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Bills Signed or Vetoed
Updated 12-1-2006
Bills Signed
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
1618) The Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship And Watershed
Protection Enhancement Authorization Act places a question of incurring
indebtedness of up to $625,000,000 for the maintenance and protection of
the environment, open space and farmland preservation, watershed
protection, abandoned mine reclamation, acid mine drainage remediation and
other environmental initiatives on the May 17, 2005 primary ballot. It also
abrogates the authority of the Secretary of the Commonwealth to determine
the form of the ballot question and extends the deadline for absentee
ballots until May 31, 2005. Finally, it states that "this act shall
not be construed as authorizing the imposition of any new tax or fee or
permitting the increase of any existing tax or fee to repay the borrowing
authorized by the approval" of the ballot question. (Prior Printers
Numbers: 219, 623, 1610)
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Track Code(s):
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Environmental
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Last Action:
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4-13-05
G Approved by the Governor (Act: 1)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
2571) Amends Title 27 (Environmental Resources) to implement an
environmental bond program enabling the Commonwealth to borrow up to $625
million over six years. The funds would be deposited into the Growing
Greener Bond Fund to be allocated as follows:
· $230 million
to DEP for watershed protection, acid mine drainage remediation and mine
cleanup, oil and gas well plugging, advanced energy projects, flood
protection, geological hazard mitigation and brownfields
remediation
· $217.5 million
to DCNR for improvements to State park and State forests, community park
and recreation grants and open space preservation
· $80 million to
Department of Agriculture for farmland preservation
· $50 million to
DCED for Main Street
and downtown redevelopment
· $47.5 million to the Fish and Boat Commission and
the Game Commission for capital improvements to existing lands and
facilities
Up to $90 million allocated to various agencies will be available for
projects designated by the counties and up $20 million in FY '05-'06 and
$30 million in FY '06-'07 will be deposited in the Hazardous Sites Cleanup
Fund. Additionally, the Commonwealth will annually spend $60 million for
debt and principal payments. Each department and agency receiving funds are
required to publish a report of all projects funded by that department or
agency. Lastly, the sunset date on the $4 per ton disposal fee is repealed.
(Prior Printers Numbers: 220, 622)
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Track Code(s):
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Environmental
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Last Action:
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7-13-05
G Approved by the Governor (Act: 45)
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HB 86
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Steil
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Act re
US Army Corps of Engineers projects
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
1945) Act authorizing the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
on behalf of the Commonwealth to agree to hold and save the United States
Army Corps of Engineers free from certain damages arising from certain
construction projects. (Prior Printers Number: 80)
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Track Code(s):
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Environmental
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Last Action:
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7-14-05
G Approved by the Governor (Act: 47)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
81) Amends Act entitled "An Act authorizing PA and local government
units to preserve, acquire or hold land for open space uses," by
adding to the list of properties that are exempted from millage
the following types of property: property in which the open space property
interests have been acquired by a local government unit; property that is
subject to an easement; and property from which transferable development
rights have been transferred and retired by a local government unit. These exemptions
become authorized when the governing body of each taxing district approves
the exemption either by ordinance in the case of a county or municipal
corporation, or by resolution in the case of a school district.
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Track Code(s):
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Environmental
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Last Action:
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2-
2-06 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 4)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
2243) Amends The Second Class Township Code by adding that a board of
supervisors may make appropriations to nonprofit watershed associations for
watersheds serving the township. Such appropriations may not be used for
litigation against any municipal corporation or to seek redress against any
individual landowner. (Prior Printers Numbers: 137, 1818)
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Track Code(s):
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Environmental
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Last Action:
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7-
5-05 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 11)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
3115) Amends Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary) adding the
offense of eco-terrorism and agricultural crop destruction. A person
commits the offense of eco-terrorism if he/she commits a specified offense
against property with the intent to intimidate or prevent an individual
from lawfully participating in an activity involving animals or natural
resources, or using an animal or natural resource facility. Any person
convicted of eco-terrorism would be sentenced to pay the owner of any
damaged property restitution, attorney fees and court costs in addition to
any other penalty imposed. An individual aggrieved by the offense of eco-
terrorism may obtain relief in civil action. The bill states that a person
commits a felony of the second degree if he intentionally and knowingly
damages any field crop, vegetable or fruit plant or tree that is grown,
stored or raised for scientific or commercial purposes or for any testing
or research purpose in conjunction with a public or private research
facility or a university or any federal, state or local government agency.
It also provides for restitution. (Prior Printers Numbers: 215, 1072, 1177)
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Last Action:
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4-14-06
G Approved by the Governor (Act: 27)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
1616) Act authorizing the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to convey a
portion of a Project 70 tract of land in the Township of North Newton,
Cumberland County, under certain conditions, to the Township of North
Newton, a municipal corporation of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and
authorizing the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to convey a portion
of a Project 70 tract of land in the Township of West Pennsboro,
Cumberland County, under certain conditions, to the Township of West Pennsboro, a municipal corporation of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania. (Prior Printer Number: 294)
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Track Code(s):
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Fish
& Boat
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Last Action:
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7-
5-05 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 15)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
2100) Amends the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority Act by
stating that the term "project" would include security measures.
"Security measures" are defined as infrastructure improvements to
publicly or privately owned water or wastewater systems designed in whole
or in part for the protection of the collection, treatment and distribution
of potable water and treatment of wastewater from threats and
vulnerabilities to ensure the public health of the systems' customers, in
accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency's Drinking Water State
Revolving Fund Program and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program.
The term also includes any funds or accounts administered by the authority.
(Prior Printer Number: 685)
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Track Code(s):
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Environmental
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Last Action:
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7-14-05
G Approved by the Governor (Act: 51)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
2656) Amends the Agricultural Area Security Law further providing for
definitions, for agricultural security areas and for purchase of
agricultural conservation easements. The bill would include viable
agricultural land used for commercial equine activity within an
agricultural security area. (Prior Printer Number: 692, 2134)
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Track Code(s):
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Environmental
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Last Action:
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11-
1-05 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 61)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
4757) Amends the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act further
providing for audit of certain financial reports. The bill states that the
financial report of every charitable organization which receives annual
contributions of $300,000 or more would be audited by a public accountant.
Every charitable organization that receives annual contributions of at
least $100,000, but less than $300,000, would be required to have a review
or audit of their financial statements performed by a public accountant. A
compilation, audit or review is optional for any charitable organization
which receives annual contributions of less than $50,000 (Prior Printer
Number: 705, 3824)
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Last Action:
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10-27-06
G Approved by the Governor (Act: 121)
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HB 700
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Maher
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Amends
Title 65 re lobby regulation/disclosure
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
4887) Amends Title 65 (Public Officers) further providing for ethical
standards definitions and for lobby regulation and disclosure. A lobbyist
or a principal to would be required to register with the Department of
State within ten days of receiving compensation as a lobbyist, lobbying
firm or principal on a biennial basis beginning January 1, 2007. Contents
of the registration statements for each lobbyist, lobbying firm and principal
are specified. Additionally, lobbyists would be required to file quarterly
expense reports with the Department listing the names of all lobbyists and
their registration numbers, issues being lobbied, and expense reports.
Expense reports would contain the name, position and occurrence of a state
official or employee who receives from a principal or lobbyist anything of
value. A required expense report would be filed when total expenses for
lobbying are greater than $2,500 for a registered principal in a reporting
period. In a reporting period in which total expenses are $2, 500 or less,
a statement to this effect must be filed. Certain persons and activities
are further exempted. Lobbyists would be prohibited from serving as an
officer for a candidate's political committee or political action committee
or charge a fee if any part will be converted into a contribution to a
candidate for public office or a political committee. A registrant may not
lobby on behalf of a principal on any subject matter in which the
principal's interests are directly adverse to the interests of another
principal currently represented by the lobbyist or previously represented
by the lobbyist during the current session of the general assembly. Certain
exceptions are provided for in the bill. A principal or lobbyist required
to report would include in the report a statement affirming that to the
best of the principal's or lobbyist's knowledge he/she has complied with
this requirement. A lobbyist could not travel on any state-owned plane or
aircraft. The bill also provides for unlawful acts that a lobbyist or
principal may not engage in. The Department would prepare and publish an
annual report on lobbying activities in the state. Penalties for violations
of these provisions are specified as are audits, enforcement provisions and
affirmative defenses. There would be a biennial registration fee of $100,
which would be deposited in the Lobbying Disclosure Fund in the State
Treasury and used to carry out this legislation. A special committee is
created to promulgate regulations as necessary. The legislation extensively
outlines the specific requirements of lobbyists and principals and the
penalties for violating the legislation. The Department would be
responsible for implementing a fully accessible system for computerized
filing. Promulgation of regulations by a specified Committee is also
provided for in the bill. (Prior Printer Numbers: 917, 4350, 4417, 4884)
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Last Action:
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11-
1-06 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 134)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
2362) Amends Title 34 (Game) by adding that resident military personnel
hunting licenses would be issued to a person who is a former prisoner of
war. A former prisoner of war would be entitled to purchase a resident
hunting license at the cost of $1 plus the current issuing fee upon
application to the commission. (Prior Printer Number: 1010, 1638, 1919,
2101)
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Last Action:
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7-
5-05 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 19)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
3103) The Retired Law Enforcement Identification Act states that a retired
law enforcement officer would be eligible for a qualification card if the
law enforcement officer resides in PA or retired from a law enforcement
agency of PA or any political subdivision thereof. Qualification cards
would be issued to indicate compliance with PA's standards for training and
qualification for active law enforcement officers to carry a firearm. The
bill states that any certified law enforcement firearms instructor may
issue a qualification card to a retired law enforcement officer who has met
PA's standards for training and qualification for active law enforcement
officers to carry a firearm. A qualification card would not be valid
without a confirmation number. The bill also states that a sheriff who
complies in good faith with this section would be immune from liability
resulting or arising from the action or misconduct with a firearm committed
by an officer who has been provided a confirmation number from the sheriff.
Lastly, information provided or maintained pursuant to this act would be
confidential and would not be deemed a public record subject to disclosure
under the Right-To-Know Law. (Prior Printer Number: 1213, 2204, 2402, 2948)
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Last Action:
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12-13-05
G Approved by the Governor (Act: 79)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
2363) Amends Title 34 (Game) by providing for Pennsylvania National Guard
and Reserve Armed Forces hunting licenses. These licenses may be issued to
any person otherwise eligible for a resident hunting license in PA who
provides documentation that within the previous 24 months the person was
deployed overseas as a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Air
National Guard or Reserves on active federal service for a period of 180
consecutive days or more or was released early from such service because of
an injury or disease incurred in the line of duty. Only one Pennsylvania
National Guard hunting license may be issued for each qualifying deployment
of a person applying for the license. The Pennsylvania National Guard and
Reserves hunting license would cost $1. (Prior Printer Number: 1235, 1639,
2102)
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Last Action:
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7-
5-05 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 20)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
2364) Amends Title 30 (Fish) by reducing the cost of a fishing license for
National Guard members and Reserve Armed Forces members to $1. These
licenses may be issued to any person otherwise eligible for a resident
fishing license in PA who provides documentation that within the previous
24 months the person was deployed overseas as a member of the Pennsylvania
Army National Guard, Air National Guard or Reserves on active federal
service for a period of 180 consecutive days or more or was released early
from such service because of an injury or disease incurred in the line of
duty. Only one Pennsylvania National Guard hunting license may be issued
for each qualifying deployment of a person applying for the license. (Prior
Printer Number: 1236, 1640, 1866, 2103)
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Track Code(s):
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Fish
& Boat
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Last Action:
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7-
5-05 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 21)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
1946) Amends the act entitled "An act relating to the recycling and
reuse of waste tires; providing for the proper disposal of waste tires and
the cleanup of stockpiled tires; authorizing investment tax credits for
utilizing waste tires; providing remediation grants for the cleanup of tire
piles and for pollution prevention programs for small business and
households; establishing the Small Business and Household Pollution
Prevention Program and management standards for small business hazardous
waste; providing for a household hazardous waste program and for grant
programs; making appropriations; and making repeals," further
providing for the definition of "waste tire;" defining
"recycled tire product" and "waste tire recycling
facility;" and further providing for the disposal of whole waste
tires, for Environmental Quality Board regulations, for waste tire registry
and for remediation liens. The legislation requires an individual to obtain
a processing permit from the Department of Environmental Protection before
constructing, altering, operating or utilizing a waste tire recycling
facility. Additionally, the Environmental Quality Board would have the
power and duty to adopt regulations, including regulations that: (1)
encourage the processing of waste tires and beneficial use of waste tires
and recycled tire products when the Department determines that the processing
and use does not harm or present a threat of harm to the health, safety or
welfare of the people or environment of this Commonwealth, (2) allow the
Department to determine that waste tires, after processing or when
beneficially used, no longer constitute a waste and (3) encourage the
beneficial use of recycled tire products. Waste tire haulers would be
required to hold valid authorization. The legislation also extensively
provides for remediation liens. (Prior Printer Number: 1321)
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Track Code(s):
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Environmental
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Last Action:
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2-14-06
G Approved by the Governor (Act: 7)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
4308) Amends Title 30 (Fish) by establishing an offense of a third degree
misdemeanor for anyone who transports, possesses, sells, offers for sale,
or releases non-native injurious fish in PA. The commission would
promulgate regulations pertaining to non-native injurious fish. (Prior
Printer Number: 1568, 2175)
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Track Code(s):
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Fish
& Boat
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Last Action:
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7-
7-06 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 75)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
2109) Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) creating Subchapter D entitled
"Unlawful use of Computers," which makes computer-assisted remote
harvesting of animals a third degree misdemeanor. "Computer-assisted
remote harvesting of an animal" is defined as the use of a computer or
software, to control remotely the aiming and discharge of any implement
that allows a person who is not physically present at the location of that
implement, to harvest an animal located in PA. (Prior Printer Number: 1729)
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Last Action:
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11-
1-05 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 63)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
3467) Amends Title 30 (Fish) providing for reduced licenses for former
prisoners of war by adding that former prisoners of war would be issued
resident and lifetime fishing licenses for $1 upon request. In home rule
counties, reduced fee resident fishing licenses would be issued to former
prisoners of war. (Prior Printer Number: 1838, 2369, 3308)
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Track Code(s):
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Fish
& Boat
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Last Action:
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2-14-06
G Approved by the Governor (Act: 11)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
4309) Amends Title 34 (Game) by requiring taxidermists to register with the
department on a form prescribed by the department. The bill provides for
unlawful acts and duties of the department. The bill also requires that a
person registered under this chapter would report an unmarked convention on
international trade in endangered species or threatened or endangered
special specimen to the proper authority within 72 hours of receiving
notice of the specimen. (Prior Printer Number: 1877)
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Last Action:
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7-
7-06 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 77)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
4009) Amends Title 3 (Agriculture) further providing for the regulation of Cervidae livestock operations. "Cervidae livestock operation" is redefined as a
normal agricultural operation which contains behind fences privately owned
members of the Cervidae livestock family involved
in the production, growing, breeding, using, harvesting, transporting,
exporting, importing or marketing of Cervidae
species or products. The term would not include an animal slaughter
facility or a menagerie. The bill states that the department would inspect
the premises of and investigate each applicant. An inspection may be made
by the department or an agent of the department, including a licensed doctor
of veterinary medicine accredited by the department. The bill adds that a cervidae livestock operation which is in operation on
the effective date of this subsection but which was not subject to
licensure would be granted a provisional license. A license is valid for
two years, at which time it must be renewed. The bill provides for the
keeping and handling of cervids by stating the department will make
regulations ensuring that the fenced enclosure surrounds the outside
perimeter of the operation and is designed to protect the public and
confine the privately owned cervids. Regulations may require a fence height
of not greater than ten feet. The legislation states that live cervidae may be brought onto the premises through
interstate or intrastate commerce and may be removed from the premises or
relocated to another premises in a manner consistent with this chapter and
regulations promulgated by the department. Lastly, dead cervids and cervid
products may be removed from the premises or relocated to another premises
in a manner consistent with this chapter and regulations promulgated by the
department (Prior Printer Number: 1981, 2302, 3765)
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Last Action:
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6-29-06
G Approved by the Governor (Act: 51)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
4392) Amends Titles 30 (Fish) and 75 (Vehicles) providing for boat and
marine forfeiture; for the powers and duties of the Pennsylvania Fish and
Boat Commission with regard to boat sale; for boat, marine equipment and
watercraft trailer forfeiture; and for the powers and duties of the
Department of Transportation with regard to watercraft trailers. (Prior
Printer Number: 2026, 3240, 4312)
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Track Code(s):
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Fish
& Boat
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Last Action:
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7-
7-06 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 79)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
2433) Amends Title 3 (Agriculture) providing for a prohibition against
unauthorized local government unit actions; establishing a cause of action
for unauthorized enactment or enforcement of local ordinances governing
normal agricultural operations; providing for duties of the Attorney
General and for hearings; further providing for scope, for legislative
purpose, for definitions and for administration; providing for manure
application; further providing for nutrient management and odor management
certification; providing for odor management plans; further providing for
the Nutrient Management Advisory Board, for financial assistance, for
unlawful conduct, for civil penalties and for local preemption; providing
for other statutes and for regulations; and making a related repeal. This
is the Rendell Administration's Agriculture, Communities and Rural
Environment (ACRE) initiative. (Prior Printer Number: 2075, 2303)
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Track Code(s):
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Environmental
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Last Action:
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7-
6-05 G Approved by the Governor (Act: 38)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
2489) Amends Title 30 (Fish) creating a one-day tourist fishing license,
which would be available for $25. One-day resident fishing licenses
would be available to residents for $10. One-day licenses would be
available for a 24-hour period, as specified by the licensee. Currently
one-day licenses are valid from 12:01 a.m. to midnight. (Prior Printer
Number: 2061)
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Track Code(s):
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Fish
& Boat
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Last Action:
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7-14-05
G Approved by the Governor (Act: 54)
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PLS Summary:
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(PN
3174) Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) by stating that an individual
may not car | |