter to Title 18 on antihazing, defines the offense of hazing, and provides for aggravated hazing, organizational hazing, and institutional hazing. Institutions and secondary schools shall adopt policies against hazing and appropriate penalties for hazing. Also provides for purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages and for safe harbor for violations of section 6308 (a) relating to attempts to purchase, consume, possess or knowingly and intentionally transport any liquor or malt or brewed beverages. Title 42 is amended to provide for asset forfeiture for organizational hazing. Effective in 30 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1583, 1661) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Signed in the House
38 SB 1092 Mensch, Bob (R) (PN 1710) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) adding a new section providing for sentencing for offenses involving domestic violence in the presence of a minor. Requires the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Sentencing to provide for a sentence enhancement for an offense under Title 18, section 2701 relating to simple assault and section 2702 relating to aggravated assault specifying variations from the range of sentences applicable based on such aggravating circumstances as the assault was committed against a family or household member and the defendant knew the crime was witnessed, either through sight or sound, by a minor who is also a family or household member of the defendant or the victim. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1577) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Voted favorably from committee on House Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - H-Reported as committed from House Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - H-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Final Passage by a vote of 190 YEAS 0 NAYS Oct 16, 2018 - S-Signed in the Senate
SB 1095 McGarrigle, Thomas (R) (PN 1894) Amends the Public School Code, in preliminary provisions, further providing for Keystone Exams. The use of the Keystone Exams as a graduation requirement or as a benchmark for the need for participation in a project-based assessment shall be delayed until the 2020-2021 school year. Upon the expiration of the delay on the use of Keystone Exams as a graduation requirement and in any school year in which a demonstration of proficiency on a Keystone Exam is required for high school graduation, a student who attains an established composite score on the algebra I, biology and literature Keystone Exams shall be deemed proficient if the student achieves a basic or above performance level on each of the three Keystone Exams. No later than September 30, 2019, the secretary shall establish the satisfactory composite score a student must attain in order to meet the requirements and submit the proposed composite score to the State Board of Education for approval. The State Board of Education must approve a composite score no later than December 31, 2019. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 1621 1877) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Signed in the House
SB 1098 Browne, Patrick (R) (PN 1623) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in enforcement, authorizing automated enforcement of failure to stop for school bus with flashing red lights and establishing the School Bus Safety Grant Program Fund. Fines collected shall be deposited into the fund and shall be used by the department to implement the School Bus Safety Grant Program, which is established to promote and increase school bus safety education and training throughout this Commonwealth. Independent school bus contractors are eligible for the grant. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - H-3 Floor amendment(s) adopted Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Over in House Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
SB 1127 Aument, Ryan (R) (PN 1827) Amends Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 62 (Procurement), in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, providing for order authorizing interception of wire, electronic or oral communications; in trade and commerce. Further provides for buying or exchanging Federal food order coupons, stamps, authorization cards or access devices and for fraudulent traffic in food orders based on the amount involved. Also provides for debarment or suspension. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1643) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Voted favorably from committee on House Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - H-Reported as committed from House Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - H-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Final Passage by a vote of 166 YEAS 24 NAYS Oct 16, 2018 - S-Signed in the Senate
39 SB 1156 Mensch, Bob (R) (PN 1851) Act designating a bridge on that portion of Pennsylvania Route 100 over the Schuylkill River in Pottstown Borough, Montgomery County, as the Newstell Marable, Sr., Memorial Bridge; designating the bridge on Stoughstown Road over Interstate 81 in Cumberland County (bridge number 21-3007-0020-0865) as the Private Raymond Lafayette Naugle Memorial Bridge; designating the bridge on Maple Avenue over the Yellow Breeches Creek in Walnut Bottom Township, Cumberland County (bridge number 21-3009-0012-0000), as the Sergeant Kenneth Lee “Buck” Devor Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge on that portion of U.S. Route 219 South, over U.S. Route 22, also known as the Admiral Peary Highway, in Cambria Township, Cambria County, as the PFC Nick Kozorosky Memorial Bridge; designating a portion of Pennsylvania Route 54 in West Mahanoy Township, Schuylkill County, as the Francis V. “Angie” McAndrew Memorial Highway; and designating a portion of State Route 2026, in Upper Moreland Township, Montgomery County, as the Corporal Michael Dennis Cooke Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1736, 1793) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - H-11 Floor amendment(s) adopted Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Over in House Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
SB 1157 Vulakovich, Randy (R) (PN 1819) Amends the Fiscal Code, in Department of the Auditor General, requiring the auditor general to audit the Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network and any related contracts administered. Provides the auditor general shall determine the most effective method of auditing the contracts and their various phases and shall include each phase of the contract awarded in 2016 in the audit. At least two-tenths of one per centum of the funds appropriated to support the Pennsylvania State Police for its administration of the Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network and any related contracts shall be utilized for the reimbursement of the Auditor General. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1734) Oct 16, 2018 - S-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - S-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - S-Final Passage by a vote of 49 YEAS 0 NAYS
SB 1171 Brooks, Michele (R) (PN 1893) Amends Titles 3 (Agriculture) and 27 (Environmental Resources), in nutrient management and odor management, further providing for the nutrient management advisory board; and, in agricultural advisory board, further providing for establishment of board. The bill establishes the Nutrient Management Advisory Board consisting of 16 members and provides for its powers and duties. The board shall review and comment on all commission proposed regulations and interim guidelines and criteria, shall have no power to promulgate regulations, interim guidelines or interim criteria until receipt of written comments on the proposed regulations, guidelines or criteria from the board or until 90 days from when the items were submitted. Existing regulations, guidelines and criteria shall continue until modified, superseded or repealed by the commission. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1754, 1779) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - H-1 Floor amendment(s) adopted Oct 16, 2018 - H-Second consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Over in House Oct 16, 2018 - H-Rereferred to House Appropriations
SB 1172 Vulakovich, Randy (R) (PN 1820) Amends the Price Gouging Act adding language to section 4 (a) relating to the price gouging prohibition. Allows the governor, by separate declaration, to impose a price restriction on the sale of consumer goods or services necessary for use or consumption in the affected geographic area as a direct result of the state of disaster emergency for a period of 15 days. Also allows the price restriction to be renewed for up to three additional 15-day periods as may be necessary. Adds language setting the parameters for what is considered an unconscionably excessive price. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1755) Oct 16, 2018 - H-Signed in the House
40 SB 1209 Langerholc, Wayne (F) (R) (PN 1886) Amends the Sexual Assault Testing and Evidence Collection Act further providing for sexual assault evidence collection program by establishing a designated telephone number for the use of health care facilities who have notified local law enforcement to take possession of sexual assault evidence that has not been completed within 72 hours; and requiring the Pennsylvania State Police to complete and submit a report related to sexual assault volume, evidence, and testing. Portions are effective immediately, with the remainder effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - H-Voted favorably from committee on House Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - H-Reported as committed from House Appropriations Oct 16, 2018 - H-Laid out for discussion Oct 16, 2018 - H-Third consideration Oct 16, 2018 - H-Final Passage by a vote of 189 YEAS 0 NAYS Oct 16, 2018 - S-Signed in the Senate
SB 1270 Yudichak, John (D) (PN 2065) The Childhood Blood Lead Test Act provides for blood lead testing of certain children and pregnant women by health care providers; imposes duties on the Department of Health; and requires certain health insurance policies to cover blood lead tests. Effective in 60 days. Oct 16, 2018 - S-Voted favorably from committee on Senate Health and Human Services Oct 16, 2018 - S-Reported as committed from Senate Health and Human Services Oct 16, 2018 - S-First consideration
SR 461 Hutchinson, Scott (R) (PN 4100) Resolution designating October 15, 2018, as “Sons of the American Revolution Day” in Pennsylvania. Oct 15, 2018 - S-Introduced and adopted
SR 462 Yudichak, John (D) (PN 2101) Resolution designating the week of September 17 through 21, 2018, as “SepticSmart Week” in Pennsylvania to increase awareness of the importance of proper maintenance and service of on-lot septic systems. Oct 15, 2018 - S-Introduced and adopted
SR 463 Bartolotta, Camera (R) (PN 2102) Resolution designating the week of November 11 through 17, 2018, as “Nurse Practitioner Week” in Pennsylvania. Oct 15, 2018 - S-Introduced and adopted
SR 464 Martin, Scott (F) (R) (PN 2103) Resolution designating the month of October 2018 as “Down Syndrome Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Oct 15, 2018 - S-Introduced and adopted
EXECUTIVE ACTIONS
HB 126 Warner, Ryan (R) (PN 4072) Amends Title 35 (Health and Safety) providing for cancer trial access for commonwealth patients; adds exceptions for prescribing opioids to minors, and allows for the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors by various authorized entities. Portions are effective in six months or immediately, and the remainder is effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 92, 2004, 3814) Oct 16, 2018 - H-In the hands of the Governor Oct 26, 2018 - H-Last day for Governor’s action
41 SB 748 Argall, David (R) (PN 2021) The Public Safety Facilities Act provides for public safety facilities. The bill requires notification to be provided to various stakeholders, including members of the governor’s cabinet, local elected officials, and labor leaders, when a proposed closure of a public safety facility is announced. After providing notice, the public entity shall gather information, hold public hearings and issue a report. Additional notification is required after that process if the entity proceeds with the closure. “Public safety facility” is defined as a state correctional institution operated by the Department of Corrections or a station operated by the Pennsylvania State Police. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 1009) Oct 16, 2018 - S-In the hands of the Governor Oct 26, 2018 - S-Last day for Governor’s action
SB 888 Rafferty, John (R) (PN 1998) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in rules of the road in general, further providing for additional parking regulations. The bill authorizes local authorities to limit access to a parking space reserved for persons with a disability and disabled veterans to a specific vehicle or other designation and may charge a reasonable fee for this. A person may not obstruct a space on public or private property reserved for a person with a disability or a part of a curb ramp or the access aisle adjacent to a parking space reserved for a person with a disability in a manner that would prevent a person or wheelchair or personal mobility device from entering or leaving a vehicle legally parked in an adjoining space. The bill provides for penalties and definitions. Effective in 180 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1154, 1242) Oct 16, 2018 - S-In the hands of the Governor Oct 26, 2018 - S-Last day for Governor’s action
SB 1005 Eichelberger, John (R) (PN 2026) Amends the County Code making extensive revisions relating to preliminary provisions; names and corporate powers, classification of counties; fixing and relocating lines and boundaries; county officers; county commissioners and chief clerks; controller; auditors; treasurer; county solicitor; engineer; sheriff and coroner; prothonotary, clerks of court, clerk of orphan’s court, register of wills, recorder of deeds; district attorney, assistants and detectives; salaries of county officers; fees of salaried county officers, salary boards, payment of solicitors appointed by county officers; fiscal affairs; contracts and special powers and duties of counties; public health; aeronautics; grounds and buildings; eminent domain and injury to property; recreation places; bridges, viaducts and culverts and roads; providing for military and veterans affairs; and making editorial changes. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1394, 1563, 1782, 1896 Oct 16, 2018 - S-In the hands of the Governor Oct 26, 2018 - S-Last day for Governor’s action
SB 1090 Corman, Jake (R) (PN 1825) Amends Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), in offenses involving danger to the person, providing for antihazing and prescribing penalties; in forfeiture of assets, further providing for asset forfeiture; and making a related repeal. The bill adds a chapter to Title 18 on antihazing, defines the offense of hazing, and provides for aggravated hazing, organizational hazing, and institutional hazing. Institutions and secondary schools shall adopt policies against hazing and appropriate penalties for hazing. Also provides for purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages and for safe harbor for violations of section 6308 (a) relating to attempts to purchase, consume, possess or knowingly and intentionally transport any liquor or malt or brewed beverages. Title 42 is amended to provide for asset forfeiture for organizational hazing. Effective in 30 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1583, 1661) Oct 16, 2018 - S-In the hands of the Governor Oct 26, 2018 - S-Last day for Governor’s action
42 SB 1095 McGarrigle, Thomas (R) (PN 1894) Amends the Public School Code, in preliminary provisions, further providing for Keystone Exams. The use of the Keystone Exams as a graduation requirement or as a benchmark for the need for participation in a project-based assessment shall be delayed until the 2020-2021 school year. Upon the expiration of the delay on the use of Keystone Exams as a graduation requirement and in any school year in which a demonstration of proficiency on a Keystone Exam is required for high school graduation, a student who attains an established composite score on the algebra I, biology and literature Keystone Exams shall be deemed proficient if the student achieves a basic or above performance level on each of the three Keystone Exams. No later than September 30, 2019, the secretary shall establish the satisfactory composite score a student must attain in order to meet the requirements and submit the proposed composite score to the State Board of Education for approval. The State Board of Education must approve a composite score no later than December 31, 2019. Effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 1621 1877) Oct 16, 2018 - S-In the hands of the Governor Oct 26, 2018 - S-Last day for Governor’s action
SB 1172 Vulakovich, Randy (R) (PN 1820) Amends the Price Gouging Act adding language to section 4 (a) relating to the price gouging prohibition. Allows the governor, by separate declaration, to impose a price restriction on the sale of consumer goods or services necessary for use or consumption in the affected geographic area as a direct result of the state of disaster emergency for a period of 15 days. Also allows the price restriction to be renewed for up to three additional 15-day periods as may be necessary. Adds language setting the parameters for what is considered an unconscionably excessive price. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1755) Oct 16, 2018 - S-In the hands of the Governor Oct 26, 2018 - S-Last day for Governor’s action
UPCOMING MEETINGS
WEDNESDAY - 10/17/18 **CANCELLED**House Human Services 9:00 a.m., Room 60, East Wing To consider Department of Human Services Final Form Regulation 14-540
Senate State Government 9:00 a.m., Hearing Room 1, North Office Building Public hearing to discuss proposed amendments to the US Constitution through a Convention of States as provided by Article V, and related resolutions including: SR 133 Eichelberger, Jo Concurrent Resolution re Convention of States SR 134 Eichelberger, Jo Concurrent Resolution re regulation freedom SR 254 Costa, Jay Resolution re Free and Fair Elections
***House Appropriations (Agenda updated) Off the Floor, Room 140 Main Capitol To consider: HB 562 Donatucci, Maria Amends PA Breast and Cervical Cancer Act HB 1097 James, Lee Amends Public School Code re CPR instruction HB 2303 Corr, Michael (F Amends Tax Reform Code re income tax reporting HB 2615 Owlett, Clint (F Act re Troy Area Veterans Memorial Bridge SB 6 Regan, Mike (F) Amends Human Services Code re verification SB 31 Scavello, Mario Amends Tobacco Settlement Act re spinal cord SB 373 Eichelberger, Jo Amends Insurance Company Law re claims SB 403 Brewster, Jim Amends Title 53 re Municipal Police Officer SB 627 Killion, Thomas Amends Tax Reform Code re freight companies SB 676 Gordner, John Amends Workers› Compensation Act re fund SB 771 McGarrigle, Thom Amends Title 8 and 11 re Elected Officials SB 772 McGarrigle, Thom Amends First Class Twp. Code re Financial SB 773 McGarrigle, Thom Amends Election Act re Mayoral Elections SB 796 Gordner, John Amends Title 75 re Change of Address Fees SB 919 Haywood, Arthur Amends Housing Authorities Law re pub. housing SB 947 Hutchinson, Scot Amends Titles 8 & 11 re city property SB 948Hutchinson, Scot Amends First Class Twp Code re property SB 949 Hutchinson, Scot Amends Incorporated Towns re convey SB 961 Rafferty, John Amends Title 75 re DUI SB 1007Eichelberger, Jo Amends Title 53 re county assessment SB 1098 Browne, Patrick Amends Title 75 re school bus arm cameras SB 1156 Mensch, Bob Act re bridge & highway designation SB 1171 Brooks, Michele Amends Titles 3 & 27 re advisory boards SB 1205 Laughlin, Daniel Amends Title 40 re annual disclosure
43 ***Senate Health and Human Services (New) Off the Floor, Rules Committee Conference Room To consider: HB 1742 Mehaffie, Thomas Amends Human Services Code re Keystone STARS
THURSDAY - 10/18/18 Independent Regulatory Review Commission 10:00 a.m., 14th Floor Conference Room, 333 Market Street, Harrisburg To consider the following regulations: 3184 Department of Conservation of Natural Resources #7B-8: Conservation of Pennsylvania Native Wild Plants 3215 Environmental Quality Board #549: Electronic Submission of Air Quality General Plan Approval and General Operating Permit Applications (Final-Omit) 3190 Environmental Quality Board #7-523: Noncoal Mining Program Fee 3199 Environmental Quality Board #7-530: Administration of the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Program 3160 Department of Human Services #14-540; Home and Community Based Supports and Licensing 3183 Department of Revenue #15-459: Withholding of Tax
House Democratic Policy Committee 2:00 p.m., Richeyville Volunteer Fire Company Hall, 14 Firehall Road, Richeyville Public hearing with Rep. Pam Snyder on decline of volunteer firefighters
MONDAY - 10/22/18 House Democratic Policy Committee 2:00 p.m., Event Center by Cornerstone, 46 North Sugan Road, New Hope Public hearing with Rep. Helen Tai on gun safety
WEDNESDAY - 10/24/18 House Democratic Policy Committee 2:00 p.m., Riverbend, 1950 Spring Mill Road, Gladwayne Public hearing with Rep. Mary Jo Daley on environmental education programs
THURSDAY - 10/25/18 House Democratic Policy Committee 10:00 a.m., Chester City Hall, City Council Chambers, 1 East 4th Street, Chester Public hearing with Rep. Brian Kirkland on jobs and economic development
THURSDAY - 11/15/18 Independent Regulatory Review Commission 10:00 a.m., 14th Floor Conference Room, 333 Market St., Harrisburg To consider the following regulations: 3185 Public Utility Commission #57-317: Motor Carrier Age Requirement
44 Capitol Recap is a comprehensive daily report on legislative and executive actions in the Pennsylvania capitol and is compiled and edited by PLS.
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