PA HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATIVE REVIEW - March 15, 2013

A state legislative update from the PA House Democratic Caucus THE LATEST... Kim sponsoring expungement reform legislation State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin, is sponsoring two pieces of legislation with Reps. Jordan Harris and Ronald Waters, both D-Phila., designed to improve efficiency within Pennsylvania's criminal justice system by reforming current laws regarding expungement of criminal records. "These bills are targeting non-violent offenders and those who had charges never fully processed through the system," Kim said. "I am joining with two of my colleagues with the intent to simplify the expungement process. "There is a certain expectation that comes with expungement: for an individual to become a law-abiding citizen and not recommit a crime. If we really want to make an impact on lowering the crime rate, we need to have an open discussion about using the tools out there to do it, while at the same time not compromising public safety." READ MORE HERE. Corbett’s liquor plan is hypocritical to small businesses and educators The governor has made no secret of his objective to privatize more and more of the Commonwealth’s public assets. Even efficiently operated assets that are thriving revenue-generators aren’t safe from his ill-advised proposals, most recently to privatize liquor sales. On many occasions the governor has claimed to be a champion of Pennsylvania’s small, family-owned businesses, but the plan he and his privatization allies have promoted to overhaul the current system threatens those very businesses. Many of the state’s beer distributors have criticized Gov. Corbett’s plan because they’d be put at a competitive disadvantage against big box retailers like Wal-Mart. Under the Corbett plan, a license to expand into wine and spirit sales would cost beer distributors $150,000, while giant retail competitors with enormous profit margins would only pay $25,000 to $35,000 -- small change for Wal-Mart or Target. … READ MORE HERE. Readshaw bill would give licensing boards and commissions authority to collect unpaid fines House Bill 261, introduced by state Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Allegheny, has been unanimously approved by the House Professional Licensure Committee. The bill would provide specific authority to all 29 licensing boards and commissions within the Department of State’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs to suspend or revoke a license for failure to pay a fine or cost assessed as a result of a disciplinary process. “My bill would provide a new method for BPOA for collecting all unpaid fees, costs, fines and penalties plus interest. As well, any associated unpaid fines, costs, and interests that are equal or greater to $1,000 may be reduced to a judgment at the Commonwealth Court,” Readshaw said. "This process is used for collection of unpaid criminal fines and taxes. The boards and commissions under BPOA are self-funded and do not receive money from the General Fund for operational expenses. Revenue is generated through collection of fines and licensing fees. Collecting these fines will alleviate the financial burden on licenses not subject to disciplinary action.” READ MORE HERE. Bipartisan committee will examine school safety, make recommendations The Pennsylvania House of Representatives this week adopted a resolution (H.R. 53) co-authored by state Rep. Cherelle L. Parker, D-Phila., to create the Select Committee on School Safety and Security. Parker worked with state Rep. Gary Day, R-Berks/Lehigh, in formulating the criteria for and charge of the special House committee, which will identify thoroughly the current status of school security policies and procedures and corresponding state law before any new school safety legislation is put forward. The select committee will be focused on examining current security policies and procedures in public and nonpublic schools and institutions of higher education in the commonwealth; reviewing state laws and regulations related to school safety and security; determining effective methods to detect potentially violent perpetrators; and assessing potential budgetary, revenue and governance reforms necessary to address these matters. READ MORE HERE. Neuman resolution seeks immediate impeachment of Justice Melvin State Rep. Brandon Neuman, D-Washington, has circulated a co-sponsorship memorandum requesting support for a resolution calling for the immediate impeachment of convicted Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin. “I ask my fellow House members to move quickly on this impeachment resolution so the state Senate can schedule a trial without delay,” Neuman said. “Pennsylvania deserves a state Supreme Court that can be trusted and at full complement. “We shouldn’t waste time and taxpayers’ money on committee investigations and reports to remove a convicted and suspended justice,” Neuman said. “The investigation into her conduct is over – Melvin was found guilty of an infamous crime and misbehavior in office – and now it is time to begin rectifying this sordid episode by removing her immediately from the court." READ MORE HERE. Vitali bill would prevent further state forest leasing State Rep. Greg Vitali has introduced legislation, H.B. 950, which would permanently ban the leasing of additional state forestland for Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling. "Pennsylvania has already made about half of its state forestland available for drilling," said Vitali, Democratic chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. "The remaining 800,000 acres have old-growth forests, fragile ecosystems, and habitats for rare and endangered species. We need to protect this land for future generations." Vitali's bill is similar to an executive order signed in 2010 by former Gov. Ed Rendell that put a moratorium on additional leasing of state forests for drilling. However, Vitali said this legislation is needed because the moratorium could be undone with a stroke of Gov. Tom Corbett's pen. READ MORE HERE.

March 15, 2013 HOUSE DEMOCRATS IN THE NEWS Rep. Davis introduces legislation to restrict value of gifts lawmakers may accept Lawmakers eying elimination of school property taxes Crime still pays a pension in PA Corbett trying to reduce pensions for state workers and teachers Modernization over privatization of PA liquor sales system Seven Democrats, one Republican want to run for Pittsburgh mayor County not forewarned about loss of water PA House fight over statute of limitations for child sex victims intensifies Officials discuss ways to lessen economic impact of SCI-Cresson's closure Philadelphia-area Democrats salivate over possible open U.S. House seat Inspector general Faulkner leaving for job in Ohio Lawmakers demand ouster of PA Supreme Court Justice Orie Melvin New legislative session has brought renewed effort at charter school overhaul PA and federal lawmakers stress importance in helping veterans readjust to returning home PA lawmakers favor moderization over privatization of liquor stores State cutbacks could imperil human services in Washington and Greene counties Times-Tribune editorial board favors charter school reform bill introduced by Rep. Roebuck Mayoral hopefuls crash Pittsburgh's Democratic endorsement party Environmental activists fear proposed law would send mixed signals with gas industry Atlantic Broadband's decision to drop Pittsburgh TV station from Johnstown region brings complaints Northern Cambria Area Business Alliance plans session to address economic issues facing PA government Natural gas boom extends beyond well sites in Washington and Greene counties PA House poised to vote on HB 342 that would reform statute of limitations for child sex abuse Heavy lifting set to begin on closing 23 Philadelphia schools ------------- Follow the House Democratic Caucus on Social Media:

PA House of Representatives Democratic Caucus PO Box 202250 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2250