A report on the Legislative Session Week of November 16, 2015
Voters to Decide Mandatory Retirement Age for Judges
The Senate approved legislation this week that will give Pennsylvania voters the ultimate decision on whether the mandatory retirement age of judges should be increased.
House Bill 89 increases the mandatory retirement age for judges and magisterial district judges from 70 to 75 years in the Judicial Code. This bill only becomes effective if a proposed constitutional amendment, House Bill 90, which was approved in two consecutive legislative sessions, is adopted by the voters.
The Senate approved eight bills this week and sent them to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Senate Bill 62 amends state law regarding probationary driver’s licenses.
Senate Bill 146 requires passengers in a vehicle to render aid to any person injured in an accident.
Senate Bill 518 gives people the power to plan for the management and disposition of their digital assets in the same way they can make plans for their tangible property: by providing instructions in a will, trust, or power of attorney.
Senate Bill 927 requires Senate approval of Pennsylvania’s representatives on the Delaware River Bridge Commission.
House Bill 934 amends the Public Welfare Code to codify the Keystone Education Yields Success (KEYS) Program. The bill returns to the House for concurrence on Senate amendments.
Senate Bill 1045 standardizes the definition of “Veteran” by defining the term “Conditions other than Dishonorable.”
Senate Bill 1046 standardizes the process for promotion on the retired list of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
House Bill 1411 brings the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania into compliance with changes made by Congress to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act. The bill returns to the House for concurrence on Senate amendments.
Eight Bills Sent to Governor
Eight bills received final legislative approval this week and were sent to the Governor for enactment into law.
Senate Bill 77 provides regulatory relief for beagle trainers.
House Bill 239 amends the County Pension Law to further provide for definitions and for supplemental benefits.
Senate Bill 609 creates the Prostate Cancer Surveillance, Education, Detection and Treatment Act.
House Bill 753 establishes the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council within the Department of Aging.
Senate Bill 775 updates and revises the Third Class City Code.
Senate Bill 791, which amends the Second Class Township Code further providing for removal of elected township officers for failure to perform duties.
Senate Bill 793 amends the Second Class Township Code to further provide for property maintenance codes, reserved powers, and the Uniform Construction Code.
Senate Bill 887protects highway workers, first emergency responders and others from careless and reckless drivers traveling in work zones.