Majority Leader Bryan Cutler

100th Legislative District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

                                                                                                Media Contact:  Mike Straub

717-260-6397

mstraub@pahousegop.com

RepCutler.com / Facebook.com/RepBryanCutler

Twitter.com/RepBryanCutler

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 10, 2020

 

TO:               Capitol Correspondents, News Editors, Assignment Editors

 

FROM:          Mike Straub

                     Press Secretary to the Majority Leader

 

SUBJ:            House Action for the Week of January 13, 2020

 

DATE:           January 10, 2020

 

 

House Starts 2020 By Taking a Look Back

 

The House returns to session for the first time in 2020 and officially past the halfway point of the legislative session with a continued effort to repeal out-of-date and out-of-touch laws. On Monday the House will vote on several bills that would repeal laws that are no longer enforced, including a ban on sports on Sunday. The goal of repeal bills is to ensure the laws on the books are working efficiently and not unfairly burdening our communities. At the committee level this week, the judiciary starts work on a package of bills aimed at the scourge of human trafficking. Legislation in the package strengthens penalties for those convicted of committing the crime and other bills enhance existing laws to increase assistance for victims.

 

Live web streams of House session and the majority of committee meetings are available at PAHouseGOP.com.  Important information and events may also be viewed by visiting Facebook.com/PAHouseGOP. 

 

The Weekly Schedule

Identified by bill number, the sponsors and summaries for votes scheduled in committee or on the House floor are posted below. More information regarding these votes can be found at PAHouseGOP.com by clicking on the “House Business” tab.

 

Monday, January 13, 2020

 

Committee Meetings/Hearings:

 

Education, 11 a.m., 60 East Wing

  • HB 2046 (Rep. Tom Murt, R-Montgomery/Philadelphia): Would delay implementation of a change to the grade spans and age levels covered by special education certification until after Dec. 31, 2022.

  • HR 622 (Rep. Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware): Would designate the month of January 2020 as "School Director Recognition Month."

  • HR 650 (Rep. Tom Mehaffie, R-Dauphin): Would recognize the 110th Anniversary of the Milton Hershey School.

 

Environmental Resources and Energy, Noon, 140 Main Capitol

  • HB 2045 (Rep. Matthew Dowling, R-Fayette/Somerset): Would authorize a land transfer between the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Borough of Ohiopyle in Fayette County.

  • SB 790 (Sen. Joseph Scarnati, R-Cameron/Clearfield/Clinton/Elk/Jefferson/Mckean/Potter/Tioga): Would create the "Conventional Oil and Gas Wells Act" for the regulation of conventional oil and gas wells.                      

SESSION:

On Monday, session will begin at 1 p.m.

 

Votes on Second Consideration:

  • HB 523 (Rep. Gary Day, R-Lehigh/Berks): Would amend the Private Road Act to require homeowners that access their properties through a private road to contribute to the maintenance of the road.

  • HB 918 (Rep. Lou Schmitt, R-Blair): Would repeal an 1857 law making an appropriation from the State Treasury to the Farmer’s High School, now known as The Pennsylvania State University.

  • HB 1408 (Rep. Andrew Lewis, R-Dauphin): Would repeal the Sunday Sports Law which prohibits the playing of football and baseball during certain hours of the day on Sunday.

  • HB 1796 (Rep. Martina White, R-Philadelphia): Would increase the authorized net operating loss (NOL) carry-forward period for businesses with certain tax liabilities in the City of Philadelphia from three years to 20 years.

  • HB 1830 (Rep. Mindy Fee, R-Lancaster): Would repeal a 1978 law establishing the MILRITE council.

  • HB 2073 (Rep. Dan Moul, R-Adams): Would modernize and recodify the First Class Township Code.

  • SB 690 (Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-Butler/Clarion/Forest/Venango/Warren): Would increase from $1,500 to $6,000 the value of municipal real property below which an incorporated town need not publicly advertise for bids when selling its real property.

  • SB 691 (Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-Butler/Clarion/Forest/Venango/Warren): Would increase from $1,500 to $6,000 the value of municipal real property below which a second-class township need not publicly advertise for bids when selling its real property.

  • SB 692 (Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-Butler/Clarion/Forest/Venango/Warren): Would increase from $1,500 to $6,000 the value of municipal real property below which a borough or third-class city need not publicly advertise for bids when selling its real property.

  • HR 583 (Rep. Torren Ecker, R-Adams/Cumberland): Would recognize the week of Nov. 11-17, 2019, as "National Apprenticeship Week" in Pennsylvania.

  • HR 585 (Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia): Would honor the life and accomplishments of Toni Morrison.

  • HR 606 (Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Allegheny): Would recognize the week of Nov. 18-22, 2019, as "American Education Week" in Pennsylvania.

  • HR 621 (Rep. Steve Mentzer, R-Lancaster): Would recognize the month of January 2020 as “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month” in Pennsylvania.

     

Votes on Third Consideration:

 

  • HB 726 (Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Allegheny): Would amend the Judicial Code to require consecutive mandatory sentences for crimes committed with firearms.

  • HB 916 (Rep. Todd Stephens, R-Montgomery): Would require a person arrested for a second or subsequent DUI with a high rate (.10-.159 BAC) or highest rate (.16 or higher BAC) of alcohol within a 10-year period to be fitted with a continuous alcohol monitoring device.

  • HB 1850 (Rep. Todd Stephens, R-Montgomery): Would reestablish certain mandatory sentences for violent offenses.

  • HB 1852 (Rep. Todd Stephens, R-Montgomery): Would require consecutive sentences for each victim of a violent crime.

  • HB 1870 (Rep. Jesse Topper, R-Bedford/Franklin/Fulton): Would designate a bridge on a portion of State Route 1036 in Bedford County as the Sergeant David Leon Barber Memorial Bridge.

  • HB 1913 (Rep. Cris Dush, R-Indiana/Jefferson): Would designate a bridge on that portion of State Route 2003 over Mahoning Creek in Big Run Borough, Jefferson County, as the SP4 James Wise Jr. and PFC James Wingert, USMC Memorial Bridge.

  • HB 1915 (Rep. Bud Cook, R-Washington/Fayette): Would designate the bridge on a portion of State Route 8042 over U.S. Route 40 in Washington County as the SFC Thomas McDonough Memorial Bridge.

  • HB 1973 (Rep. Jim Gregory, R-Blair): Would designate a bridge on a portion of State Route 4027 over the Bald Eagle Creek in Blair County as the Cpl. Donald L. Westley Memorial Bridge.

  • SB 742 (Sen. Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland): Would exempt from emissions inspection requirements new vehicles up to eight years from the year of manufacture.

     

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

 

Committee Meetings/Hearings:

 

Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, 9:15 a.m., B-31 Main Capitol

  • HB 1236 (Rep. Todd Polinchock, R-Bucks): Would establish the Smoke Alarm Device Responsibility Act which would strengthen smoke alarm requirements for leased properties.

  • HR 648 (Rep. Rosita Youngblood, D-Philadelphia): Would recognize the bravery and professionalism of the Philadelphia Police Department during the events of Aug. 14, 2019.

Health, 9:30 a.m., G-50 Irvis Office Building

  • HB 1912 (Rep. David Zimmerman, R-Lancaster): Would eliminate the fee for a death certificate for coroners in the performance of their official duties for unclaimed bodies.

  • HR 628 (Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery): Would urge the U.S. Congress to expand Medicare coverage to include hearing aids.

  • HR 633 (Rep. Michael Puskaric, R-Allegheny/Washington): Would designate March 2020 as “Amyloidosis Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.

  • HR 644 (Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Philadelphia): Would designate Jan. 19-25, 2020, as “Healthy Weight Week” and Jan. 23, 2020, as “Women’s Healthy Weight Day” in Pennsylvania.

 

Judiciary, 10 a.m., 60 East Wing

  • HB 161 (Rep. Barry Jozwiak, R-Berks): Would reclassify the offense of trafficking of infants as a first-degree felony from a first-degree misdemeanor.

  • HB 2174 (Rep. Natalie Mihalek, R-Allegheny/Washington): Would prohibit defendants from introducing evidence of a human trafficking victim’s past sexual victimization and allegations of past sexual victimization in any prosecution related to human trafficking.

  • HB 2175 (Rep. Meghan Schroeder, R-Bucks): Would expand the list of sexual offenses whereby an expert may testify in sexual assault cases.

  • HB 2176 (Rep. Marci Mustello, R-Butler): Would add certain prohibited activities that, if committed, constitute the crime of unlawful contact with a minor.

  • HB 2177 (Rep. Valerie Gaydos, R-Allegheny): Would expand the list of sexual offenses that require offenders to attend and participate in a Department of Corrections program of counseling and therapy designed for incarcerated sex offenders. 

  • HB 2178 (Rep. David Rowe, R-Union/Snyder): Would amend Pennsylvania’s child custody statute to require that a court consider whether a party or member of that party’s household has been convicted of human trafficking prior to awarding child custody to that party. 

  • SB 60 (Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York): Would increase penalties relating to human trafficking and enhance funding for programs/services for trafficking victims.

  • HR 618 (Rep. Wendi Thomas, R-Bucks): Would recognize the month of January 2020 as "National Human Trafficking Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

     

    Consumer Affairs, Call of the Chair, B-31 Main Capitol

  • HB 1400 (Rep. Frank Farry, R-Bucks): Would provide for the uniform, efficient and predictable regulation of small wireless antennas to improve the deployment of the next generation of high-speed wireless broadband throughout the Commonwealth.

     

    State Government, Call of the Chair, 60 East Wing

  • HB 1804 (Rep. James Struzzi, R-Indiana): Would update the standards used for small businesses under the Department of General Services.

  • HB 2039 (Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-Allegheny/Washington): Would amend the Taxpayer-Funded Advertising Transparency Act, which requires certain notifications in media advertising.

     

SESSION:

On Tuesday, session will begin at 11 a.m.

 

Votes on Second Consideration:

 

  • HB 37 (Rep. Rosemary Brown, R-Monroe/Pike): Would prohibit a person from operating a motor vehicle on a highway or trafficway in this Commonwealth while using an interactive wireless communications device while the vehicle is in motion.

  • HB 309 (Rep. Tom Mehaffie, R-Dauphin): Requires all day care centers to post their rating as part of the Keystone Stars program.

  • HB 408 (Rep. Craig Staats, R-Bucks): Would require the notification of a deceased service person to counties and county contact information to families.

  • HB 564 (Rep. Stan Saylor, R-York): Would amend the Insurance Company Law of 1921 to allow for direct payment for dental services to a provider.

  • HB 908 (Rep. Jack Rader, R-Monroe): Would allow local governments to properly maintain open space land regardless of the way the land was acquired.

  • HB 1003 (Rep. Keith Gillespie, R-York): Would strengthen the PA Fish and Boat Commission’s (PFBC) ability to enforce the marking of low head or run-of-the-river dams.

  • HB 1187 (Rep. Parke Wentling, R-Mercer/Crawford/Erie/Lawrence): Would broaden the allocation of proceeds from Lake Erie fishing permits issued by the PFBC.

  • HB 1860 (Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer): Would allow boroughs of all sizes to create a redevelopment authority.

  • HB 2106 (Rep. Michael Puskaric, R-Allegheny/Washington): Would repeal the PA Civil Disorder Authority and property insurance assessment to pay for authority bonds.

  • SB 906 (Sen. John Yudichak, I-Carbon/Luzerne): Would institute a moratorium on the closure of the Polk and White Haven state centers.

  • HR 615 (Rep. Donna Oberlander, R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest): Would recognize Nov. 14, 2019, as “World Diabetes Day” in Pennsylvania.

  • HR 617 (Rep. Neal Goodman, D-Schuylkill): Would recognize December 2019 as “Made in PA Month.”

  • HR 624 (Rep. Karen Boback, R-Luzerne/Lackawanna/Wyoming): Would recognize the observance of “National Women’s Small Business Month” in October 2019.

  • HR 629 (Rep. Greg Rothman, R-Cumberland): Would honor the legacy of Gregory “Gregg” Mace. 

Votes on Third Consideration:

 

HB 523 (Day)

HB 918 (Schmitt)

HB 1069 (Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-Lawrence/Beaver/Butler): Would require the posting of agendas by state agencies prior to public meetings wherein official business is conducted.

HB 1277 (Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-Allegheny/Washington): Would exempt fines, fees and costs under the Dog Law from being transferred to the Judicial Computer System Augmentation Account.

HB 1408 (Lewis)

HB 1796 (White)

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020

    Committee Meetings/Hearings:

     

    Tourism and Recreational Development, 9 a.m., B-31 Main Capitol

    • Informational meeting with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on the "Penn's Parks for All" strategic plan.

      Transportation, 9:30 a.m., G-50 Irvis Office Building

    • HB 80 (Rep. Jack Wheatley Jr., D-Allegheny): Would provide a one-year driver's license amnesty program for individuals whose license has been suspended indefinitely for failing to respond to citations and received subsequent suspension for driving with a suspended license as a result.

    • HB 1403 (Rep. Barb Gleim, R-Cumberland): Would repeal 1901 tree planting law.

    • HB 2123 (Rep. Jeff Wheeland, R-Lycoming): Would designate an interchange in Loyalsock Township, Lycoming County, as the United States Army Sgt. Thomas H. Woodruff, Sr., and United States Marine Corps Sgt. Hamilton T. Woodruff Memorial Interchange.

    • HB 2135 (Rep. Clint Owlett, R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter): Would designate a bridge on U.S. Route 6 in Mansfield Borough, Tioga County, as the Mansfield Veterans Memorial Bridge.

    • HB 2191 (Rep. Lou Schmitt, R-Blair): Would designate a bridge in Logan Township, Blair County, as the Honorable Richard A. Geist Memorial Bridge.

     

     

    SESSION:

    On Wednesday, session will begin at 11 a.m.

     

    Votes on Second Consideration and Third Consideration are TBA.