The House Democratic Majority is proud of the following accomplishments that were achieved in 2007. With 116 bills signed into law and 261 bills passed by the House, great strides were made on behalf of all Pennsylvanians. Below are highlights.

"H.B. 1286, Act 8A of 2007

The 2007-08 state budget (H.B. 1286), sponsored by Rep. Dwight Evans, D-Phila., represents House Democrats' commitment to a responsible spending plan while tackling the weighty issues of health care and education, and protecting our children, the elderly and people with disabilities. The $27.16 billion budget was balanced with current revenues and has no tax increases.

"Throughout this budget process we stood by the disabled, those who care for the disabled, seniors and children, and we did so while living within our means and not raising taxes." 

Transportation transformation

"H.B. 1590, Act 44 of 2007

This law, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Markosek, D-Allegheny/Westmoreland, makes fundamental improvements to the state's roads and bridges, and mass transit systems of all sizes without raising the gas tax. The plan delivers an average of $946 million per year, with $411 million going to mass transit systems, and $500 million going to roads and bridges and $35 million in new dollars per year to counties and municipalities to repair and maintain roads and bridges not owned by the state.

"Our roads, bridges, railways, ports and airports are the nexus that move our workers to the job, our raw materials to factories and our goods to market, and that nexus was neglected for far too long."

Health Care

Hospital-acquired infections

S.B. 968, Act 52 "of 2007

Senate Bill 968 protects patients in medical facilities from hospital-acquired infections. The law puts benchmarks in place to allow the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Patient Safety Authority to monitor the progress that hospitals and other medical facilities are making on decreasing incidents of patient infections. It's the first requirement of its kind in the nation.

"It's a matter of saving lives, and saving our health-care system billions of dollars. The measure will place Pennsylvania at the forefront nationally in the fight to reduce health-care associated infections at medical facilities and hospitals."

Expanding responsibilities for health-care professionals

"S.B. 455, Act 51 of 2007

Dental hygienists

The law (Act 51 of 2007) permits dental hygienists to perform educational, preventative, therapeutic and intra-oral procedures which the hygienist is educated to perform without the direct supervision of a dentist.

 "House Democrats have been supporting this proposal from the beginning because it will allow children in schools and senior citizens in nursing homes to be able to get access to dental services when they might not have been able to in the past."

H.B. 1251, Act 46 of 2007

H.B. 1252, Act 47 of 2007

Physician assistants

The laws (H.Bs. 1251, 1252), sponsored by Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Allegheny, allow the number of physician assistants working under the supervision of a physician to be increased from two to four. The increase is expected to make health care, including preventative medicine, more accessible in underserved rural and urban areas of the state and to alleviate the burden of minor emergencies that greatly increase the costs of operating emergency facilities.

"It is neither cost-effective nor practical to have highly trained emergency room physicians tied up on minor procedures like pulling a splinter or diagnosing a sore throat when there is a backlog of emergency patients, some of them likely with more serious injuries or illnesses."

H.B. 1253, Act 48 of 2007

Nurse practitioners  

Sponsored by state Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Washington, this law allows certified nurse practitioners to order home health and hospice care, order durable medical equipment, make respiratory or occupational therapy referrals, perform disability assessments for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, and make physical therapy and dietitian referrals.

"Allowing our certified nurse practitioners to shoulder some of the burden of patient care will help to alleviate waiting times in emergency rooms and doctors' offices. Also, these well-trained professionals can offer many of the same services currently provided by doctors, but at a lower cost."

H.B. 1254, Act 49 of 2007

Clinical nurse specialists

Introduced by Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Lawrence/Beaver/Butler, this law requires licensure for clinical nurse specialists in Pennsylvania and reserves the title for health-care professionals who meet certification qualifications and state education and training standards.

"This is one of a series of bills designed to not only expand access to care for all Pennsylvanians, but also to reduce costs to the health-care system and health-care consumer."

H.B. 1255, Act 50 of 2007

Nurse midwives

Nurse midwives got prescriptive power under the law sponsored by Rep. Ron Waters, D-Phila., and are now permitted to prescribe prenatal vitamins and other prescriptions that are vital for healthy pregnancies.

"There's no reason why nurse midwives shouldn't be able to prescribe medications. It's an unnecessary limit that only serves to restrict access to health care."

Smoke-Free Pennsylvania

S.B. 246, in conference committee

The bill (S.B. 246) would provide a smoke-free environment in all public places across Pennsylvania, protecting people from the hazardous effects of secondhand smoke and potentially reducing smokers' intake while saving millions of dollars in health-care costs. The House removed a laundry list of exceptions added by the Senate. A conference committee was named Dec.10, 2007.

"Our success thus far is due to the passionate support of legislators who care deeply about protecting the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians from the dangers of secondhand smoke."

Expanding responsibilities for "pharmacists

H.B. 1250, passed the House

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Deb Kula, D-Fayette/Westmoreland, would permit pharmacists to enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician to perform drug therapy management outside an institutional setting if the pharmacist meets certain requirements.

"We have qualified pharmacists who are prepared, capable, experienced and, most importantly, willing to help address a significant part of our health-care crisis."

Health coverage for young adults

H.B. 1556, passed the House

The House unanimously passed legislation (H.B. 1556) introduced by Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, that would extend health-care coverage to young adults by allowing them to stay on their parents' insurance plan until turning 30.

"Currently, there are currently about 800,000 Pennsylvanians without health insurance, yet a majority of them have full-time jobs or are still seeking some form of higher education."

Banning mandatory overtime for nurses

H.B. 834, passed the House

Rep. Dan Surra, D-Elk/Clearfield, sponsored legislation (H.B. 834) that would prohibit hospitals and other health-care facilities from requiring nurses and other patient-care workers to work beyond their regularly agreed-to shifts.

 "We don't allow airlines and trucking companies to mandate 16-hour shifts or double shifts without rest – we should not allow hospitals to do it, either."

Keeping doctors in PA

H.B. 1093, passed the House

The proposal (H.B. 1093), sponsored by Rep. Josh Shapiro, D-Montgomery, would create a medical school loan forgiveness program for primary care doctors and ob/gyns who agree to practice in Pennsylvania for 10 years.

"The growing demand for health care in the Commonwealth, coupled with a large number of physicians who will be retiring in the next decade, leaves us facing a crisis that needs to be addressed now."

Jonas Salk Legacy Fund

H.B. 1142, passed the House

Reps. Chelsa Wagner and Matt Smith, both D-Allegheny, introduced H.B. 1142 to advance Pennsylvania's capacity in biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and research and development. Grants from the fund would help create about 12,000 high-quality, research-related and support jobs and produce $24 million in tax revenues for the state.

"This is a landmark piece of legislation that has the potential to truly change not only the quality of health care here and abroad, but also to greatly bolster our position in an ever-growing sector of the national economy at no cost to taxpayers."

Valuing health-care specialists

H.B.s 500 and 501, passed the House

House Bills 500 and 501, introduced by Rep. Dante Santoni, D-Berks, would require perfusionists, the medical professionals who run heart-lung machines during complicated procedures such as open heart surgery and live-donor organ transplants, to be licensed to practice in Pennsylvania. In addition, a perfusionist representative will serve on the state Board of Medicine and the state Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

"Complex, life-saving procedures are becoming more common, and as the demand for perfusionists rises, state law needs to be updated to reflect how much we value their role in our health-care system."

Energy Independence

Alternative energy

"H.B. 1203, Act 35 of 2007

Rep. John Hornaman, D-Erie, sponsored a law (H.B. 1203) to increase the Commonwealth's use of clean energy by requiring electrical suppliers to speed up their transition to alternative energy sources such as solar, hydro and wind power.

"The goal is to build a homegrown energy industry that provides cleaner power and high-tech jobs statewide while reducing our reliance on foreign sources of energy."

Reducing electric bills for manufacturers

H.B. 1530, Act 36 of 2007

The law, sponsored by Rep. Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny, allows electric utilities to offer long-term, fixed-rate contracts to industrial consumers just like they currently do to residents and businesses.

"As the caps are coming off, energy costs are increasing 30 to 40 percent. That's having a devastating effect and this law gives manufacturers an opportunity to survive."

Hazardous waste clean up

S.B. 1100, presented to the governor

Senate Bill 1100 funds the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act through 2010-11 without raising taxes. The program rectifies hazardous waste problems at industrial and commercial sites. The new law provides $15.6 million for HSCA through at least the 2007-08 fiscal year.

"Both the hazardous sites cleanup program and the Key '93 fund are worthy, and the state's environment would be harmed by shifting existing funds from one program to pay for the other. We took the more sensible approach of cleaning up hazardous sites while still protecting irreplaceable natural resources and invaluable cultural and historical sites."

Green buildings

SS H.B. 5, passed the House

Special Session H.B. 5, sponsored by Rep. Matt Smith, would provide tax credits to commercial or residential owners or tenants for the construction of "green" buildings, or the renovation of non-green buildings into green buildings. These buildings, known as high-performance buildings, must meet specific size standards in order to qualify, and must also meet specific environmental standards in several areas, including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

"This legislation will not only pay off environmentally, but economically as well. By encouraging the use of environmentally smart materials and building design, we will generate new economic growth and development in an industry that has nowhere to go but up."

Environmental cleanup

S.B. 815, Act 20 of 2007

Senate Bill 815 renews the Underground Storage Tank Environmental Cleanup and Underground Storage Tank Pollution Prevention programs, which reimburse the owners of underground storage tanks to assist in meeting insurance requirements.

"Action on this legislation makes available for another five years two important programs that address environmental threats from underground storage tanks, providing for a safer environment and cleaner communities."

Clean fuels and energy independence

H.B. 1202, passed the House

Rep. Mike Gerber, D-Montgomery, sponsored H.B. 1202 that would mandate the blending of 10 percent ethanol in gasoline and eventually 20 percent biodiesel in diesel fuels once in-state production reaches certain levels; establish production and distribution standards to advance the shift to cleaner and cheaper domestic fuel sources; and stimulate the Pennsylvania economy with in-state production of these renewable fuels.

"This is a great step toward making Pennsylvania a cleaner and more energy-independent state." 

Energy independence  

H.B. 1200, passed the House

House Bill 1200, introduced by Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, would provide tax credits, grants and loans, and other incentives to alternative energy manufacturers and energy-efficient companies. It also would provide rebates and incentives to consumers for replacing inefficient household appliances and using solar power.

"By passing this bill, members of the House are supporting a plan to invest tax dollars in domestically produced clean energy right here in Pennsylvania, something the residents of this state support."

Green schools

H.B. 894, passed the House

Rep. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery, sponsored legislation (H.B. 894) to allow school districts to forgo some cost restrictions when building environmentally friendly school buildings.

"Schools built according to (LEED) standards are much more energy efficient, they reduce pollution and are significantly cheaper to operate in the long run."

Energy conservation  

S.S. H.B. 11, passed the House

Rep. Cherelle Parker, D-Phila., said her measure (S.S. H.B. 11) would encourage consumers to buy energy-efficient products by waiving the state sales tax on those products during a specified time.

"By eliminating the sales tax on Energy Star appliances during a special sales tax holiday, we will be creating an incentive for people to do their part to conserve energy and reduce their energy costs."

Energy-efficient light bulbs   

S.S. H.B. 8, passed the House

Rep. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery, sponsored S.S.H.B. 8 to establish a sales tax exclusion for Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent lamps, commonly known as energy-saving light bulbs.

"The simple act of choosing a more efficient method of lighting your home or business can conserve a notable amount of energy and save money."

Global warming   

H.B. 110, passed the House

Rep. Greg Vitali, D-Delaware, sponsored H.B. 110 to require the state to inventory the greenhouse gas emissions of various economic sectors in the state, create a voluntary greenhouse gas registry, develop and publish a global warming impact statement for Pennsylvania, and develop an action plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the state.

"This bill would provide a detailed and organized action plan for dealing with the impact of global warming and climate change, and set greenhouse gas standards and a timetable to achieve goals to reduce the state's contribution to the problem."

Sprawl alternatives   

H.B. 1280, passed the House

Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, is attempting to promote traditional neighborhood development as an alternative to sprawl with this legislation (H.B. 1280). It would encourage multiple-use development in more compact areas rather than sprawl development into open space and farmland. 

"Traditional Neighborhood Development is an excellent alternative to the type of sprawl development that consumes vast amounts of farmland and creates traffic congestion nightmares. TNDs are a more compact form of development that use less land, are pedestrian-friendly and provide for a mix of uses and housing options that foster a greater sense of community than conventional suburban developments."

Education

Investing in our future

H.B. 842, Act 45 of 2007

The 2007-08 school code law demonstrates a historic investment in education. It increases the state's support for pre-kindergarten through 12^th grade education by $568 million.  

"Pennsylvania's promise is our children – Pennsylvania's future relies on early education today.  Democrats have always led the way with efforts to make sure our kids get off to a good start in life, championing initiatives to give our schools the tools they need to help our children learn and succeed."

Fair funding

H.R. 460, reported to full House

The resolution, sponsored by Rep. John Siptroth, D-Monroe/Pike, would create a commission tasked with examining the data derived from the state Board of Education's costing-out study of public education in Pennsylvania and offer recommendations on changing the current system of public education funding. Rep. John Siptroth sponsored the legislation.

"We need to find an equitable solution for funding our growing schools while continuing to meet the needs of districts with declining enrollments but operational costs that have not declined."

Economic Development

Capital budget

S.B. 798, Act 43 of 2007

The Capital Budget Act of 2007-08 allots $320 million for buildings and structures, $25 million for furniture and equipment, $150 million for transportation assistance projects, $250 million for redevelopment assistance projects and $7 million for flood control.

Film credit

S.B. 97, Act 55 of 2007
The law creates a film production tax credit of up to 25 percent of a film's qualified production expenses if film work is done in Pennsylvania. The tax credit program cap is $75 million.

"The law helps define Pennsylvania as a new location for innovative film and media arts by dramatically increasing funding available to films."

Promoting Pennsylvania products

H.B. 896, Act 34 of 2007

The new law sponsored by Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Washington, allows the sale of Pennsylvania wine at farmers' markets in the state. Pennsylvania wine makers currently can sell at their establishment and a limited number of off-site locations, but farmers' markets previously were not approved as off-site locations.

"This is a great move for Pennsylvania farmers' markets, Pennsylvania's wineries and consumers as we add local wines to the list of agriculture products being sold at farmers' markets."

Protecting the elderly & people with disabilities

Nursing home facilities

H.B. 1367, Act 16 of 2007

Act 16, sponsored by Majority Leader Bill DeWeese, D-Greene/Fayette/Washington, creates a new category of licensed and regulated long-term care settings known as "Assisted-Living Residences." Pennsylvania was one of only a few states that did not have a separate licensing and review procedure for assisted-living residences.

"The assessment generates significant revenue that is used exclusively for payments to nursing facilities that care for the elderly across Pennsylvania."

Assisted living  

S.B. 704, Act 56 of 2007

The new law allows older Pennsylvanians to "age in place" by defining assisted living and establishing licensing requirements for assisted living residences. A collaborative effort between the bill's Senate sponsor and Rep. Phyllis Mundy, D-Luzerne, this law designates current personal care home regulations as the minimum standard for assisted living and provides for annual unannounced inspections of all assisted living residences and staff training requirements.    

"This is the culmination of more than 10 years of work. It's extremely gratifying that we are finally able to do more to meet the needs of our seniors by allowing them to age in a more homelike environment."

Helping health-care workers

H.B. 282, passed the House

House Bill 282, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Petrone, D-Allegheny, would provide student loan forgiveness of up to $5,000 per year and $20,000 total per person to mental health and mental retardation staff members and substance abuse addiction counselors.

"The bill would help ensure we continue recruiting the best and the brightest into this demanding and often under-recognized field."

Crimes against the care-dependent

H.B. 642, passed the House

State Rep. Don Walko, D-Allegheny, sponsored a bill (H.B. 642) to apply the crime of neglect of a care-dependent person to situations when serious neglect occurs in a private care residence.

"No matter the size of the facility or if it's publicly or privately run, those in charge of it must be held accountable for neglect."

Ending exploitation of seniors

H.B. 161, passed the House

The legislation (H.B. 161), sponsored by Rep. Harold James, D-Phila., would expand the definition of exploitation to include conduct or action against an elderly person or elderly person's resources by someone acting as the person's power of attorney.

"Often, seniors enlist a power of attorney in case of emergencies or to protect their interests, but some people with poor intentions look at the seniors they're supposed to protect as easy targets to victimize."

Long-term care

S.B. 548, Act 40 of 2007

The law (S.B. 548) creates the Long-Term Partnership Program, which enables Pennsylvanians to purchase comprehensive insurance coverage for both home care and nursing home care in order to protect their assets.

"We all will be touched by the need for home or nursing care at some point in our lives, be it for grandparents, parents or ourselves. This law offers Pennsylvanians the tools they need to plan for the future, protect assets they hope to leave behind and reduce their dependence on medical assistance."

Monitoring personal care homes

H.B. 83, passed the House

Rep. Tony DeLuca, D-Allegheny, sponsored legislation (H.B. 83) to require personal care homes to reveal information on staffing and inform the state and the public when injuries, abuse or other incidents occur in the facilities. The Department of Public Welfare would be required to post that information on its Web site.

"Our constituents should be able to easily access information on the Internet regarding personal care homes across the state so they do not have to play guessing games about which facility to choose for their family member or friend."

Safety and security

First responder grants

H.B. 906, Act 10 of 2007

Rep. Bryan Lentz, D-Delaware, sponsored the law that renews the $25 million annual Volunteer Fire Company and Ambulance Service Grant Program through 2012, when legislators will be able to review and make changes to the program before reauthorizing it. It also provides a one-time $50 million for grants available for the 2007-08 fiscal year.

"This grant program allows volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel to concentrate more on saving lives and less on time-consuming fund raisers for equipment and training they need."

Supporting veterans

S.B. 915, Act 66 of 2007

The new law provides financial assistance to the Veterans Administration accredited service officer programs offered by nationally chartered veteran service organizations. These include the American Legion, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and the Disabled American Veterans. 

"Defraying the costs for wages, benefits, training and equipment and for improving outreach and delivery of services to Pennsylvania's veterans is another good way we can help care for them and show our thanks."

Compensating first responders

H.B. 369, Act 21 of 2007

This law makes certified hazardous materials response team members eligible for a $100,000 death benefit if they die as a result of responding to an emergency situation in which they were dispatched by a county 911 center.

"Hazmat crews responding to emergency situations put their lives on the line just as much as firefighters, ambulance crews and other first responders, particularly given that misuse of chemicals and bioterrorism are a real threat to security."

Tracing firearms

S.B. 623, Act 41 of 2007

The law (Act 41 of 2007) contains language first proposed by Rep. John Myers, D-Phila., to require police to trace the source of firearms illegally possessed by anyone under 21. These illegally possessed guns confiscated by police will be traced through the National Tracing Center of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

"It's not going to stop the shootings, it's not a cure-all, but it is a big first step, and not just rhetorically. This law is going to begin to reduce the avenues for guns to hit the streets. Even if it is a drop in the bucket, lives will be saved."

Child protection

H.B. 1961, presented to the governor

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Bennington, D-Allegheny, would require FBI clearance in order for foster and adoptive parent applicants to be approved. It would also mandate child abuse clearances for the applicant and anyone over 18 residing with the applicant who has lived outside of the state within the past five years.

"We all understand that errors can happen, and the FBI clearance checks are the most thorough means to block potential predators. Children count on those in power to protect them, and that is what this legislation does."

Watching out for children

H.B. 35, passed the House

State Rep. Jennifer Mann, D-Lehigh, sponsored H.B. 35 to make intentionally viewing child pornography illegal under Pennsylvania law. Under current law, only the possession of child pornography is punishable, not merely viewing it.

"This bill provides another measure of safety for our children, and gives the justice system and the police more leverage to prosecute criminals who view these materials and who engage in the exploitation of children."

Protecting the public

H.B. 675, passed the House

Under the legislation (H.B. 675) sponsored by Rep. Joe Petrarca, D-Westmoreland/Armstrong, illegally dumping any substance, chemical waste or debris used in or resulting from the manufacture of methamphetamine would be a third-degree felony, and would carry a maximum fine of $15,000 and a jail sentence of up to seven years.

"Illegal meth labs are a growing problem, bringing danger to the state's residents. Not only do meth labs produce a highly addictive drug, but meth cookers often contaminate water sources by carelessly dumping their waste. We need to get tough on them to ease this growing problem and protect the public." 

Veterans' assistance

H.B. 331, passed the House

Pennsylvanians on the front line of defense would be at the front of the line for job training opportunities under H.B. 331. Sponsored by Rep. Sean Ramaley, D-Beaver/Allegheny, this legislation would give Pennsylvania National Guard members, Reservists -- and their spouses during activation -- preferential treatment in state job-training programs.

"Too often we hear about National Guard members and reservists coming back from active duty and losing their homes to foreclosure or having other financial difficulties, which they experience from being away from their jobs during their time of service."

Veterans' assistance

H.B. 347, passed the House

House Bill 347 would require the state Department of Transportation to waive the skills test for commercial driver's license applicants who are active or reserve members of the Armed Forces and who hold a valid Class 2, 3 or 4 driver's license issued by any of the military branches. Rep. Paul Costa, D-Allegheny, sponsored the bill.

"U.S. military members applying for a commercial driver's license shouldn't have to go about the regular routine of testing requirements if they already meet the qualifications."

Witness protection

H.B. 27, passed the House

The measure introduced by state Rep. Cherelle L. Parker, D-Phila., would create formally a statewide witness protection program in Pennsylvania for eligible witnesses in danger of being threatened or intimidated. 

"Criminals who should be punished and taken off the streets are learning how to manipulate our system and continue their criminal behavior by seeking out witnesses and proliferating violence in our communities."

Honoring emergency responders

H.B. 1033, passed the House

The measure, sponsored by Rep. Frank Andrews Shimkus, D-Lackawanna, would designate Sept. 11 each year as "Pennsylvania Emergency Responders' Day," calling on all state residents to set apart the day as a day of gratitude and respect for firefighters, police officers, ambulance drivers, emergency medical technicians and other first responders.

 "This legislation would affirm that we see our first responders as heroes who help our citizens every day in extraordinary ways."

Protecting police

H.B. 1025, passed the House

Rep. Jim Casorio, D-Westmoreland, sponsored the bill (H.B. 1025) to classify hepatitis C as an occupational disease for state Fish and Boat, and Game Commission officers, officers of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and port authority police officers in Pennsylvania.

"These employees, like other law enforcement personnel and first responders who deal with medical emergencies, are at a higher risk of contracting hepatitis C, and should not have to go through a lengthy legal process to prove they were infected on the job in order to get the benefits they and their families need and deserve."

Protecting consumers and taxpayers

Easing a tax burden

S.B. 218, Act 7 of 2007

The new law allows the Local Services Tax, formerly known as the Emergency and Municipal Services Tax, to be deducted from a worker's paycheck at a rate of $1 per week, rather than having the full $52 taken out of the first paycheck of the year, and exempts anyone who earns less than $12,000 per year.

"The lump-sum, $52 deduction was a burden on lower-income workers, who sometimes received no pay at the start of the year because the amount of the tax exceeded the amount of their first paycheck.  The new law remedies that."

Time share disclosure

S.B. 886, Act 65 of 2007

The law (S.B. 886) requires disclosure to a prospective purchaser of time share property before the sales presentation if attendance of the sales presentation is a requirement to obtaining the benefits offered under a promotion.

"A lot of people are enticed by the prospects of a good deal on a vacation home, only to learn later they've been duped."

Internet scalpers

S.B. 86, Act 32 of 2007

The governor signed legislation (S.B. 86) to put controls in place for the Internet sale or resale of tickets to entertainment or sporting events. The new law exempts an internet business from the requirement that the resell price is not more than 25 percent of the face value of the ticket or $5 plus taxes, whichever is more.

"Let's face it. In this day and age, you don't have to go to a crowded stadium to get taken by a greedy scalper. It's about time we put something in place to protect  folks who may look for Internet deals so they can take their families out for a night of entertainment."

Penalties for impersonating professionals

H.B. 1120, passed the House

The bill (H.B. 1120) introduced by Rep. Sean Ramaley, D-Beaver/Allegheny, would impose criminal penalties on people who impersonate licensed professionals.

"People seek guidance from licensed professionals, often involving sensitive personal, medical or financial information. They deserve to know the person with whom they are speaking is truly the holder of that license."

Restaurant safety

H.B. 1422, passed the House

Rep. Mike Carroll, D-Luzerne/Monroe, authored a bill to improve the state Department of Agriculture's ability to enforce food safety regulations at retail food-service establishments. It also would standardize inspections and reporting across the state.

"Most cases of food poisoning are caused by improper handling, preparation or storage of food.  Making inspections more uniform is a simple way for us to stop contaminated food from reaching our tables."

Preventing hi-tech theft

H.B. 441, passed the House

Rep. Chris Sainato, D-Lawrence/Beaver, sponsored H.B. 441 that would ban the use of cell phones to capture personal information or documents, making it legal to photograph or record any citizen's private, personal information such as Social Security or credit-card numbers with camera phones or recording devices.

"The bill would protect people from electronic theft so they wouldn't have to suffer the problems that stem from having their identity stolen."

Sports & Recreation

Landowner liability protection 

H.B. 13, Act 11 of 2007

The new law safeguards landowners from liability for the actions of hunters on their property. Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Allegheny, introduced it after a Lehigh County couple reached a settlement with a woman wounded by a stray bullet fired from a hunter on their property, a half mile away. A court had ruled the property owners were partially liable for the incident.

"Without our action, this situation would have amounted to a train wreck for hunters and financial ruin for the many businesses that rely on Pennsylvania hunters and visitors from out of state for much of their income."

Waterway safety

H.B. 778, Act 27 of 2007

State Rep. Ed Staback, D-Lackawanna/Wayne, wrote this law to reconcile enforcement regulations of boating under the influence with those of the recently revised driving under the influence law. Changes include lowering of the legal blood-alcohol content to .08 percent, and giving the Fish and Boat Commission the full authority to prosecute BUI.

"The new guidelines and stiffer penalties are all designed with one purpose in mind: to make our waterways safer by combating boating under the influence."

Helping hunters

S.B. 580, Act 18 of 2007

The law allows the use of dogs to pursue, chase, scatter and track wild turkeys during the fall wild turkey season. Past law did not allow for the use of dogs in pursuing large game.

"Dogs have been man's hunting companions for centuries and provide an exciting and valuable element to the hunting experience."

 A new day in Pennsylvania

The right to know

S.B. 1, awaiting Senate action

The legislation, very similar to the bill authored by Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Fayette, would improve the state's Right-to-Know Law by, among other things, establishing a presumption of openness, including the legislature in the law, applying financial accountability to all three branches of government, and creating a uniform appeals process for the public.

"Our dialogue on the open records issue has been productive and bipartisan. By passing this bill, we are meeting the justifiably high bar set by the public and various interest groups and that is how a representative democracy should work."

Operating Rules of the House

H.R. 108, House Rules

Highlights of H.R. 108 include new rules that:

Prevent votes after 11 p.m. unless in case of emergency and requiring approval of 75 percent of the House to suspend;

Require a 24-hour waiting period on any vote on concurrence on a bill that has come from the Senate or before a final vote on any bills amended on third consideration;

Make House expense reports and complete House payroll information available;

Eliminate private vehicle leasing (existing leases will continue for the term of the lease);

Require members to file for per diems and other reimbursement of expenses within 90 days of incurring the expense;

Require the posting of House floor votes, committee votes and hearing testimony online;

Ban members from forming nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is to receive state funds at the direction of the member;

Prohibit public service announcements and constituent outreach telemarketing in the 60 days before primary and general elections in even-numbered years.

"The House rules are the foundation upon which all legislation is built. Better House rules will mean better laws for all Pennsylvanians."

"Performance and accountability

"H.B. 260, passed the House

Sponsored by Appropriations Chairman Dwight Evans, H.B. 260 is designed to improve performance and accountability throughout Pennsylvania government.

"Just as every House member is up for review by the voters every two years, enactment of this bill will set goals and benchmarks to be met within a specific timeframe and enable the General Assembly to be even more precise in our budget considerations."