Senate to Consider Several Bills in Last Session of 2011

As I write this, the Senate is currently in its last scheduled session week of 2011.  There are many bills on a wide variety of issues that are still being deliberated, but very few of them will be voted on before the end of the calendar year.  Following is a quick summary of several bills that the Senate is considering this week – they are also bills that constituents have expressed an interest in: 

Senate Resolution 250 (SR 250) establishes a bi-cameral, bi-partisan Task Force on Child Protection.  The group will review current laws and procedures relating to the reporting of child abuse and the protection of the health and safety of children throughout the Commonwealth, and will make recommendations as to how that system can be improved.  As you know, legislation that I first introduced back in September, 2005, Senate Bill 549 (SB 549), would change the requirements and process for reporting and investigating child abuse by school employees.  The Senate Republican leadership has ignored multiple requests to move this legislation forward, even with the press and attention given to this issue by the charges against Jerry Sandusky.  It is my hope that the Task Force will incorporate the legislation into its recommendations.

 House Bill 934 (HB 934)  would require every voter to present proof of identification when appearing to vote.  Current law only requires identification when a voter appears to vote in an election district for the first time.  This bill will ultimately make it more difficult for legally registered voters to cast a ballot.  It is a solution to a problem that does not exist.  We have safeguards already in place to ensure the integrity of elections.  Currently, prior to voting in an election, voters are required to provide a signature that is matched against a signature on file to determine authenticity.  As elected officials, we should inform our constituents on issues to the best of our abilities and encourage them to vote, not make it difficult for them.

Senate Bill 344 (SB 344) authorizes public-private partnerships (P3) for transportation facilities of the Department of Transportation or of proprietary public entities.  The development entity would be entitled to receive all, or a portion of, the revenue of the transportation facility in return for providing transportation-related services.  These services may include operations and maintenance, revenue collection, user fee collection or enforcement, design, construction, and development and other activities that enhance traffic throughput, reduce congestion, improve safety, or otherwise manage or improve a facility.  An independent board would evaluate and approve or deny requests for P3s and PennDOT would retain oversight and monitoring responsibilities for any partnerships.  Some issues remain unresolved so there will be continued discussion (and most likely additional amendments) about prevailing wage and displaced workers.

House Bill 169 (HB 169) amends the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act by clarifying several definitions, details on prize limits, proceeds for club licensees, as well as specifications for enforcement and penalties.  Currently, non-profits are permitted to offer small games of chance to raise funds for the promotion of charitable or civic programs.  This bill expands those opportunities and allows them to compete with gaming in the Commonwealth, while also adding additional responsibilities to licensees.

As always, I look forward to communication with you on these and other issues that are of interest and importance to you – and welcome your comments.