|
GENERAL
ACTS ENACTED FOR 2005 |
||||
|
ACT |
DATE |
BILL |
SUBJECT |
EFFECTIVE DATE |
|
|
April 13 |
|
The Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship
and Watershed Protection Enhancement Authorization Act places a question of
incurring indebtedness of up to $625,000,000 for the maintenance and
protection of the environment, open space and farmland preservation,
watershed protection, abandoned mine reclamation, acid mine drainage
remediation and other environmental initiatives on the May 17, 2005 primary
ballot. It also abrogates the authority of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
to determine the form of the ballot question and extends the deadline for
absentee ballots until May 31, 2005. Finally, it states that "this act
shall not be construed as authorizing the imposition of any new tax or fee or
permitting the increase of any existing tax or fee to repay the borrowing
authorized by the approval" of the ballot question. |
Effective Immediately |
|
May 9 |
Act authorizing the release of
Project 70 restrictions on certain lands owned by the |
Effective Immediately |
||
|
June 15 |
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial
Procedure) providing for employer immunity from liability for disclosure of
information regarding former or current employees as long as the employer is
not intentionally giving out false information and the information is being
distributed upon the request of either a prospective employer or by the
former or current employee. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
June 15 |
Act repealing section 5(7) of the
2004 Act entitled "An act amending Titles 20 (Decedents, Estates and
Fiduciaries) and 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes, further providing for right of surviving spouse to elective share;
further defining 'separate and apart' for purposes of divorce; providing for
premarital agreements; further providing for decree of court in actions for divorce;
further defining 'marital property' for purposes of certain property rights;
and further providing for equitable division of marital property, for
disposition of property to defeat obligations and for statement of reasons
for distribution." Also, the provisions of 23 Pa.C.S. Sec. 3501(c) would
apply to all equitable distribution proceedings pending on or after the
effective date of this section. |
Effective Immediately |
||
|
June 15 |
Amends the Unemployment
Compensation Law providing for the definition of "employer," for
general powers and duties of department, providing for representation in
proceedings, for contributions by employers and employees, for
successors-in-interest, for appeals, for interest on past due contributions
and for limitations upon enforcement of payment of contributions, interest
and penalties; providing for registration and other reports; further
providing for the Special Administration Fund; providing for the Job Training
Fund; further providing for the duties of the State Treasurer as custodian,
for offenses relating to false statements and representations to prevent or
reduce compensation and other offenses; and providing for monetary penalties. |
Effective Immediately |
||
|
June 30 |
Act designating a portion of a
State route in the City of Erie as Michael A. Cannavino Way; redesignating
the Carey Avenue Bridge between Larksville Borough and Hanover Township,
Luzerne County, as the 1st Battalion, 109th Field Artillery, PA Army National
Guard Bridge; and designating the portion of State Route 28 in Etna Borough
and Shaler Township in Allegheny County as the 28th Signal Battalion Memorial
Highway. |
Effective 60 days |
||
|
June 30 |
Act designating State Route 56 in
Seward, |
Effective Immediately |
||
|
June 30 |
Act repealing the act of April 3,
1872 (1873 P.L.1061, No.1109), entitled "An act to incorporate the State
police of Crawford and |
Effective 120 days |
||
|
June 30 |
Act authorizing and directing 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
Borough of Columbia, |
Effective Immediately |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends Title 74 (Transportation)
by adding Chapter 65, which provides for the offense of flying while
impaired. The legislation states that if a person flies while impaired they
will have committed a misdemeanor of the second degree and would be subject
to a fine between $1, 000 and $5,000, imprisonment for 72 consecutive hours,
and evaluation for substance abuse by the court. Based on the evaluation he/she
could be ordered to undergo substance abuse treatment. If reasonable
suspicion of flying while impaired is found, an individual can be asked to
submit to a blood, breath, or urine test and refusal to comply can result in
a fine between $2,500 and $5,000. These tests can be submitted as evidence in
court. If a person is convicted of flying while impaired and there was an
accident resulting in bodily injury, serious bodily injury or death of any
person or in damage to an aircraft or other property commits a misdemeanor of
the second degrees and would be sentenced to pay a fine of $5,000-$10,000, to
undergo imprisonment of at least 30 days, and to undergo evaluation for
substance abuse in some instances. |
Effective in 90 days |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends The Second Class Township
Code by adding that a board of supervisors may make appropriations to
nonprofit watershed associations for watersheds serving the township. Such
appropriations may not be used for litigation against any municipal
corporation or to seek redress against any individual landowner. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends The County Code further
providing for the authorization of excise tax, for the authorization of the
hotel tax and for hotel room rental tax; providing penalties for failure to
timely remit hotel taxes and excise taxes imposed in certain counties of the
third class to the commonwealth; providing for a hotel room rental tax in
certain third class counties; and repealing the hotel room rental tax act.
The legislation adds that the tourist promotion agency must submit annual
audited reports on the income and expenditures of the revenues for each tax
to the county commissioners. The use of the revenues from the excise and
hotel tax have been expanded to include: convention promotion; marketing the
area as both a leisure and business travel destination; using all appropriate
marketing tools to accomplish advertising, publicity, publications, direct
marketing, direct sales, and participation in industry trade shows; projects
or programs that are directly and substantially related to tourism within the
county, and do not unduly compete with private sector tourism efforts; and
any other tourism marketing or promotion program considered necessary by the
tourist promotion agency. The time span for being a permanent resident was
shortened from 60 to 30 days. Also, in third class counties with a 1990
population of 415,000-500,000, a penalty of 1.5% per month would be imposed
for failure to timely remit the tax. In addition to other remedies available
for collection of debts, the county may also file a lien upon the hotel in
the name of and for the use of the county as provided by law for municipal
claims. Certain third class counties are authorized to impose a hotel room
rental tax of 4% on the consideration received by each operator of a hotel
within the county from each transaction of renting a room or rooms to
accommodate temporary residents. Monies received from the tax would be
distributed as follows: (1) each county would within ten days of receipt
transmit 68.75% of the money collected to the regional tourist promotion
agency; (2) each county would retain 18.75% of the money collected for the
further development of tourism facilities and for community development
initiatives within that county that enhance regional tourism; and (3) each
county would retain 12.5% of the money collected for the further development
of facilities and for marketing purposes within that county to enhance
regional tourism. |
Effective immediately, with exceptions |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends The Borough Code by adding
that a borough would have the specific power to appropriate money to
nonprofit watershed associations for watersheds serving the borough. Such
appropriations may not be used for litigation against any municipal
corporation or to seek redress against any individual landowner. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends The First Class Township
Code by adding that a township would have the specific power to appropriate
money to nonprofit watershed associations for watersheds serving the
township. Such appropriations may not be used for litigation against any
municipal corporation or to seek redress against any individual landowner. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 5 |
Act authorizing the Pennsylvania
Fish and Boat Commission to convey a portion of a Project 70 tract of land in
the Township of North Newton, Cumberland County, under certain conditions, to
the Township of North Newton, a municipal corporation of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania; and authorizing the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to
convey a portion of a Project 70 tract of land in the Township of West
Pennsboro, Cumberland County, under certain conditions, to the Township of
West Pennsboro, a municipal corporation of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends the Pennsylvania Municipal
Retirement Law applying the law to calendar years 1995-2005. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends the act entitled "An
act creating and establishing the Legislative Data Processing Committee:
providing for its membership; prescribing its powers, functions and duties;
and making an appropriation," further providing for the Legislative Data
Processing Committee by adding that the Parliamentarian would be a member of
the Committee instead of the Chief Clerk. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends Title 54 (Names) further
providing for divorcing and divorced person and surviving spouse to resume
prior name by adding that such spouses may resume a prior name at any time by
filing a written notice with the prothonotary of the county where the spouse
resides. Currently such requests are filed with the clerk of courts of common
pleas. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends Title 34 (Game) by adding
that resident military personnel hunting licenses would be issued to a person
who is a former prisoner of war. A former prisoner of war would be entitled
to purchase a resident hunting license at the cost of $1 plus the current
issuing fee upon application to the commission. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends Title 34 (Game) by
providing for Pennsylvania National Guard and Reserve Armed Forces hunting
licenses. These licenses may be issued to any person otherwise eligible for a
resident hunting license in PA who provides documentation that within the
previous 24 months the person was deployed overseas as a member of the
Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Air National Guard or Reserves on active
federal service for a period of 180 consecutive days or more or was released
early from such service because of an injury or disease incurred in the line
of duty. Only one Pennsylvania National Guard hunting license may be issued
for each qualifying deployment of a person applying for the license. The
Pennsylvania National Guard and Reserves hunting license would cost $1. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends Title 30 (Fish) by reducing
the cost of a fishing license for National Guard members and Reserve Armed
Forces members to $1. These licenses may be issued to any person otherwise
eligible for a resident fishing license in PA who provides documentation that
within the previous 24 months the person was deployed overseas as a member of
the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Air National Guard or Reserves on
active federal service for a period of 180 consecutive days or more or was
released early from such service because of an injury or disease incurred in
the line of duty. Only one Pennsylvania National Guard hunting license may be
issued for each qualifying deployment of a person applying for the license. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends the Medicare Hospital
Service Payment Designation Act further providing for designation of
hospitals by adding that for purposes of payments to hospital for inpatient
or outpatient hospital services under the Social Security Act, the following
are designated as rural hospitals: (1) hospitals designated as
Medicare-dependent hospitals as of April 30, 2002, or critical access
hospitals as of December 31, 2005; (2) hospitals located in a census tract
with rural-urban commuting area codes 4 through 10 established by the united
states department of agriculture; and (3) hospitals with 50 or fewer beds
that serve at a minimum 70% Medicare patient population and demonstrate
service to individuals from federally designated health professional shortage
areas. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 5 |
Act authorizing and directing the
Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to convey
tracts of land and buildings, consisting of a portion of the former Laurelton
Center, located in Hartley Township, Union County, Pennsylvania; authorizing
the Department of Transportation to convey to Montour County two tracts of
land situate in the Borough of Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania; and
making a related repeal. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 5 |
Act designating a certain bridge
carrying State Route 322 over |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 5 |
An Act designating a bridge in |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 5 |
Act adding a certain portion of
the |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends an act entitled "An
act to validate conveyances and other instruments which have been defectively
acknowledged," extending the date for validation of certain conveyances
and other instruments to 2005 from 1996. The legislation would not apply to
currently pending lawsuits. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends the Third Class City Code
by adding that in any city governed by the act, a beneficiary serving in an
elective city office would not be prohibited from receiving a pension for any
month in which he or she does not accept a salary from serving in the
elective office. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends the Job Enhancement Act by
adding that the contribution period of an "approved plan" may last
up to 36 months (increased from 24 months). Additionally, "saver"
is redefined to include an individual or family whose income is not more than
80% of area median income. A match which has not been paid for an eligible use
within five years (increased from three) at the end of the contribution
period would be returned to the Commonwealth. "Emerging technology
company" is redefined to include a company located in PA that which is
less than eight years (increased from six years) from incorporation.
Additionally, the list of approved courses of study for the Technology Work
Experience Internship Program would be the same for undergraduate students as
is currently required under the New Economy Technology Scholarship Act and master's
degree students would be eligible for the program. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends Title 18 (Crimes and
Offenses) creating the offense of disarming a law enforcement officer, which
is when a person: (1) removes or attempts to remove a firearm, rifle, shotgun
or weapon from the person of a law enforcement officer or corrections
officer, or deprives a law enforcement officer or corrections officer of the
use of a firearm, rifle, shotgun or weapon, when the officer is acting within
the scope of the officer's duties; and (2) has reasonable cause to know that
the individual is a law enforcement officer or corrections officer. A
violation of the offense would be a felony of the third degree. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 5 |
Act authorizing the release of
Project 70 restrictions imposed on certain land owned by |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 5 |
Act designating a portion of State
Route 322 in |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 5 |
Act authorizing the Department of
General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Department of
Environmental Protection, to grant and convey to Erie-Western Pennsylvania
Port Authority certain lands situated in the city of |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 5 |
Act authorizing and directing the
Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant
and convey to Basalt Trap Rock Company, a Pennsylvania company, or its
assigns, certain lands, situate in Morgan and |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends Title 74 (Transportation)
designating a portion of State Route 6 in Wyoming County as a scenic byway;
and designating a certain portion of State Route 92 in Susquehanna County as
a scenic byway. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends the Storage Tank and Spill
Prevention Act by making the registration fees paid by the tank owners
permanent until December 31, 2009. The bill also allows DEP to be reimbursed,
through the Underground Storage Tank Fund, for administrative costs (this is
currently forbidden) and for investigation and closure costs (up to $3
million annually). Finally, it extends the expiration of the additional
allocation to June 30, 2007, whereas currently it expires June 30, 2005. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 5 |
Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) implementing
the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. |
Effective 90 days after publication of a notice in
the PA Bulletin. |
||
|
July 6 |
Amends Title 3 (Agriculture)
providing for a prohibition against unauthorized local government unit
actions; establishing a cause of action for unauthorized enactment or enforcement
of local ordinances governing normal agricultural operations; providing for
duties of the Attorney General and for hearings; further providing for scope,
for legislative purpose, for definitions and for administration; providing
for manure application; further providing for nutrient management and odor
management certification; providing for odor management plans; further
providing for the Nutrient Management Advisory Board, for financial
assistance, for unlawful conduct, for civil penalties and for local
preemption; providing for other statutes and for regulations; and making a
related repeal. This is the Rendell Administration's Agriculture, Communities
and Rural Environment (ACRE) initiative. |
Effective immediately, with exceptions |
||
|
July 6 |
Amends the Liquor Code further
providing for sales by Pennsylvania liquor stores, for authority to issue
liquor licenses to hotels, restaurants and clubs, for sales by liquor
licensees regarding Sunday sales, for sale of malt or brewed beverages by
liquor licensees, for malt and brewed beverages retail licenses, for retail
dispensers' restrictions on purchases and sales, for revocation and
suspension of licenses, for renewal of amusement permits, for the point
system for certain licensees and for the assessment of points for
noncompliance; providing for renewal of permit for sales for off-premises
consumption in cities of the first class; further providing for unlawful acts
relative to malt or brewed beverages and licensees; and providing for hours
of operation relative to manufacturers, importing distributors and distributors
and for unlawful acts relative to liquor, malt and brewed beverages and
licensees. |
Effective in 60 days, with exceptions |
||
|
July 7 |
Amends the Tax Reform Code further
providing, in sales and use tax, for alternate imposition; providing, in
personal income tax, for definitions, for classes of income and for
contributions to the Olympics; providing, in personal income tax, for
contributions for military family relief assistance and for operational
provisions; further providing, in personal income tax, for additions,
penalties and fees; further providing, in corporate net income tax, for
definitions; further providing, in capital stock franchise tax, for
definitions and reports; further providing, in realty transfer tax, for
determination and notice; providing, in realty transfer tax, for sharing
information; further providing, in local real estate transfer tax, for
imposition and for administration; providing, in local real estate transfer
tax, for regulations, for documentary stamps, for collection agents, for
disbursements, for proceeds of judicial sale, for failure to affix stamps,
for determination and notice of tax, for liens, for refunds, for civil
penalties, for unlawful acts and penalties and for information; further
providing, in the research and development tax credit, for definitions and
for Pennsylvania S Corporation pass-through; further providing, in the film
production tax credit, for definitions and for credit for qualified film
production expenses; providing, in the film production tax credit, for
credits; further providing in the film production tax credit, for disposition
and for limitation; providing, in the film production tax credit, for
penalties; further providing, in the film production tax credit, for
pass-through entities and report; further providing, in the neighborhood
assistance tax credit, for grant; further providing, in general provisions,
for bad checks; providing, in general provisions, for electronic
transmissions and for reimbursement for costs of collection; continuing
ordinances and resolutions relating to real property tax transfers; and
making repeals. |
Effective immediately with exceptions |
||
|
July 7 |
Amends the Fiscal Code further
providing for transfer of certain funds from the General Fund to the Budget
Stabilization Reserve Fund; reenacting provisions relating to the Tobacco
Settlement Fund; further providing for deposits and for expiration; and
providing for investment powers for the State Workers' Insurance Board and
for payment of certain administrative expenses and claims from the State
Lottery Fund. The legislation states if the Secretary of the Budget certifies
that there is a surplus in the General Fund for the fiscal year 2004-2005,
15% of the surplus would be deposited by the end of the next succeeding
quarter into the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund. Additionally, for FY
2005-06, the funds derived pursuant to section 303(b)(4) of the Tobacco
Settlement Act during fiscal year 2004-2005 would be deposited into the
Tobacco Settlement Fund. One-fourth of the moneys appropriated pursuant to section
306(b)(1)(iii) of the Tobacco Settlement Act may not be expended, transferred
or lapsed, but must remain in the Tobacco Settlement Fund and one-eighth of
the funds appropriated pursuant to section 306(b)(1)(vi) of the Tobacco
Settlement Act may not be expended, transferred or lapsed, but must remain in
the Tobacco Settlement Fund. The legislation also adds that the State
Workers' Insurance Board's power to invest money would include the power to
hold, purchase, sell, assign, transfer and dispose of securities, including
common stock with certain restrictions. Lastly, the legislation authorizes
certain administrative expenses to be paid from the State Lottery Fund. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 7 |
Amends the Public Welfare Code
providing for use of medical expenses to establish medical assistance
eligibility, for lifetime limit on unpaid medical expenses, for penalty
period for asset transfer, for treatment of life estates and annuities, for
community spouse income, for eligibility for home and community-based services,
for verification of eligibility and for eligibility redetermination of
persons for medical assistance; further providing for medical assistance
payments for institutional care, for other medical assistance payments, for
reimbursement for certain items and services and for relatives'
responsibility; providing for medical assistance benefit packages, for
coverage, copayments, premiums and rates, for definitions of limited
applicability, for rebates, for pharmacy management systems, for enrollment limitation
and for established drug regimens; further providing for other computations
affecting counties, for special provider participation requirements and for
third-party liability; and providing for data matching, for special needs
trusts, for a health insurance premium payment program and for parity in
insurance coverage for State-owned psychiatric hospitals. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 7 |
Amends Title 23 (Domestic
Relations) consolidating the support law. The legislation also provides for
disposition of complaints received by allowing complaints of child abuse
occurring in other states where the child victim is identified as a resident
of Pennsylvania and the other state child protective services agency cannot
investigate the report because of statutory or policy limitations to be
assigned to the county of the child's residence. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 7 |
Amends Titles 42 (Judiciary and
Judicial Procedure), 46 ( Legislature) and 71 (State Government) providing
for compensation of elected and appointed officials. The legislation ties the
salaries of elected and appointed official to federal salaries. This is the
legislative pay raise bill. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 13 |
Amends Title 27 (Environmental Resources) to implement an
environmental bond program enabling the Commonwealth to borrow up to $625
million over six years. The funds would be deposited into the Growing Greener
Bond Fund to be allocated as follows:
Up to $90 million allocated to
various agencies will be available for projects designated by the counties
and up $20 million in FY '05-'06 and $30 million in FY '06-'07 will be
deposited in the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund. Additionally, the Commonwealth
will annually spend $60 million for debt and principal payments. Each
department and agency receiving funds are required to publish a report of all
projects funded by that department or agency. Lastly, the sunset date on the
$4 per ton disposal fee is repealed. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 13 |
Amends the Public School Code
further providing, in school finances, for annual budget, and in teacher
certification, for program of continuing professional development; providing
for, in teacher certification, evaluation of applicants; further providing,
in pupils and attendance, for fixing the cost of certain tuition, for cost of
tuition and maintenance of certain exceptional children in approved
institutions and in chartered schools for the education of the deaf and the
blind; further providing for educational assistance program and educational
support services, for definitions, for notification and for the program;
further providing, in Head Start supplemental assistance, for definitions,
for the program and for priority in funding; providing for opportunities for
educational excellence through concurrent enrollment; further providing, in
education empowerment, for education empowerment districts and for mandate
waiver program, and, in community colleges, for definitions, for financial
program and for payment reimbursement; providing, in community colleges, for
establishment of the Community College Capital Fund and for annual reports;
further providing, in the State System of Higher Education, for annual audits
and, in educational improvement tax credit, for qualification and application
and for limitations on amount of tax credits; further providing, in school
district reimbursement, for definitions, for small district assistance and
for temporary special aid; providing for basic education funding for
2004-2005 school year; further providing for payments on account of limited
English proficiency programs, for payments to intermediate units and for
special education payments; providing, in school district reimbursement, for
effect of failure to file certain reports; further providing, in school
district reimbursement, for approved reimbursable rental for leases and
sinking fund and for Pennsylvania Accountability Grants; and making an
inconsistent repeal relating to the Workforce Development Act. |
Effective immediately with exceptions |
||
|
July 14 |
Act authorizing the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources on behalf of the Commonwealth to agree to
hold and save the United States Army Corps of Engineers free from certain
damages arising from certain construction projects. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 14 |
The Health Savings Account Act excludes
from taxation any income of a health savings account, any amount paid out of
a health savings account that is used to pay the qualified medical expenses
of the account beneficiary, and any amount paid out of a health savings
account that is used to reimburse an account beneficiary for qualified
medical expenses. The following would be subject to taxation: (1) any amount
paid out of a health savings account that is used for any purpose other than
to pay the qualified medical expenses of the account beneficiary, (2) any
excess contribution distribution that has not previously been included in the
account beneficiary's income, or (3) any amount of the account beneficiary's
income attributable to an excess contribution distribution. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 14 |
Amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally)
codifying the Optional County Affordable Housing Funds Act by adding Chapter
60, "Optional Affordable Housing Funding," which provides a method
for counties and cities of the first class (Philadelphia) to raise revenues
at the local level to enable residents to purchase, rent or maintain quality
residential housing. The legislation authorizes counties of the second,
second A, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth class (but NOT first
class counties) to increase the fees charged by the recorder of deeds for
recording deeds and mortgages up to 100% of the amounts charged on February
12, 1993. Monies collected from the fee would be reserved for affordable
housing efforts in the county. First class cities are authorized to charge an
affordable housing program fee for recording deeds and mortgages and other
related mortgage documents, up to 100% of the amounts charged by a city of
the first class for recording deeds and mortgages and other related documents
on January 31, 2005. Monies would be used to fund affordable housing efforts
in the city. The legislation outlines rules and exceptions. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 14 |
Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) further
defining "emergency vehicle"; further providing for application for
certificate of title, for transfer of ownership of vehicle and for
application for certificate of title by agent; providing for certain veterans
plates; further providing for suspension of registration of unapproved
carriers and for surrender of registration plates and cards upon suspension
of revocation; providing for suspension of registration plates upon sixth
unpaid parking violation in cities of the first class and for motor vehicle
liability insurance for motorcycle marshals; and further providing for
reinstatement of operating privilege or vehicle registration, for automated
red light enforcement systems in first class cities, for operation of vehicle
without official certificate of inspection, for conditions of permits and
security for damages, for permit for movement of containerized cargo, for impoundment
of certain vehicles and combinations for nonpayment of fines, for
immobilization, towing and storage of vehicle for driving without operating
privilege or registration, for disposition of impounded vehicles,
combinations and loads, for prohibitions on ATV operation by persons under
age 16 and for refunds of tax imposed upon liquid fuels or certain other
fuels. |
Effective immediately with exceptions |
||
|
July 14 |
Amends the Pennsylvania
Infrastructure Investment Authority Act by stating that the term
"project" would include security measures. "Security
measures" are defined as infrastructure improvements to publicly or
privately owned water or wastewater systems designed in whole or in part for
the protection of the collection, treatment and distribution of potable water
and treatment of wastewater from threats and vulnerabilities to ensure the
public health of the systems' customers, in accordance with the Environmental
Protection Agency's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program and the Clean
Water State Revolving Fund Program. The term also includes any funds or
accounts administered by the authority. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 14 |
The Capital Budget Act of
2005-2006 provides for Public Improvement Projects ($355,000,000),
Transportation Assistance Projects ($150,000,000), Redevelopment Assistance
Projects ($165,000,000), Flood Control Projects ($22,000,000) and certain
public highway projects ($3,433,000). |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 14 |
Amends The Library Code providing
for fiscal year waiver of standards by adding that if the Commonwealth's
appropriation for libraries in fiscal years 2005-2006 is less than that
provided in fiscal year 2002-2003, the State Librarian may waive standards relating
to hours of operation, continuing professional development, collections
expenditures and any other standards related to library operations deemed
appropriate by the State Librarian for the fiscal year. Additionally, the
legislation states that each library would be eligible for state-aid for
fiscal year 2005-2006 which would consist of the following: (1) an amount
equal to the state-aid allocation for fiscal year 2004-05, (2) an aid to
local libraries supplement, and (3) a district center restoration supplement.
The legislation outlines the formulas for deriving the amount of the
supplements. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 14 |
Amends Title 30 (Fish) creating a
one-day tourist fishing license, which would be available for $25. One-day resident
fishing licenses would be available to residents for $10. One-day licenses
would be available for a 24-hour period, as specified by the licensee.
Currently one-day licenses are valid from 12:01 a.m. to midnight. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 14 |
Amends the Public School Code by
adding that a school district or school identified for warning, school improvement
or corrective action would be eligible for technical assistance from the
Department of Education. Within ten days of a request from the board of
school directors of an eligible school district, the Department of Education
would provide technical assistance to the school district or any school
within the school district identified for warning, school improvement or
corrective action. Such technical assistance would include, but would not be
limited to: (1) Assistance to analyze data from the PSSA test or any other
test established by the State Board of Education for the purpose of assessing
student progress toward or attainment of an academic performance target; (2)
Assistance to identify and implement professional development and
instructional strategies and methods to improve the academic performance of
students in subject areas for which an academic performance target has been
established and has not been met; (3) Assistance to analyze the school
district's budget or parts thereof to enable the school district to more
effectively allocate its resources; (4) Identification, training and
assignment of educational advisors to schools eligible for school improvement
or corrective action; and (5) Identification and implementation of
professional development and instructional strategies and methods to improve
the academic performance of students who are classified as students with
disabilities, as limited English proficient students or as students who have
been enrolled in a school district for less than two school years. The
Department of Education would establish a clearinghouse of information
related to specific strategies for improving the academic performance of
students in eligible school districts, including best practices, methods and
instructional strategies based on scientific research. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 14 |
Act designating SR 65 in the
vicinity of Leetsdale, Allegheny County, as the James E. Russo Highway;
designating the bridge carrying State Route 2096 over the Youghiogheny River
in the City of McKeesport, Allegheny County, as the Senator Albert V.
"Bud" Belan Bridge; designating the SR 0322 bridge over the Swatara
Creek between Derry and Swatara Townships in Dauphin County as the Major
Richard D. Winters Bridge; designating the bridge on the portion of SR 222
southbound, crossing the Conestoga River in Lancaster County, as the AMVETS
POW-MIA Memorial Bridge; designating the Sproul State Forest in Clinton
County as the "Russell P. Letterman Wild Area"; and designating a
section of State Route 22 in Mifflin County as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Highway. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
July 14 |
Amends the County Code further
providing for qualifications, eligibility and compensation for district
attorneys by adding that a district attorney must be a resident of the
county, at least 25 years of age, a citizen of the United States, admitted to
practice as an attorney before the Supreme Court of PA for at least one year
prior to taking the oath of office, and a resident of the county for which
he/she is elected or appointed for one year preceding the election or
appointment. The bill also adds provisions making part-time district
attorneys of counties of the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh class
full time. Also, in counties of the eighth class, the district attorney would
be full-time under certain qualifications. The Commonwealth would annually
reimburse each county with a full-time district attorney an amount equal to
65% of the district attorney's salary. Lastly, several related repeals are
made. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
July 14 |
Act designating the |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
Oct. 6 |
Amends the Emergency and Law
Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act further providing for death benefit
eligibility by adding that a firefighter, ambulance service or rescue squad
member, law enforcement officer or National Guard member who suffers a fatal
heart attack or stroke while on duty or not later than 24 hours after participating
in a physical training exercise or responding to an emergency is presumed to
have died as a result of the performance of his duties. The State would, from
moneys payable out of the General Fund, pay to the political subdivision the
sum of $100,000 (increased from $50,000). Additionally, the surviving spouse
or, if there is no surviving spouse, the minor children, of a National Guard
member, State police officer or other law enforcement officer of the
Commonwealth who died as a result of the performance of his/her duties would
be paid the sum of $100,000 (increased from $50,000). |
Effective in 60 days with exceptions |
||
|
Oct. 6 |
Amends Title 51 (Military Affairs)
prohibiting any insurer from, because of the deferral of insurance coverage, canceling,
non-renewing, imposing a surcharge or a rate penalty or removing any premium
discount on any insurance coverage upon reinstatement of the member's
coverage. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
Nov. 1 |
Amends the Agricultural Area
Security Law further providing for definitions, for agricultural security
areas and for purchase of agricultural conservation easements. The bill would
include viable agricultural land used for commercial equine activity within
an agricultural security area. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
Nov. 1 |
Amends Title 51 (Military Affairs)
stating that Commonwealth employees who are members of the Pennsylvania National
Guard would be entitled to leaves of absence from their respective duties
without loss of pay, time or efficiency rating on all days during which they
are, as members of any reserve component of the armed forces of the US, be
engaged in active duty, training or other military duties under federal or
state law. The legislation includes certain restrictions. Additionally, the
Act of July 12, 1935 (P.L.677, NO.255), entitled "An Act to fix the
status of officers and employees of the Commonwealth and political
subdivisions thereof while in training with the Armed Forces of The United
States," is repealed. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
Nov. 1 |
Amends Title 18 (Crimes and
Offenses) creating Subchapter D entitled "Unlawful use of
Computers," which makes computer-assisted remote harvesting of animals a
third degree misdemeanor. "Computer-assisted remote harvesting of an
animal" is defined as the use of a computer or software, to control
remotely the aiming and discharge of any implement that allows a person who
is not physically present at the location of that implement, to harvest an
animal located in PA. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
Nov. 10 |
Amends Title 18 (Crimes and
Offenses) by adding that unless the circumstances reasonably indicate that
the child is in need of assistance, a person who lures or attempts to lure a
child into a motor vehicle or structure without the consent of the child's
parent or guardian commits a first-degree misdemeanor. The legislation also
states that it would be an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this
section that the person lured or attempted to lure the child into the
structure for a lawful purpose. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
Nov. 10 |
Amends Title 51 (Military Affairs)
establishing the Military Family Relief Assistance Fund. All money received
from the voluntary contribution system established on the personal income tax
return form would be deposited in the fund. The bill states that applicants
must demonstrate to the department that they have a direct and immediate
financial need as a result of the military service of the service member.
Such circumstances must be beyond the control of, and not as a result of
misconduct by, the service member. The bill states the department would, in
consultation with the chairmen the House and Senate Appropriations Committees
and the chairmen of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency
Preparedness Committees, develop guidelines necessary to administer the
provisions of this section. The bill states the General Assembly may
appropriate funds for transfer to the fund for the purposes of this section.
Lastly, this section would expire in five years from the effective date. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
Nov. 10 |
Amends Titles 18 (Crimes and
Offenses) and 23 (Domestic Relations) further providing for persons not to
possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms, for firearms
not to be carried without licenses, for licenses, for loans, lending or
giving of firearms, for definitions, for jurisdiction, for full faith and
credit and foreign protection orders, for responsibilities of law enforcement
agencies, for commencement of proceedings, for hearings and for relief;
providing for return of relinquished firearms, other weapons and ammunition,
for relinquishment for consignment sale or lawful transfer, for
relinquishment to third party for safekeeping and for registry or database of
firearm ownership; further providing for emergency relief by minor judiciary,
for arrest for violation of order, for private criminal complaints for
violation of order or agreement, for contempt for violation of order or
agreement and for procedures and other remedies; and providing for immunity,
for inability to pay and for limitation on warrantless searches. |
Effective immediately with exceptions |
||
|
Nov. 10 |
Amends the Public School Code
further providing for home education programs by adding that beginning
January 1, 2006, the school district of residence must permit a child who is
enrolled in a home education program to participate in any activity, provided
that the child: (1) meets the eligibility criteria for participation in the
activity that apply to students enrolled in the school district; (2) meets the
tryout criteria for participation in the activity that apply to students
enrolled in the school district; and (3) complies with all policies, rules
and regulations of the governing organization of the activity. The bill also
states that where the activity requires completion of a physical examination
or medical test as a condition of participation and the school district of
residence offers such physical examination or medical test to students
enrolled in the school district, the school district would permit a child who
is enrolled in a home education program to access such physical examination
or medical test. A board of school directors may adopt a policy to implement
the requirements of this subsection. The bill also deletes Section 1743-A
related to cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
68 |
Nov. 16 |
The Resource Family and Adoption
Process Act states that a resource family parent or parents would be given an
interview with the appropriate county or private agency when all of the
following occur: (1) the county or private agency that placed the child with
that resource family has changed the child's goal from foster care to
adoption, (2) the resource family parent is interested in becoming an
adoptive resource for that child, and (3) the child has resided with that
resource family for six months or more. In addition to information obtained
from interviews of other prospective adoptive families, the interviewing
agency would convey information obtained from the interview with the resource
family parent, to the county agency responsible for making the determination
as to adoptive placement of the child. Lastly, the bill states DPW may
promulgate regulations as necessary to implement this act. |
Effective in 60 days |
|
|
69 |
Nov. 16 |
Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses)
and Title 42 (Judiciary) further providing for the offense of invasion of
privacy. The bill states that a person commits the offense of invasion of
privacy if he/she, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual
desire of any person, knowingly: (1) views photographs, electronically
depicts, films or otherwise records another person without that person's
knowledge and consent while that person is in a state of full or partial
nudity and is in a place where the person would have a reasonable expectation
of privacy, (2) views, photographs, videotapes, electronically depicts, films
or otherwise records the intimate parts of another person, whether or not
covered by clothing or undergarments, which that person does not intend to be
visible by normal public observation without that person's knowledge and
consent, or (3) transfers or transmits an image obtained by live or recorded
telephone message, electronic mail, the Internet or by any other transfer of
the medium on which the image is stored. The bill also adds that no person
would have a cause of action against a manufacturer of a device or a provider
of a product or service that is used to invade a person's privacy. |
Effective in 60 days |
|
|
Nov. 16 |
Amends the Community Services
Block Grant Act extending the expiration date of the Act to December 31, 2001
from December 31, 2006. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
Nov. 16 |
Amends the Second Class County
Code by adding that reassessments, revaluations or changes in ratio in
counties of the second class (Allegheny) must equal, in the case of any
political subdivision, the total amount of the property tax revenue received
in the previous year. Under current law, the reassessment may not exceed 105%
of the total revenue. The legislation also states, after establishing a tax
rate, a political subdivision may establish a final tax rate for the first
year it levies its real estate taxes on a revised assessment. The tax rate
would limit the total amount of property tax revenue received as a result of
the reassessment not to exceed 105% of the total amount of property tax
revenue received in the preceding year. The legislation also provides for
effect of appeal, escrow, and payment under protest in second class counties. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
Nov. 16 |
Repeals the act entitled "an
act amending Titles 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), 46 (Legislature)
and 71 (State Government) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes,
providing for compensation; and making an inconsistent repeal." This act
repeals the legislative, judicial and executive pay raises. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
Nov. 22 |
The Resource Family Care Act
establishes certain responsibilities of county and private agencies regarding
resource families. Among the several responsibilities, agencies would provide
notification of scheduled meetings by the county or private agency by the
county or private agency concerning a child residing with a resource family,
support services, and information about the child. "Resource
family" is defined as a family which provides temporary foster or
kinship care for children who need out-of-home placement and may eventually
provide permanency for those children, including a foster or adoptive family.
All resource families would be given a copy of the responsibilities
enumerated in this act by the appropriate county or private agency upon
approval as a resource family. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
Nov. 22 |
The Pennsylvania Breast and
Cervical Cancer Early Screening Act establishes the PA Breast and Cervical
Cancer Early Screening Program to provide for the availability of annual
breast cancer and cervical cancer screening services for low-income
underinsured and uninsured women who are 40-49 years of age. |
Effective July 1, 2006 |
||
|
Nov. 22 |
Amends the act entitled "An
act authorizing and directing the Department of General Services, with the
approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Erie- Western Pennsylvania
Port Authority and to Robert L. and Karen N. Doutt, Leona B. Disbrow, Louise
F. Waller, Mary Schabacker, Paul D. and Mary Ann Brugger, and Ralph and Janet
Toland, Sr., certain lands situate in the City of Erie, County of Erie;
authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the
Governor, to grant and convey to Derry Township Municipal Authority a certain
easement for sanitary sewer purposes, together with an existing sanitary
sewer line and appurtenances, situate in Derry Township, Dauphin County;
authorizing and directing the Department of General Services, with the
approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Summerdale Associates, L.P.,
certain lands situate in the Township of East Pennsboro, County of
Cumberland; and authorizing and directing the Department of General Services,
with the approval of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the
Governor, to grant and convey to the Borough of Doylestown certain lands
situate in the Borough of Doylestown, Bucks County," further providing
for conveyance to the Borough of Doylestown, Bucks County. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
Nov. 23 |
Amends Title 18 (Crimes and
Offenses) expanding the definition of indecent assault and more thoroughly
delineating the grading of the offense. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
Nov. 23 |
Act authorizing the Department of
General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to F
& L Group, Inc., an access and utility easement across certain lands
situate in the |
Effective immediately |
||
|
Nov. 23 |
The Interstate Insurance Product
Regulation Compact Establishment Act joins PA with other states in an effort
to establish an interstate compact to regulate designated insurance products.
The legislation extensively outlines the terms of the compact. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
|
Dec. 13 |
The Retired Law Enforcement
Identification Act states that a retired law enforcement officer would be
eligible for a qualification card if the law enforcement officer resides in
PA or retired from a law enforcement agency of PA or any political
subdivision thereof. Qualification cards would be issued to indicate
compliance with PA's standards for training and qualification for active law
enforcement officers to carry a firearm. The bill states that any certified
law enforcement firearms instructor may issue a qualification card to a
retired law enforcement officer who has met PA's standards for training and
qualification for active law enforcement officers to carry a firearm. A
qualification card would not be valid without a confirmation number. The bill
also states that a sheriff who complies in good faith with this section would
be immune from liability resulting or arising from the action or misconduct
with a firearm committed by an officer who has been provided a confirmation
number from the sheriff. Lastly, information provided or maintained pursuant
to this act would be confidential and would not be deemed a public record
subject to disclosure under the Right-To-Know Law. |
Effective
in 60 days |
|
|
Dec. 16 |
Amends the Unemployment
Compensation Law further providing for compensation rates by adding that no
deductions may be made under the subsection for pensions paid under the
Social Security Act (Public Law 74-271, 42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), the Rail Road
Retirement Act or other federal pension if the pension is contributed by the
individual in any amount. Also, each eligible employee who is unemployed with
respect to any week ending subsequent to July 1, 1980 would be paid, with
respect to such week, compensation in an amount equal to his weekly benefit
rate less the total of all of the vacation pay and severance pay. For
purposes of this subclause, all of the following apply: (a) severance pay is
attributed to the day, days, week or weeks immediately following the
employee's separation; (b) the number of days or weeks to which severance pay
is attributed is determined by dividing the total amount of severance pay by
the regular full-time daily or weekly wage of the claimant; (c) the amount of
severance pay attributed to each day or week equals the regular full-time
daily or weekly wage of the claimant; and (d) when the attribution of
severance pay is made on the basis of the number of days, the pay would be
attributed to the customary working days in the calendar week. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
Dec. 16 |
Amends the Fiscal Code
establishing the Emergency Energy Assistance Fund. The bill states that an
amount equal to not more than 1.0 mill of the gross receipts tax collected
during each fiscal year under the Tax Reform Code would be appropriated for
the fiscal year July 1, 2005, to June 30, 2006, from the General Fund to the
Emergency Energy Assistance Fund, to be administered by the Department of
Public Welfare for State-funded emergency energy assistance if the Governor
issues a declaration that either weather conditions, natural or man-made
disasters, or high energy prices or a combination thereof are a threat to
public health within PA and available Federal home energy assistance funds
are not sufficient to meet this need. The Governor would publish this
emergency declaration in the PA Bulletin along with the criteria and
emergency regulations for this program and would transmit copies of the
declaration to the chairmen of the House and Senate Appropriations
Committees. |
Effective immediately |
||
|
Dec. 22 |
Amends Title 51 (Military Affairs)
defining "combat zone"; and further providing for limitations in
education assistance program by adding that for any member who served on
active duty in a combat zone, eligibility for such grants would be extended
for a period a of one year or for one additional month for each month or part
of month of such service, whichever is longer. For eligible members who were
called to active Federal service or active State duty after September 11,
2001, the deadline for making grant payments would be extended for one
additional month for each month or part of month of such service after the
member is discharged or released under honorable conditions from the
Pennsylvania National Guard. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
Dec. 22 |
Amends Title 51 (Military Affairs)
by requiring health insurance coverage to continue for National Guard members
who are called to active duty while the member is a full-time student and is
covered under his/her parent's health insurance coverage. Coverage must be
extended for a period equal to the duration of the member's service on active
duty and may not terminate because of the age of the eligible member when the
member's educational program was interrupted because of military duty. To
qualify for this extension, the member must (1) submit a form approved by the
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs notifying the insurer that the
eligible member has been placed on active duty, (2) submit a form approved by
the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs notifying the insurer that
the eligible member is no longer on active duty, and (3) submit a form
approved by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs showing that the
student has reenrolled as a full-time student for the first term or semester
starting after his or her release from active duty. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
Dec. 22 |
Amends the Barbers' License Law
further providing for license application for barber-teacher, for examination
and for requirements for operation of barber shops. The bill would allow
barbershops that are currently required to operate under the supervision of a
manager-barber to operate under the direction of a licensee designated to be
in charge of the shop. A shop owner would designate a manager-barber or other
licensee in charge of the shop. The name of the shop owner and the
manager-barber or the designated licensee would be posted in a conspicuous
place in the barber shop and the shop owner, manager-barber or designated
licensee would be readily available to board inspectors during regular
business hours. The bill requires that examinations be at least four times a
year in the metropolitan areas of |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
Dec. 22 |
Amends Title 18 (Crimes and
Offenses) by stating that an individual may not carry a paintball gun or a
paintball marker in a vehicle on a highway unless all of the following apply:
(1) the paintball gun or paintball marker is empty of encapsulated gelatin paintballs,
(2) the propellant source on the paintball gun or paintball marker is
disconnected, disabled or turned off, (3) the paintballs are stored in a
separate and closed container, and (4) the paintball gun or paintball marker
is in a secure wrapper and has a barrel blocking device installed; or is not
readily or directly accessible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
The bill further provides that no one may shoot another person with a
paintball who is not playing paintball games nor may they shoot or deface
personal, private or public property. The bill exempts paintball guns and
markers from the definition of "air rifles." |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
Dec. 22 |
Amends Title 34 (Game) further
providing for unlawful devices and methods by providing an exception for any
natural or manmade non-living bait or any decoy used to attract coyotes for
hunting or trapping, any electrical or mechanical device used to attract
coyotes for hunting, or any decoy used in the trapping or hunting of
furbearers. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
Dec. 22 |
Amends the Capital Facilities Debt
Enabling Act by adding that the capital budget bill does not need to
specifically itemize projects if the itemization is contained in or approved
by prior legislation referred to in the capital budget bill or included in
one or more supplemental capital budget bills. Additionally, the maximum
amount of redevelopment assistance capital projects undertaken by the
Commonwealth for which obligations are outstanding may not exceed, in
aggregate, $2,650,000,000 (increased from $2,150,000,000), of which
$25,000,000 may be used for the construction of housing units. The bill also
adds that "redevelopment assistance capital project" may include
housing units. Lastly, the Secretary of the Budget is required to provide the
Chairmen of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees with a report relating
to the development assistance capital projects. |
Effective Immediately |
||
|
Dec. 22 |
Amends the Medical Care
Availability and Reduction of Error (Mcare) Act further providing for the
Patient Safety Authority; further providing for the Patient Safety Authority;
reestablishing the Health Care Provider Retention Program and the Health Care
Provider Retention Account; establishing the Commission on the Mcare Fund;
and repealing provisions relating to the Health Care Provider Retention
Program and the Health Care Provider Retention Account in the Public Welfare
Code. |
Effective Immediately |
||
|
Dec. 22 |
Amends the Municipal Police
Pension Law further providing for payments under existing pension plans for
service increments to pensions of police officers by stating that any
borough, town, township or regional police department may establish and pay
length of service increments for years of service beyond 25 years for each
completed year of service in excess of 25 years, not to exceed $100 per month
for each completed year of service in excess of 25 years up to a maximum of
$500 per month after five completed years of service in excess of 25 years.
Further provides any provision of section 5(c) of the act that provides that
pensions would be computed at one-half the monthly average salary would not
apply to employees hired prior to January 24, 2001, of a municipality or
regional police department operating under a home rule charter adopted in
accordance the 53 Pa.C.S. Pt, III Subpt. E which had pension plans in effect
prior to January 24, 2001, that provided pensions in an amount greater than
one-half of the monthly average salary. |
Effective Immediately |
||
|
Dec. 22 |
Amends Title 34 (Games) by adding
Section 2314, providing for the offense of trespassing on private property
while hunting. A first violation of this section would be a summary offense,
and a subsequent offense within one year is a summary offense and upon
conviction will result in an immediate revocation of the person's hunting and
furtaking license and disqualification of the person from issuance of a future
license for a period of one year from the date of revocation. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
Dec. 22 |
Amends the Fourth to Eighth Class
County Assessment Law further providing for valuation of persons and property
by adding that each political subdivision would set a tax rate to make the
total amount of taxes levied for a year against the real properties contained
in the duplicate for the preceding year, equal to the total amount it levied
on those properties the preceding year. After the tax rate is established, a
political subdivision may, by a separate and specific vote, establish a final
tax rate for the first year it levies its real estate taxes on a revised
assessment or valuation. The tax rate would be fixed to limit the total
amount of taxes levied for that year against the real properties contained in
the duplicate for the preceding year to not more than 110% for a school
district. |
Effective Immediately |
||
|
Dec. 22 |
Act authorizing and directing the
Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Pennsylvania
Historical and Museum Commission, to accept by donation a tract of land and
any improvements thereon situate in the Borough of Ambridge, |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
Dec. 22 |
Act providing for immunity for
equine owners, possessors or handlers. The bill states that liability for
negligence would only be barred where the doctrine of knowing voluntary
assumption of risk is proven with respect to damages due to injuries or death
to an adult participant resulting from equine activities. The bill defines
equine activities. This bill would provide immunity only where signs are
conspicuously posted on the premises at least three feet by two feet, in two
or more locations, which states the following: YOU ASSUME THE RISK OF EQUINE
ACTIVITIES PURSUANT TO PENNSYLVANIA LAW. The bill also states that evidence
of viciousness of the equine would not be required before a possessor of an
equine would be subject to liability for harm. Lastly, this act would not
affect common law or any statute for the protection of the user of the
equine. |
Effective in 60 days |
||
|
Dec. 22 |
The Breach of Personal |
Effective in 180 days |
||
|
Dec. 22 |
Amends the PA Construction Code
Act providing for applicability on certain uncertified buildings by adding
that the department would issue a certificate of occupancy to an uncertified
building if that building meets the certain requirements enumerated in the
bill, unless the department deems the building to be unsafe. An
"uncertified building" is an existing building which, prior to
April 9, 2004, was not approved for use and occupancy by the Department of
Labor and Industry or a municipality which was enforcing a building code. The
term does not include a residential building. The bill adds that regulations
under this subsection would include the adoption of section 110.3 (temporary
occupancy) of the International Building Code. |
Effective Immediately |
||
|
Dec. 22 |
Amends Title 18 (Crimes and
Offenses) further defining "police animal" to include an animal
used by a police department created by a metropolitan transportation
authority operating under 74 PA.C.S. Ch. 17 (relating to metropolitan
transportation authorities), a police department created pursuant to the
Second Class County Port Authority Act or the Capitol Police. |
Effective in 60 days |
||