LEGISLATIVE NEWS
Bill Status Report
12-03-2008 - 16:40:05


Track: Legislative Boxscore   

HB 34   Cohen
Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) further providing for financial responsibility, for election of tort options in financial responsibility and for financial responsibility coverage.
Remarks: Support with respect to the extent that it changes the language "limited tort" to "limited right to sue" -- Plain english
Bill History: 01-11-07 H Filed
01-30-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance

HB 148   Baker, M
Joint Resolution proposing integrated amendments to the PA Constitution providing for hearing & deciding cases involving dissolution of marriage, custody, child support, etc., and related family law matters.
Remarks: Oppose
Bill History: 01-30-07 H Filed
01-31-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary

HB 190   Gingrich
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary) providing for jury instructions.
Companions: HB 2931 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Written jury instructions

Oppose

Bill History: 04-25-07 H Meeting cancelled for 05/02/07 House Judiciary
07-30-08 H Hearing set for 10:00 a.m., Hershey Municip...House Judiciary
07-24-08 H Meeting cancelled for 07/30/08 House Judiciary

HB 213   Godshall
Amends the Third Class County Assessment Board Law, further providing for assessment appeals.
Companions: HB 168 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Unlicensed practice of law - assessment appeals

Oppose

Bill History: 02-05-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Local Government
06-17-08 H Meeting set for 9:30 a.m., Room 39, East Wing House Local Government
06-16-08 H Meeting cancelled for 06/17/08 House Local Government

HB 214   Godshall
Amends the Fourth to Eighth Class County Assessment Law, further providing for appeal hearings.
Companions: HB 169 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Unlicensed practice of law - assessment appeals

Oppose

Bill History: 02-05-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Local Government
06-17-08 H Meeting set for 9:30 a.m., Room 39, East Wing House Local Government
06-16-08 H Meeting cancelled for 06/17/08 House Local Government

HB 215   Godshall
Amends the Medical Care Availability & Reduction of Error (Mcare) Act, providing for hospital care or assistance necessitated by traumatic injury immunity.
Companions: HB 212 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Medical malpractice immunity for hospitals that in good faith render care necessitated by a traumatic injury demanding immediate medical attention, for which the patient enters the hospital through its emergency room or trauma center

Oppose

Bill History: 02-02-07 H Filed
02-05-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary

HB 217   Cohen
Amends Titles 15 (Corporations and Unincorporated Associations) and 54 (Names) defining "official notice"; requiring the Dept of State to establish a certain Internet website, etc., and making an editorial change.
Remarks: Legal notifications

Oppose unless amended

Bill History: 02-02-07 H Filed
02-05-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Commerce

HB 267   Godshall
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary) adding & changing definitions; further providing for unified judicial system; establishing appellate division of Medical Professional Liability Court; etc., and further providing for right to appellate review
Companions: HB 2221 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Health court legislation

Oppose

Bill History: 02-05-07 H Filed
02-06-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary

HB 280   Dally
Amends PA Human Relations Act further providing for findings & declaration of policy, right to freedom from discrimination, housing & public accommodation; defining "marital status"; & further providing for unlawful discriminatory practices.
Companions: HB 352 (Refiled from 05R Session)
SB 440 (Refiled from 05R Session)
SB 280 (Identical)
Remarks: Adds marital status and familial status to Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

Support

Bill History: 01-29-07 H Filed
02-06-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Government
10-02-07 H Discussed in Press Conference

HB 315   Leach
Amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) providing for duration of child support payments.
Remarks: Oppose
Bill History: 02-07-07 H Filed
02-07-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary

HB 426   Godshall
Amends the Medical Care Availability & Reduction of Error (Mcare) Act providing for medical professional liability actions.
Companions: HB 166 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Medical malpractice caps

Oppose

Bill History: 02-13-07 H Filed
02-13-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary

HB 427   Godshall
Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania authorizing legislation to limit recovery of noneconomic & punitive damages in medical malpractice actions.
Companions: HB 167 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Limits on non-economic damages

Oppose

Bill History: 02-13-07 H Filed
02-13-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary

HB 467   Dally
Act providing for constitutional convention with limited powers; for a referendum on the question; for the selection of delegates; etc., providing for a referendum on the convention's report; and making an appropriation.
Companions: HB 1995 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Limits on non-economic damages

Oppose, in part

Bill History: 04-17-07 H Voted from committee with request to re-ref...House Appropriations
Government ions
04-17-07 H Reported with request to re-refer to State ...House Appropriations
04-17-07 H Rereferred to House State Government

HB 601   Waters
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary) further providing for compensation of jurors.
Companions: HB 1129 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Juror compensation

Support

Bill History: 03-06-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary
05-20-08 H Hearing set for 10:00 a.m., Room G-50, Irvi...House Judiciary
05-20-08 H Public hearing held in committee House Judiciary

HB 610   Waters
Amends the Public Welfare Code further providing for treatment of life estates, annuities, and other contracts in determining eligibility for medical assistance.
Companions: HB 2621 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Long term care - $10,000 life insurance exclusion

Support

Bill History: 02-28-07 H Filed
03-06-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Health and Human Services

HB 612   Waters
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary) providing for jury instructions.
Companions: HB 3060 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Written jury instructions

Oppose

Bill History: 02-28-07 H Filed
03-06-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary

HB 649   Dally
Act providing for a constitutional convention with limited powers; providing for a referendum on the question; etc; providing for a referendum on the convention's report; and making an appropriation.
Companions: HB 1995 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Limits on non-economic damages.

Oppose, in part

Bill History: 04-17-07 H Voted from committee with request to re-ref...House Appropriations
Government ions
04-17-07 H Reported with request to re-refer to State ...House Appropriations
04-17-07 H Rereferred to House State Government

HB 677   Benninghoff
Amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) further providing for impounding of adoption proceedings & access to records, for determination of paternity & for visitation rights & partial custody when there is a deceased parent.
Remarks: Paternity testing

Oppose

Bill History: 03-06-07 H Filed
03-09-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary

HB 686   Reichley
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary) providing for venue in personal injury actions.
Remarks: Limiting venue

Oppose

Bill History: 03-07-07 H Filed
03-09-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary
10-22-07 H Discussed in Press Conference - 10/22/07

HB 750   Metcalfe
Act prohibiting employment of illegal aliens; requiring Basic Pilot Program participation as condition for Commonwealth contracts or grants; prohibiting business tax deductions for certain compensation; & authorizing private cause of action.
Remarks: Oppose
Bill History: 03-21-07 H Press conference held
03-22-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Government
10-19-07 H Discussed in HRPC hearing House Republican Policy Committee

HB 751   Creighton
Act providing for a memorandum of understanding between the Commonwealth and the United States Department of Justice or Department of Homeland Security.
Companions: HB 2999 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Security and Immigration Compliance Act

Oppose

Bill History: 10-25-07 H Hearing set for 2:00 p.m., Holiday Inn, 900...House Republican Policy Committee
10-23-07 H Removed from hearing agenda for 10/25/07 House Intergovernmental Affairs
06-11-08 H Discussed in press conference

HB 850   Turzai
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary) repealing and adding provisions relating to comparative negligence.
Remarks: Elimination of joint and several liability

Oppose

Bill History: 03-21-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary
10-22-07 H Discussed in Press Conference - 10/22/07
01-15-08 H Discussed in Press Conference

HB 860   Turzai
Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the PA Constitution further providing for compensation laws allowed to the General Assembly.
Companions: HB 423 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Limiting tort damages

Oppose

Bill History: 03-15-07 H Filed
03-21-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary
10-22-07 H Discussed in Press Conference - 10/22/07

HB 976   Bennington
Amends "Act creating & establishing Legislative Data Processing Committee, etc,. and making an appropriation," directing the committee to provide limited public access to statutes in computer information systems.
Remarks: Public access to statutes and General Assembly data.

Support

Bill History: 06-27-07 H Third consideration
06-27-07 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:200/N: 0)
06-30-07 S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Rules and Executive Nominations

HB 1005   Denlinger
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary) providing for a statute of repose.
Companions: SB 453 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Statute of Repose

Oppose

Bill History: 03-30-07 H Filed
04-03-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary
10-22-07 H Discussed in Press Conference - 10/22/07

HB 1104   Taylor, J
Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) further providing for notice of election of tort options and for definitions.
Remarks: Changes "Limited Tort" to "Limited Right to Sue"

Support

Bill History: 01-30-08 H Set on the Tabled Calendar
01-30-08 H Removed from the table
01-30-08 H Rereferred to House Appropriations

HB 1152   Gibbons
Amends Title 13 (Commercial Code) extensively revising preliminary provisions & provisions relating to warehouse receipts, bills of lading, etc., and making editorial changes.
Remarks: Title 13 - UCC

Support

Bill History: 04-10-08 G In the hands of the Governor
04-20-08 G Last day for Governor's action
04-16-08 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 13 )

HB 1262   Schroder
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary) further providing , in provisions relating to particular rights and immunities, for punitive damages.
Remarks: Limits on non-economic damages

Oppose

Bill History: 05-04-07 H Filed
06-05-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance
10-22-07 H Discussed in Press Conference - 10/22/07

HB 1275   Rohrer
Act providing for tax levies & information related to taxes; authorizing the imposition of a personal income tax or an earned income; establishing Public Transportation Reserve Fund; provisions for senior citizens property tax.
Remarks: Expansion of sales tax base to legal services

Oppose

Bill History: 11-14-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Appropriations
06-02-08 H Discussed at Press Conference
07-03-08 H Resolution to discharge committee

HB 1343   Reichley
Amends Mcare Act providing for mandatory arbitration.
Companions: HB 1831 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Caps on damages

Oppose, in part

Bill History: 05-18-07 H Filed
05-24-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Government

HB 1351   Rohrer
Act relating to compliance with the Federal REAL ID Act of 2005.
Remarks: REAL ID Act of 2005

Support, to the extent that it is consistent with federal law

Bill History: 11-14-07 H Discussed in Press Conference
06-16-08 H Discussed in Press Conference
06-25-08 H Discussed in REAL ID hearing Senate Communications and Technology

HB 1356   Marsico
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary) further providing for compensation and travel allowance for jurors.
Remarks: Juror pay

Support

Bill History: 05-24-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary
05-20-08 H Hearing set for 10:00 a.m., Room G-50, Irvi...House Judiciary
05-20-08 H Public hearing held in committee House Judiciary

HB 1370   Manderino
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary) prohibiting the imposition of the death sentence in cases of mental retardation.
Remarks: Support
Bill History: 05-22-07 H Filed
06-05-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary

HB 1400   Frankel
Amends PA Human Relations Act further providing for findings & declaration of policy, for right to freedom from discrimination in employment, housing & public accommodation; defines "sexual orientation" & "gender identity or expression."
Remarks: Adds sexual orientation and gender identity/expression to Pennsylvania Human Relations Act

Support

Bill History: 09-22-08 H Meeting set for 12:00 p.m., Room 60, East W...House State Government
09-22-08 H Meeting set for Off the Floor, Room 205, Ry...House State Government
09-22-08 H Amended in committee and held House State Government

HB 1459   DeLuca
Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) imposing sanctions and penalties on employers who engage in the unlawful employment of aliens.
Remarks: Unlawful alien employment

Oppose

Bill History: 06-01-07 H Filed
06-05-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary

HB 1480   Manderino
Act establishing Public Service Lawyers Loan Repayment Assistance Program to provide repayment assistance to qualified applicants employed by eligible organizations; and providing for powers and duties of PHEAA.
Companions: SB 860 (Identical)
Remarks: Support
Bill History: 06-04-07 H Filed
06-05-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary

HB 1510   Shimkus
Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) further providing for election of tort options in financial responsibility.
Remarks: Plain english

Support

Bill History: 01-30-08 H Set on the Tabled Calendar
01-30-08 H Removed from the table
01-30-08 H Rereferred to House Appropriations

HB 1625   Grell
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary) extensively revising the Uniform Arbitration Act; and making editorial changes.
Remarks: Uniform Arbitration Act

Support

Bill History: 06-25-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary
09-09-08 H Hearing set for 10:00 a.m., Room 418 Main C...House Judiciary
09-09-08 H Public hearing held in committee House Judiciary

HB 1634   Ross
Act providing for uniform methods to satisfy required municipal registration of deeds & conveyances; permitting access to info in lieu of registration; prohibiting municipalities from requiring registration prior to recordation.
Remarks: No deed registration prior to recording

Support

Bill History: 10-09-08 G In the hands of the Governor
10-19-08 G Last day for Governor's action
10-09-08 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 110 )

HB 1660   Manderino
Act providing for a Statewide comprehensive health care system; establishing the PA Health Care Plan & providing for eligibility; etc., establishing Individual Wellness Tax and the PA Health Care Board, and providing for powers.
Remarks: Oppose with respect to caps on damages
Bill History: 03-19-08 H Hearing set for 10:00 a.m., Room 140 Main C...House Health and Human Services
03-19-08 H Public hearing held in committee House Health and Human Services
06-19-08 H Discussed in press conference

HB 1830   Mundy
Amends the Family Caregiver Support Act further providing for intent, for definitions, for caregiver support program, for reimbursements and for entitlement.
Remarks: Support
Bill History: 01-14-08 S Set on the Senate Calendar
01-14-08 S Rereferred to Senate Appropriations
03-19-08 S Discussed in budget presentation House Appropriations

HB 1958   Swanger
Act providing for the English language as the official language of the Commonwealth.
Remarks: Oppose
Bill History: 10-22-07 H Filed
10-23-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Government

HB 2064   Perry
Act providing for the English language as the official language of the Commonwealth.
Remarks: Oppose
Bill History: 11-20-07 H Filed
11-21-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Government

HB 2386   Steil
Amends Title 71 (State Government) establishing the Appellate Court Nominating Commission.
Remarks: Merit selection

Support

Bill History: 04-25-08 H Filed
05-02-08 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary

HB 2488   Steil
Joint Resolution proposing integrated amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of PA, changing & adding provisions relating to selection of justices & judges.
Remarks: Merit selection

Support

Bill History: 04-25-08 H Filed
05-02-08 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary

HB 2537   Thomas
Act prohibiting the Commonwealth from obtaining certification under the Federal REAL ID Act of 2005; & providing for the authority of the Governor & Attorney General to file certain legal challenges.
Bill History: 06-27-08 H Third consideration
06-27-08 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:197/N: 0)
06-29-08 S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Communications and Technology

HB 2618   Longietti
Act providing for validity of electronic documents; authorizing county recorders of deeds to receive e-documents as a means for recording real property; granting powers & duties to county recorders of deeds; establishing a commission.
Remarks: Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act

Support

Bill History: 06-09-08 H Filed
06-10-08 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Local Government

HR 100   Josephs
Resolution memorializing the US Congress to repeal or delay the creation of a national identification card and the implementation of the REAL ID Act of 2005.
Remarks: Support
Bill History: 03-05-07 H Filed
03-06-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Government

HR 296   Siptroth
Concurrent Resolution opposing implementation of costly Federal standards imposed under the REAL ID Act of 2005 (REAL ID Act).
Remarks: Support
Bill History: 06-18-07 H Set on the House Calendar
06-18-07 H Adopted (Vote: Y:200/N: 0)
06-25-07 S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Prepared.

HR 767   Thomas
Resolution urging the Congress of the United States to repeal the REAL ID Act of 2005 and to restore section 7212 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.
Bill History: 06-27-08 H Set on the House Calendar
06-27-08 H Laid out for discussion
06-27-08 H Adopted (Vote: Y:194/N: 3)

SB 1   Pileggi
Act providing for access to public information, for a designated open-records officer in each agency, local agency, judicial agency & legislative agency, for judicial review & for Office of Open Records; requiring posting on Inter
Remarks: Open records
Bill History: 02-22-08 G Last day for Governor's action
02-14-08 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 3 )
04-08-08 G Committee Notes: Other Meetings and Hearings

SB 9   Scarnati
Act requiring identification of lawful presence in the United States as a prerequisite to the receipt of public benefits.
Remarks: Oppose
Bill History: 04-09-08 S Vote on final passage reconsidered
04-09-08 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 39/N: 10)
04-15-08 H Received in the House and referred to House State Government

SB 50   Corman
Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the PA Constitution further providing for compensation laws allowed to the General Assembly.
Companions: SB 50 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Limits on non-economic damages

Oppose

Bill History: 03-05-07 S Filed
03-05-07 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Judiciary

SB 73   Greenleaf
Amends Titles 42 (Judiciary & Judicial Procedure) & Title 61 (Penal & Correctional Institutions), providing for temp. release & parole from prisons, for inmate medical care & visitations; for inmate labor & motivational camps.
Remarks: Codification of Title 61

Support

Bill History: 09-24-08 H Voted favorably from committee on House Appropriations
09-24-08 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations
11-24-08 H Set on the House Calendar

SB 74   Greenleaf
Amends Titles 23 (Domestic Relations) & 42 (Judiciary & Judicial Procedure) further providing for contempt for noncompliance with visitation or partial custody order and for child custody; & making conforming amendments.
Remarks: Custody

Support

Bill History: 02-12-07 S Filed
02-12-07 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Judiciary

SB 102   Fumo
Amends Title 1 (General Provisions) providing for a statutory database and for legislative process.
Remarks: Public access to statutes and General Assembly data.

Support

Bill History: 05-02-07 S Filed
05-02-07 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Rules and Executive Nominations

SB 116   Costa, J
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) further providing for the adoption of guidelines for fines; for exemptions from jury duty & for juror selection; for a statewide jury info. system; & no limitation applicable.
Remarks: Jury Selection - diversity

Support, in part

Bill History: 07-17-07 G In the hands of the Governor
07-27-07 G Last day for Governor's action
07-17-07 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 37 )

SB 280   Orie
Amends the PA Human Relations Act further providing for findings and declaration of policy, for right to freedom from discrimination, house and public accommodation; defining "marital status; and further providing for discrimination.
Companions: HB 352 (Refiled from 05R Session)
SB 440 (Refiled from 05R Session)
HB 280 (Identical)
Remarks: Adds marital status and familial status to Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

Support

Bill History: 03-09-07 S Filed
03-09-07 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Labor and Industry
10-02-07 S Discussed in Press Conference

SB 294   Williams, C.
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary) further providing for unified judicial system; est. the appellate division of the Medical Professional Liability Court; & further providing for right to appellate review.
Companions: SB 585 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Health court legislation

Oppose

Bill History: 03-09-07 S Filed
03-09-07 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Judiciary

SB 300   Ferlo
Act providing for Statewide comprehensive health care system; establishing the PA Health Care Plan & providing for eligibility, etc., & the PA Health Care Agency, Employer Health Services Levy, Individual Wellness Tax.
Remarks: Oppose with respect to caps on damages
Bill History: 03-09-07 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Banking and Insurance
04-10-07 S Discussed at press conference
06-19-08 S Discussed in press conference on health care reform on
6/19/08

SB 422   Corman
Amends act creating the Legislative Data Processing Cmte: providing for membership; prescribing powers, functions & duties; & making an appropriation; directing the committee to provide access to statutes via computer systems.
Companions: SB 181 (Refiled from 05R Session)
Remarks: Public access to statutes and General Assembly data.

Support

Bill History: 03-14-07 S Filed
03-14-07 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Rules and Executive Nominations

SB 435   Corman
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary & Judicial Procedure) further providing for comparative negligence.
Remarks: Civil litagation - Ending joint and several liability

Oppose

Bill History: 03-14-07 S Filed
03-14-07 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Judiciary

SB 584   Orie
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary & Judicial Procedure), in organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, authorizing the establishment of problem-solving courts.
Companions: HB 2255 (Identical)
Bill History: 06-25-08 S Third consideration
06-25-08 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 50/N: 0)
06-26-08 H Received in the House and referred to House Judiciary

SB 620   Greenleaf
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary & Judicial Procedure) providing for court reporting contracts.
Remarks: Court reporting contracts

Support

Bill History: 03-21-07 S Filed
03-21-07 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Judiciary

SB 632   Greenleaf
Amends Titles 15 (Corporations) & 54 (Names) further providing for filing requirements of the Dept. of State, for shareholder actions & corporation powers, for nonprofit powers; director actions & for mergers & consolidations.
Remarks: Title 15

Support

Bill History: 06-11-07 S Rereferred to Senate Appropriations
09-24-07 S Meeting set for Off the Floor, Rules Room Senate Appropriations
09-24-07 S Passed over in committee Senate Appropriations

SB 666   Gordner
Amends the Workers' Compensation Act defining "independent contractor"; and further providing for subcontractors.
Remarks: Workers' compensation - independent contractor

Oppose

Bill History: 03-22-07 S Filed
03-22-07 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Labor and Industry

SB 678   Orie
Act establishing & evaluating an administrative medical liability system to restore fairness & reliability to the medical justice system; & promoting patient safety by fostering alternatives to current medial tort litigation.
Remarks: Healthcare court demonstration program

Oppose

Bill History: 03-23-07 S Filed
03-23-07 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Judiciary

SB 726   Browne
Amends the Mechanics' Lien Law further providing for definitions and for waiver of lien by claimant, for right to limit claims to unpaid balance of contract price & for priority of lien.
Remarks: Mechanics' lien amendments

Oppose

Bill History: 06-18-07 S Third consideration
06-18-07 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 50/N: 0)
06-19-07 H Received in the House and referred to House Judiciary

SB 751   White, M
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary & Judicial Procedure) prohibiting the imposition of the death sentence in cases of mental retardation.
Remarks: No capital punishment for the mentally disabled

Support

Bill History: 10-29-07 S Third consideration
10-29-07 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 45/N: 3)
11-07-07 H Received in the House and referred to House Judiciary

SB 860   Greenleaf
Act establishing the Public Service Lawyers Loan Repayment Assistance Program to provide repayment assistance to qualified applicants employed by eligible organizations; & providing for powers & duties of PHEAA.
Companions: HB 1480 (Identical)
Remarks: Public Service Lawyers Loan Repayment Assisstance Act

Support

Bill History: 06-19-07 S First consideration
06-20-07 S Set on the Senate Calendar
06-20-07 S Rereferred to Senate Appropriations

SB 889   White, M
Amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) further providing for liability for support and extending liability for child support beyond the death of the obligor.
Remarks: Oppose
Bill History: 05-21-07 S Filed
05-21-07 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Judiciary

SB 967   Baker, L
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary & Judicial Procedure) providing for a statute of repose.
Remarks: Statute of Repose

Oppose

Bill History: 06-14-07 S Filed
06-14-07 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Judiciary

SB 979   Rafferty
Act prohibiting employment of illegal aliens; for Basic Pilot Program participation as condition for contract or grants; for business tax deductions; for suspension of licenses & authorizing a private cause of action.
Remarks: State regulation of immigration

Oppose

Bill History: 06-25-07 S Filed
06-25-07 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Labor and Industry

SB 980   Rafferty
Act providing for memorandum of understanding between the Commonwealth and the United States Department of Justice or Department of Homeland Security.
Remarks: Oppose
Bill History: 10-15-07 S First consideration
10-16-07 S Set on the Senate Calendar
10-16-07 S Rereferred to Senate Appropriations

SB 1041   Piccola
Amends the Tax Reform Code, in sales and use tax, further providing for definitions and for exclusions from tax.
Remarks: Taxation of legal services

Opposed

Bill History: 08-01-07 S Filed
08-01-07 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance

SB 1087   Robbins
Amends Title 45 (Legal Notices) providing for electronic publication of legal advertising.
Remarks: Legal journal advertising

Oppose unless amended

Bill History: 06-16-08 S Rereferred to Senate Appropriations
06-28-08 S Meeting set for Off the Floor, Rules Room Senate Appropriations
06-28-08 S Passed over in committee Senate Appropriations

SB 1203   Greenleaf
Amends Title 20 (Decedents, Estates & Fiduciaries) further providing for forfeiture, for wills & grant of letters advertisement, for power of atty & divorce re conveyance, for claims, trustee duty & Title 15 amendments.
Bill History: 09-23-08 H Laid on the table
09-23-08 H Removed from the table
09-23-08 H Rereferred to House Appropriations

SB 1250   Brubaker
Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for marriage between one man and one woman.
Remarks: Oppose
Bill History: 05-06-08 S Set on the Senate Calendar
05-06-08 S Laid out for discussion
05-06-08 S Laid on the table

SB 1263   Rafferty
Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, providing for applicability; for prohibition exceptions, communications, contents, gov't access, tracking, expiration & changes.
Bill History: 10-07-08 H Second consideration
10-07-08 H Over in House
11-24-08 H Set on the House Calendar

SB 1270   Greenleaf
Amends Title 2 (Administrative Law and Procedure) in practice and procedure of Commonwealth agencies, further providing for the contents and service of adjudications.
Bill History: 02-04-08 S Filed
02-04-08 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Judiciary

SB 1324   Earll
Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, changing and adding provisions relating to selection of justices and judges.
Remarks: Merit Selection

Support

Bill History: 04-09-08 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Judiciary
09-16-08 S Hearing set for 9:30 a.m., Hearing Room 1, ...Senate Judiciary
09-16-08 S Public hearing held in committee Senate Judiciary

SB 1325   Earll
Amends Title 71 (State Government) establishing the Appellate Court Nominating Commission.
Remarks: Merit selection

Support

Bill History: 04-09-08 S Introduced and referr