Area Votes: Texting Bill Stalls; Tighter Gaming, Theft Bills Pass

In action last week, the General Assembly approved several bills pertaining to traffic violations, plumbing, retail theft and gambling—among others. However, the biggest action came from the House regarding the extent of how severe a potential ban on texting while driving would go. 

Below are votes in the Pennsylvania General Assembly for legislators representing Tredyffrin and Easttown.

House of Representatives

SB314: House members approved Oct. 31 a bill to ban texting while driving. After House members amended the bill Oct. 28 to make texting a primary offense, the bill was approved on final passage Monday, 188-7. General Assembly members will have to reconcile the bill with the original one passed by the Senate, which only had texting as a secondary offense.

• YES: Warren Kampf (R-157), Duane Milne (R-167)

HB1603: Changing language in existing crime laws, this bill, passed 178-20, Oct. 24, tightens up the definition for repeat offenders in retail theft. The new language would consider any previous sentencing in a similar crime—including conviction, rehab or other sentencing. 

• YES: Warren Kampf (R-157), Duane Milne (R-167)

HB1893: Related to gambling, this bill, passed 196-0 by the House Oct. 25, increases the scope of what electronic gaming devices are prohibited in places not licensed for gaming. Essentially, the bill keeps up with technology and closes potential loopholes in gambling laws.

• YES: Warren Kampf (R-157), Duane Milne (R-167)

Senate

SB595: Passed 35-14 Oct. 25, this bill provides for cities to easier utilize red-light camera technology to penalize violators of traffic laws. Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R-9), the bill establishes fines and protocols for cities to install the cameras, while tightening language on license plate visibility.

• YES: Edwin Erickson (R-26) NO: Andrew Dinniman (D-19)

SB747: In a 35-14 vote Oct. 25, the Senate approved a measure to create the State Board of Plumbing Contractors, which will oversee licensing for plumbers statewide. Sponsored by  Sen. Erickson, the bill allows for the board to also impose fines and establish regulations, while also appropriating funds to the board.

• YES: Edwin Erickson (R-26), Andrew Dinniman (D-19)

Both the House and Senate are scheduled to reconvene Oct. 31.