May 2012
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House Transportation – Off the Floor

The committee reported as amended HB 785 which excludes from the sales tax certain transactions involving aviation. The members also reported as amended a series of road/bridge designation bills including HB 1468, HB 1779, HB 1801, and HB 1826. Reported as committed were HB 1783, HB 1799, and SB 968. Also reported as amended was SB 48. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.


House Transportation Committee – 9:00 a.m.

The House Transportation committee held a public hearing today to discuss speed enforcement technology in work- and school-zones. Testifying first, Major Harvey Cole, the Director of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Patrol, warned the committee that current legislation would not allow the use of speed enforcement technology to help control traffic speeds. According to Cole, while it is a “noble proposal,” “existing laws make this enforcement near impossible.” Adam Tuton, the Senior Vice President of American Traffic Solutions, explained the benefits of an automated speed enforcement program. Citing the use of programs in Illinois and Scottsdale, Arizona, Tuton  assured the committee that the use of such programs would “drastically reduce speeding and hence, the number of accidents and fatalities.” Representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Scott Christie and Glenn Rowe, testified last. They explained that current Commonwealth law does not allow the use of  fully automated speed enforcement. Christie stressed that the implementation of such a program would be a tool for police, not a replacement. Rowe also explained various challenges of the program, such as the legal restrictions and accuracy of the technology. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the complete story.

House Transportation – Off the Floor

The committee met to consider two bills. SB 380 and SB 888 were both unanimously reported as committed. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

House Transportation – Off the Floor

The committee considered seven bills. The following bills were unanimously reported as amended: HB 590, HB 692, HB 1189, and HB 1300. The members reported as committed SB 731. HB 1035 was reported with a recommendation that it be recommitted to House Judiciary and HB 1497 was passed over. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.

House Transportation – Off the Floor

The committee met to consider six bills. Reported out as amended were HB 155, HB 352, HB 1321. Reported out as committee were HB 117, HB 1151 and HB 1335. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.

House Tourism and Recreational Development -11:00 a.m.

The committee held a public hearing on HB 719; the legislation would require certified lifeguards in state parks public beaches.  Rep. Sue Helm (D-Dauphin), prime sponsor of the bill, stated that her job is to ensure the safety of her constituents and noted that since tourism is the number two industry in Pennsylvania the state should make sure visitors are safe as well. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

House Tourism & Recreational Development – 9:00 a.m.

The committee heard a presentation from the Tourism Coalition. The Coalition urged the committee to restore the state’s tourism funding at current fiscal year levels; enact post-Labor Day school start legislation; and enact legislation prohibiting municipalities from imposing amusement taxes on permanent amusement parks. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.

House Tourism and Recreational Development – 9:30 a.m.

The committee heard a presentation from Michael Brennan, President, Fisheye Virtual Tours. He  gave an overview of the company and pitched an idea for 360 virtual tours of Pennsylvania’s state parks. It would not require any monetary investment from the state and Chairman Thaddeus Kirkland (D-Philadelphia) and other members of the committee expressed support for the idea. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

House Transportation – 11:00 a.m.

The committee conducted a public hearing on the issue of vehicle accidents involving death and personal injury. Testimony was presented by Rep. Phyllis Mundy (D-Luzerne), the PA Commission on Sentencing, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Members also heard particularly moving testimony from Albert Vannucchi from Luzerne County whose son Erik was killed by a hit and run driver. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

House Transportation – 9:00 a.m.

The House Transportation Committee met today to discuss the Ignition Interlock system. Representatives of the American Beverage Institute, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, and the PA DUI Association provided testimony and answered committee members questions regarding pros and cons of the Ignition Interlock system. Kurt Myers of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation was also present to relay the opinion of his department with the committee. Committee members briefly discussed the implications of HB 1006, HB 639 and HB 914. Check the Capitol Tool Box later for more information.