Act 1, House Bill 1426, Printer's Number 1994-January 12, 2004

Amends the "Urban Redevelopment Law" by adding provisions that must be contained in contracts between redevelopment authorities and redevelopers.  This act repeals any inconsistent provisions found in the "Public Works Contractors' Bond Law of 1967," and repeals absolutely Chapter 58 (Contractors' Bonds and Financial Security for Redevelopment Contracts) of Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.

This is the "Confidence in Law Enforcement Act," which: (1) prohibits the employment of persons convicted of certain offenses as law enforcement officers; and (2) provides for the suspension of law enforcement officers charged with certain offenses and the termination of officers upon conviction.

Implements Title 64 (Public Authorities and Quasi-Public Corporations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Pa.C.S.) by establishing a Chapter entitled "Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority." This Chapter continues, with changes, and repeals the "Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority Act" and the Chapter entitled "Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority" in Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pa.C.S.

Authorizes the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority certain lands situate in the City of Philadelphia and authorizes the Department of General Services, with the concurrence of the Department of Environmental Protection, to lease to Isle of Capri Associates land within the bed of the Delaware River in the City of Philadelphia.

Amends the "Volunteer Fire Company, Ambulance Service and Rescue Squad Assistance Act" by, among other things: (1) adding the definition "Agency," which shall mean the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and eliminating the definition "Department"; (2) authorizing the Commonwealth to borrow an additional $50,000,000, as approved by the electorate by means of a referendum on November 5, 2002, to implement the purposes of this act as well as the purposes established by Act 89 of 2002; and (3) making editorial changes and an appropriate repeal.

Amends "The Library Code" by: (1) authorizing the State Librarian, upon application by the board of directors of a local library, to waive certain standards and regulations for fiscal year (FY) 2003-2004; and (2) providing temporary emergency aid to local libraries for FY 2003-2004.

This is the "Elm Street Program Act," which establishes the Elm Street Program within the Department of Community and Economic Development for the purpose of assisting municipalities in preparing and implementing a revitalization strategy for established residential neighborhoods that are in close proximity to either a Main Street Program project or an existing commercial district.

Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by: (1) making it unlawful to obscure a vehicle registration plate in a manner that inhibits the operation of an automated red light enforcement system (System) in the City of Philadelphia and making such activity a summary offense; (2) further providing for the System administrator's costs; (3) extending the expiration date for the System from December 31, 2006, to December 31, 2007; (4) authorizing special motorcycle license plates for veterans; (5) requiring the parking authority of the City of Philadelphia to enforce and administer all ordinances and resolutions adopted by the City regulating or prohibiting stopping, standing, or parking on the City's local streets; (6) assessing a $10 surcharge upon all persons convicted in the City of Philadelphia of a violation of Title 75 and remitting the surcharge to appropriate towing and storage agents; and (7) making an editorial change.

Amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by: (1) authorizing municipalities (not including Philadelphia) to appoint to a parking authority governing body persons who maintain a business in the municipality served by the parking authority; (2) requiring the parking authority of the City of Philadelphia to enforce and administer a system of on-street parking regulation on behalf of the City; (3) providing for the allocation of the revenues generated by the on-street parking regulatory system; and (4) making an appropriate repeal.

This is the "Water and Wastewater Treatment Project Bond Act," which requires the submission to the electors at the 2004 primary election of a ballot question seeking approval for incurring indebtedness of $250,000,000 for grants and loans for the construction, expansion, or improvement of water and wastewater infrastructure.

This is the "Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority Act for Cities of the Second Class," which establishes the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA) for Cities of the Second Class to provide oversight and to assist the City of Pittsburgh (City) in alleviating its fiscal problems. Among other things, the Act: (1) establishes the membership of the ICA, sets forth its powers and duties, and makes a continuing appropriation of $200,000 for its operation; (2) limits the ability of the City to file for relief under federal bankruptcy law; and (3) requires that this act operates concurrently and equally with the "Municipalities Financial Recovery Act."

Repeals major provisions from the "Job Enhancement Act" and continues them, with alterations and an additional provision for Keystone Innovation Zones, within Title 12 (Commerce and Trades) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.

Amends the "Pennsylvania Construction Code Act" by: (1) further providing for Department of Labor and Industry (Department) regulations relative to stairway treads and risers; (2) further providing for Department administrative action and municipal adoption of future updates of model national building codes; and (3) requiring certain municipalities to collect an additional $2 per building or construction permit to be deposited in a newly established municipal code official training account within the State Treasury for use by the Department of Community and Economic Development to fund code official training programs.

Adds the "Uniform Trade Secrets Act" to Title 12 (Commerce and Trade) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Pa.C.S.). The Section entitled "Theft of trade secrets" in Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pa.C.S. is amended, by other things, by adding the definitions "Computer," "Computer network," and "Computer system."

This is the "Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Stabilization Act," which requires the Department of Public Welfare to: (1) annually distribute funds to eligible trauma centers for the purpose of improving access to readily available and coordinated trauma care for the citizens of this Commonwealth; (2) accept certain communications from trauma centers and the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation; and (3) make certain reports.

Amends the "Urban Redevelopment Law" to expand the definition "City" to include any borough with a population large enough for the borough to qualify for a charter as a city under "The Third Class City Code."

Amends Act 348 of 1937, which ratified a compact between the Commonwealth and the State of Ohio relative to the use and control of Pymatuning Lake, by: (1) increasing from ten to twenty horsepower the maximum engine rating for watercraft utilizing the Lake; (2) prohibiting persons from riding on or towing water skis, surfboards, or inflatable devices; (3) increasing the maximum fines that can be levied for violations of watercraft usage restrictions; and (4) making editorial changes. This Act is effective upon passage of similar amendatory language by the State of Ohio.

Amends "The Second Class Township Code" to authorize the establishment of shade tree commissions composed of five members as an alternative to the currently authorized three-member commissions.

Amends "The First Class Township Code" in the same manner as Act 18, above.

Amends Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by: (1) adding the definition "Normal hunting activities"; and (2) eliminating spent shotgun shells or spent rifle shell casings ejected during normal hunting activities from the unlawful littering restrictions imposed on hunters.

Amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by: (1) further providing for petitions for adoption; and (2) further providing for proceedings prior to petitions to adopt.

Amends Title 64 (Public Authorities and Quasi-Public Corporations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by: (1) adding a new Part entitled "Economic Development Financing," which establishes the Commonwealth Financing Authority and creates various economic stimulus programs to be administered by the Authority; (2) renumbering the existing Part II (Public Authorities) of the Title as Part III; and (3) making an appropriate repeal.

Amends Title 12 (Commerce and Trade) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by adding a Chapter entitled "Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Program," which establishes within the Department of Community and Economic Development a program to enhance the economic development of the Commonwealth by providing financial assistance in the form of multiyear grants to issuing authorities toward payment of debt service on projects.

Amends "The Local Tax Enabling Act" to specify that the amendments made to the definitions "Earned income" and "Net profits" by Act 166 of 2002 shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002. The definition "Earned income" is also amended to exclude wages or compensation paid to individuals on active military service. This change shall also apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002.

Repeals Act 28 of 1870, entitled "An act for the draining of swampy and wet lands."

Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by expanding and clarifying the elements of the offense "Deceptive or fraudulent business practices."

Authorizes the Department of General Services, with approvals, to convey to Cumberland Township, certain permanent easements situated in Cumberland Township, Adams County.

Authorizes the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Butler County, certain lands situate in the City of Butler, Butler County.

Amends "The Second Class Township Code" to eliminate the need for advertising and competitive bidding prior to the lease or sale of township real property when the sale or lease of the property is to a nonprofit association or nonprofit corporation organized to acquire and maintain real property for the preservation, conservation, and stewardship of open space.

Amends the "Occupational Therapy Practice Act" to permit a licensed occupational therapist to provide direct occupational therapy to an individual for a specific medical condition based on a referral from a licensed optometrist.

Authorizes the Department of Transportation to convey to Elkland Township a tract of land situate in Elkland Township, Sullivan County.

Authorizes the Department of General Services, with approvals, to grant and convey certain land situate in East Hanover Township, Dauphin County, to named persons in consideration for a grant and conveyance of certain land situate in East and West Hanover Townships, Dauphin County.

Amends "The Second Class Township Code" to eliminate the need for advertising and competitive bidding prior to the lease or sale of township real property when the sale or lease of the property is to a nonprofit association or nonprofit corporation organized to acquire and maintain real property for the preservation, conservation, and stewardship of open space.

Amends "The First Class Township Code" to eliminate the requirement that approval of the electorate be obtained before a township erects or maintains a fire house.

Amends the "Vital Statistics Law of 1953" to further provide for: (1) the birth registration of children born in a country other than the United States; and (2) the change of civil status registration of foreign born children adopted in Pennsylvania. These changes shall apply to any child born on or after January 1, 1986.

Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by: (1) establishing the elements of an offense dealing with the impermissible body piercing of minors and providing penalties for violations; (2) altering the elements specified in connection with the offense dealing with the impermissible tattooing of minors and increasing the penalties for second or subsequent violations; and (3) establishing that a person who holds, conducts, or operates a greyhound race for public exhibition for monetary remuneration commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Amends Act 203 of 1931, referred to as the "Township State Highway Law," to add a section of road in Logan Township, Blair County, to the State highway system. This transfer is predicated on the successful turnback of a State road of a similar length to Logan Township.

Designates a bridge on State Route 553 in Alverda, Pine Township, Indiana County, as the "HM3 Charles Edward ("Doc") Mariskanish Bridge."

Amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by: (1) repealing the "Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act"; (2) adding the "Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act"; and (3) correcting references to the repealed Act where they occur in the "Standby Guardianship Act" and elsewhere in the Title.

This is the "Capital Budget Project Itemization Act of 2003-2004," which authorizes debt to be incurred for certain itemized projects and itemizes various projects to be undertaken by enumerated State agencies and departments. Appropriate repeals are provided.

Authorizes the sale and transfer of ownership of land, with limitations pursuant to the "Project 70 Land Acquisition and Borrowing Act," located in Wharton Township, Fayette County.

Amends Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by: (1) further specifying the elements of the offense of resisting or interfering with the performance of a Game Commission officer; (2) making the refusal to produce identification upon demand of an officer a summary offense of the fifth degree; and (3) establishing that the production of false identification to an officer under certain circumstances is a summary offense of the second degree.

Amends Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by altering the definition "safety zone" as it applies to properly licensed persons hunting with bows and arrows or crossbows.

Amends the "Medical Practice Act of 1985" by: (1) adding the definition "Home health care agency"; and (2) establishing criteria and procedures for out-of-state physicians who order home health care services for patients residing in the Commonwealth.

Authorizes, subject to specific conditions and approvals, the Department of General Services to make the following land conveyances: (1) to the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County certain lands situate in North Versailles Township, Allegheny County; and (2) to the Lock Haven University Foundation certain land situate in the City of Lock Haven, Clinton County.

Amends "The Insurance Department Act of 1921" to add provisions for certain policyholder collateral, deductible reimbursements, and other policyholder obligations. The terms "Collateral," "Deductible agreement," "Deductible reimbursement policy," and "Non-covered claims" are defined for purposes of interpreting the new statutory provisions.

Amends Act 210 of 1889, a supplementary act relating to the board of wardens for the Port of Philadelphia and for the regulation of pilots and pilotage, to further provide for charges to be collected for pilot services.

Amends Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to establish an exception that would allow for unlicensed persons, under specific conditions and restrictions, to participate in hunting or trapping activities.

This is the "Commercial Manure Hauler and Broker Certification Act," which requires the Department of Agriculture to develop a program to train and certify commercial manure haulers and brokers and establishes requirements for these entities and for agricultural operators utilizing their services.

Amends the "Civil Service Act" by further providing for the educational prerequisites that satisfy the statutory educational requirements for persons applying for positions or promotions in the classified service.

Amends the "Home Inspection Law" in Title 68 (Real and Personal Property) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by: (1) authorizing licensed or registered engineers and architects, with conditions, to perform home inspections without becoming members of a national home inspection association; and (2) entitling buyers to rely on such home inspectors.

Would have amended the "Home Rule Charter and Optional Plans Law" within Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to further provide for the auditing powers and duties of the city controller as they relate to authorities having board members appointed by named officials of the City of Pittsburgh. This Act would also have imposed monthly financial reporting requirements on various departments and authorities.

Would have amended the "Home Rule Charter and Optional Plans Law" within Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to require that the balanced budget of the City of Pittsburgh, or of any authority having board members appointed by any elected official of the City, shall not include projected revenue that, in order to be collected, required the enactment of new taxing powers by the General Assembly.

Would have amended the "Public School Code of 1949" by: (1) clarifying the continuing authority for a superintendent of a school district or an administrative director of an area vocational-technical school to recommend modifications to the expulsion of a student who has transferred from public school or private school while under expulsion; and (2) establishing the Emergency Basic Education Subsidy Fund as a separate fund in the State Treasury for the purpose of providing school districts with emergency basic education funding in instances in which State annual basic education funding has not been enacted by August 15 of any fiscal year beginning after June 30, 2004. The Governor vetoed this legislation because he believed it interfered with executive Constitutional obligations to develop a balanced budget and financial plan each fiscal year. Further, the Governor believed the bill abrogated the executive ability to disapprove or reduce the funding level of appropriations as specified in the Constitution.

Repeals Act 378 of 1919, an act entitled "Fixing the salaries and compensation of the officers, clerks, and employes in the office of the recorder of deeds of any county having a population of one million five hundred thousand inhabitants or over."

Amends Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to establish a special wild turkey license and to provide for the cost of such license.

This is the "Interstate Compact for Juveniles Act," which authorizes the Governor to execute a compact with any one or more of the states for the purpose of the proper supervision or return of juveniles, delinquents, and status offenders who are on probation or parole and who have absconded, escaped, or run away from supervision and control. The subarticle in the "Public Welfare Code" entitled "Interstate Compact on Juveniles" is repealed.

Amends the "Medical Practice Act of 1985" by, among other things, requiring the State Board of Medicine to promulgate and enforce rules and regulations establishing requirements of continuing education to be met by individuals holding certification as respiratory care practitioners as a condition for certificate renewal.

Amends the "Osteopathic Medical Practice Act" by, among other things: (1) altering the definitions "Certification" and "Physician assistant"; (2) requiring physician assistants to be licensed rather than certified; and (3) requiring the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine to promulgate and enforce rules and regulations establishing requirements of continuing education to be met by individuals holding certification as respiratory care practitioners as a condition for certificate renewal.

This is the "Sign Language Interpreter and Transliterator State Registration Act," which provides for registration of qualified sign language interpreters and transliterators with the Department of Labor and Industry.

Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by: (1) authorizing municipalities to adopt ordinances which would prohibit any vehicle from parking within 30 feet upon the approach to a sign warning of the possible presence of a person with a disability who may frequently cross the roadway at the sign location; and (2) increasing the maximum fine that may be levied for local parking violations from $15 to $50.

Redesignates the bridge known as the "Napoleon Street Bridge," in the City of Johnstown, Cambria County, as the "Edward A. Silk Memorial Bridge."

Repeals Act 28 of 1873 and Act 83 of 1874, acts which provided for a permanent centennial exposition building in the City of Philadelphia.

Designates a portion of State Route 4013 in Blair County as the "Jack E. Kuhn Memorial Highway."

Designates a portion of State Route 405 from Clinton Township to Montgomery Borough, Lycoming County, as the "Dr. Charles F. Taylor Memorial Highway" and designates a bridge over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River on State Route 405 between Muncy Creek Township and Clinton Township, Lycoming County, as the "The Last Raft Memorial Bridge."

Appropriates $4,689,000 from the restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Office of Consumer Advocate in the Office of Attorney General for operation of that office for FY 2004-2005.

Appropriates $967,000 from the restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Office of Small Business Advocate in the Department of Community and Economic Development for operation of that office for FY 2004-2005.

Appropriates up to $23,490,000 from the State Employees' Retirement Fund to the State Employees' Retirement Board for various expenses for FY 2004-2005 and for payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of FY 2003-2004.

Appropriates up to $41,776,000 from the Public School Employees' Retirement Fund to the Public School Employees' Retirement Board for various expenses for FY 2004-2005 and for payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of FY 2003-2004.

Appropriates up to $22,902,000 from the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account within the General Fund to the Department of State for operation of the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, including the State Board of Auctioneer Examiners, for FY 2004-2005. Additionally, the Act appropriates various sums from the restricted receipts or augmentation accounts of several boards or commissions for operation of the boards or commissions for FY 2004-2005; however, each appropriation shall be treated and accounted for as a separate appropriation rather than as an augmentation to the Department of State.

Appropriates up to $55,000,000 from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry for necessary costs for the administration of the "Workers' Compensation Act" and "The Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act" for FY 2004-2005, and for payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of FY 2003-2004. Also, appropriates $184,000 from the restricted revenue account within the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to the Office of Small Business Advocate in the Department of Community and Economic Development for operation of that office for FY 2004-2005.

This is the "General Appropriation Act of 2004," which provides for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government of the Commonwealth for FY 2004-2005.

Appropriates up to $44,916,000 from the restricted revenue account within the General Fund and from federal augmentation funds to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for the operation of the Commission for FY 2004-2005. Additionally, $425,000 in federal augmentation funds are appropriated to enforce the federal "Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act," and $1,575,000 in federal funds are appropriated pursuant to the federal "Motor Carrier Safety" requirements.

Act 63, Senate Bill 200, Printer's Number 1765-July 4, 2004

Amends Title 24 (Education) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to further provide for the benefits of annuitants who return to school service during an emergency or in an extracurricular position.

Repeals Act 413 of 1945, an act which authorized the Pennsylvania Post-War Planning Commission to enter into agreements with political subdivisions in Pennsylvania for the financing of plans and specifications for public works.

Amends Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by specifying conditions whereby an eligible member of the armed forces of the United States or a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard serving on full-time duty or as a civil service technician with a national guard unit may terminate a housing rental agreement.

Amends the "Milk Producers' Security Act" by, among other things: (1) adding the definitions "Handler" and "Vested milk dealer"; and (2) further providing for titles to milk, security and bonding protections, and penalties for violations.

Amends the "Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act" by, among other things: (1) redefining the terms "Capital project," "Community college projects," "Public improvement projects," and "Redevelopment assistance capital projects," adding the definition "Hospital," and eliminating the definitions "Other capital projects," "PIDA projects," "Redevelopment assistance projects," and "Site development projects"; (2) increasing the maximum amount of redevelopment assistance capital projects that may be undertaken by the Commonwealth for which obligations are to be issued from $1,510,000,000 to $2,150,000,000; and (3) requiring that all redevelopment assistance capital projects construction work be performed subject to the "Steel Products Procurement Act."

Amends "The Library Code" by: (1) extending, for an additional fiscal year, the authority of the State Librarian to waive certain standards and regulations; and (2) establishing the formula for library eligibility for State aid for fiscal year 2004-2005.

Amends the "Public Welfare Code" by adding Articles entitled "Medicaid Managed Care Organization Assessments" and "Intermediate Care Facilities for Mentally Retarded Persons Assessments." The Act also requires the Department of Public Welfare to provide a report to the General Assembly on pharmaceutical programs available within this Commonwealth that benefit residents with significant pharmaceutical costs.

Amends the "Public School Code of 1949" by, among other things: (1) defining an optometric extern performing procedures and tests under the direct supervision of a licensed health care professional as "a student enrolled in an accredited school or college of optometry in the United States"; (2) authorizing any school district to assign some or all of its claims for delinquent taxes for an amount and under such terms and conditions as determined by the district; (3) requiring annual reports to the Department of Education from school districts that employ school police; (4) authorizing districts to enter into agreements with institutions of higher education to allow students to attend college courses while enrolled in the district; (5) adding an Article entitled "Character Education Program," which authorizes districts to establish and implement character education programs into their curriculum; and (6) generally, providing the formulas for ascertaining the Commonwealth's fiscal support for public education.

Implements Title 4 (Amusements) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by adopting the "Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act," a comprehensive statute which provides for limited slot machine gaming as a source of new revenue to support various programs and initiatives. Appropriate repeals, including a specific repeal to the "Liquor Code," are provided.

This is the "Homeowner Tax Relief Act," which provides mechanisms whereby school districts, except for the school district of the City of Philadelphia, may reduce taxes on homestead and farmstead property. Among other things, this act: (1) creates the Property Tax Relief Fund out of which qualified school districts will receive state funds generated from the Commonwealth's share of gaming revenue for the purpose of reducing real property taxes; (2) establishes procedures by which school districts may participate in this act by enacting a local earned income tax (EIT) or personal income tax as set forth in the act; (3) with delineated exceptions, provides for voter approval of certain tax increases which exceed the defined "index"; (4) grants to nonresidents working in Philadelphia a credit in the form of a state reimbursement against their EIT liability to their resident school district, with limitations; and (5) creates the "Local Tax Relief Act," which would provide a distribution of state gaming monies to Philadelphia that must be used to reduce wage taxes imposed under Act 45 of 1932(1), referred to as the "Sterling Act."

FOLLOWING ARE APPROPRIATION ACTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005. WE WILL NOTE ONLY THE AMOUNT APPROPRIATED BY THE LEGISLATURE, THE RECIPIENT, AND THE SPECIFIC PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE APPROPRIATION WAS MADE. MANY OF THESE APPROPRIATION BILLS INCLUDE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION OF VARIOUS REPORTS TO DESIGNATED STATE AGENCIES.

Appropriates up to $317,179,000 to The Pennsylvania State University for various purposes.

Appropriates up to $168,768,000 to the University of Pittsburgh for various purposes.

Appropriates up to $169,989,000 to Temple University for various purposes.

Appropriates up to $12,619,000 to Lincoln University for various purposes.

Appropriates a total of $43,791,000 to the University of Pennsylvania for various purposes.

Appropriates a total of $12,086,000 to the Philadelphia Health and Education Corporation for various purposes.

Appropriates a total of $9,406,000 to the Thomas Jefferson University and to the Trustees of Jefferson Medical College and Hospital, Philadelphia, for various purposes.

Appropriates $4,766,000 to the Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, for instruction.

Appropriates $1,425,000 to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Philadelphia, for instruction.

Appropriates $1,150,000 to the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, for instruction and student aid.

Appropriates a total of $1,511,000 to the Berean Training and Industrial School, Philadelphia, for operation, maintenance, and debt service.

Appropriates $183,000 to the Johnson Technical Institute of Scranton for operation and maintenance.

Appropriates $67,000 to the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades, Delaware County, for operation and maintenance.

Appropriates $776,000 to the Fox Chase Institute for Cancer Research, Philadelphia, for operation and maintenance.

Appropriates a total of $306,000 to the Wistar Institute and the Wistar Institute-Research, Philadelphia, for operation and maintenance and for research on acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Appropriates $130,000 to the Central Penn Oncology Group.

Appropriates $49,000 to the Lancaster Cleft Palate for patient treatment.

Appropriates $49,000 to the Pittsburgh Cleft Palate for patient treatment.

Appropriates $418,000 to the Burn Foundation, Philadelphia, for patient treatment.

Appropriates $970,000 to The Children's Institute, Pittsburgh.

Appropriates $451,000 to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for various purposes.

Appropriates $117,000 to the Beacon Lodge Camp for services to the blind.

Appropriates a total of $462,000 to the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Science Center.

Appropriates $428,000 to the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, for maintenance of the Academy.

Appropriates $326,000 to the African-American Museum, Philadelphia.

Appropriates $42,000 to the Everhart Museum, Scranton.

Appropriates $178,000 to the Mercer Museum, Doylestown.

Appropriates $128,000 to the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, Harrisburg.

Appropriates $6,632,000 to Drexel University, Philadelphia, for instruction and student aid.  

Appropriates $699,000 to the Franklin Institute Science Museum, Philadelphia, for maintenance of the Institute.

Appropriates $1,763,000 to the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie.  

***Became law without the Governor's signature.***

Amends Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by: (1) adding the definition "Custodial child care facility"; (2) requiring the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (Agency) to provide assistance to Commonwealth agencies, schools, and custodial child care facilities (facilities) in designing emergency management plans and training programs; (3) requiring the Agency to provide technical advice and assistance to schools and facilities in relation to disaster emergency management plans; and (4) requiring disaster response and emergency preparedness plans and drills by such facilities.

Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Pa.C.S.) by: (1) establishing the offense "Railroad protection, railroad vandalism and interference with transportation facilities"; (2) establishing the offense of stowing away on a train or train car; and (3) making both offenses misdemeanors of the third degree. Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedures) of the Pa.C.S. is also amended to provide for railroad carrier civil immunity.

Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by: (1) allowing persons who are licensed out-of-state to supervise Commonwealth drivers holding a learner's permit; (2) requiring an emergency vehicle to first make a complete stop before passing a school bus flashing its red signal lights and activating its side stop signal arms; (3) adding the definition "Child passenger safety technician" and providing for the immunity of technicians or sponsoring organizations that install or lend child safety seats and booster seats; (4) authorizing the use of monies from the Child Passenger Restraint Fund for the purchase of child booster seats by qualified loaner programs; (5) increasing, from under 4 years of age to under 8 years of age, the eligible class of children for whom loaner programs can make seats available; and (6) making a repeal. Additionally, the "Uniform Commercial Driver's License Act" in Title 75 is amended to allow persons holding a commercial driver's license permit to take their examination in 15 rather than 30 days.

Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by: (1) authorizing podiatrists, chiropractors, physician assistants, or certified registered nurse practitioners to provide health care provider's statements to persons applying for a special plate or parking placard for persons with disabilities; (2) requiring, under certain conditions, these health care professionals to file reports relating to their patients' mental or physical disabilities; (3) authorizing chiropractors to conduct examinations required for the issuance of a driver's license and a school bus driver endorsement; and (4) authorizing the Department of Transportation, licensed drivers, or applicants to utilize the services of certified registered nurse practitioners and physician assistants for examinations and reports related to determinations of competence to drive a motor vehicle. This amendment abrogates any inconsistent existing State regulations promulgated by the Department of Transportation.

Amends Title 62 (Procurement) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by: (1) authorizing and, under some conditions, directing the Department of General Services (Department) to enter into cooperative purchasing contracts solely for the use of local public procurement units or State-affiliated entities; (2) imposing additional reporting requirements on the Department in relation to contracts awarded to small and disadvantaged businesses; and (3) making comprehensive changes to the "Guaranteed Energy Savings Act."

Amends the "Emergency Medical Services Act" to update a statutory reference to a section in Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The effect of the corrected reference is to allow for the continuation of the $25 fee imposed as costs upon persons admitted to programs for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD). This fee is deposited into a special State fund entitled the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund.

Amends "The Borough Code" to authorize any employe of a wastewater treatment authority that was created by a borough and one or more townships pursuant to the "Municipality Authorities Act" and had commenced operations after December 1, 2001, who satisfies the other requirements of this amendment and has past service credits under the borough retirement plan, to file a written election with the borough council and the wastewater authority to be a member of the borough retirement system. A qualified employee shall file the written election within one year after the effective date of this amendment.

Amends the "Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Act" to extend, from June 30, 2004, to June 30, 2005, the authorization period for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to award grants under the act. An additional appropriate fiscal allocation is made to fund the grants, and an allocation formula is provided.

Amends the "Municipal Pension Plan Funding Standard and Recovery Act" to further provide for the amortization of certain investment losses and certain survivor benefits. Changes in these amortization schedules must be reflected in the contents of an actuarial valuation report.

Amends the "Public School Code of 1949" by: (1) further providing for credit-earning courses offered to students as part of training as a firefighter or an emergency medical technician; (2) reenacting a provision relating to education empowerment districts in the "Education Empowerment Act"; (3) adding an Article entitled "Credit Card Marketing," which provides for the regulation of on-campus credit card marketing at institutions of higher education; (4) reenacting a section providing for temporary special aid to school districts suffering loss of tax revenue due to a reduction in the assessed valuation of taxable property; and (5) reenacting a provision concerning the powers and duties of the State Board of Education.

Amends Act 153 of 1923, referred to as the "Municipal Claim and Tax Lien Law" by: (1) defining the words "charges, expenses, and fees" as used in the law; (2) providing a uniform 9-month redemption period for occupied residential property sold pursuant to the law, with no redemption period for property defined as "vacant"; and (3) relating to sheriff's sales in the City of Philadelphia, reducing the period during which a person may file a petition to overturn the sale of real property from 6 months to 3 months.

Amends "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act" by: (1) prohibiting, except for legitimate agricultural or industrial use and in an approved container, the possession or transportation of liquefied ammonia gas or other precursors and chemicals; and (2) requiring the State Police to maintain a statewide repository of data relating to clandestine drug laboratories.

This is the "Elderly Immunization Act," which requires hospitals and certain other medical facilities, under specified conditions, to inform elderly patients about the availability of vaccinations for the influenza virus and pneumococcal disease. Responsibilities of the Department of Health are enumerated.

Amends the "Public Employee Pension Forfeiture Act" by further defining "crimes related to public office or public employment," thereby requiring school employees to forfeit their public pension when they commit certain sexual offenses against a student.

Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by: (1) substantially rewriting the subchapter entitled "Child Victims and Witnesses;" and (2) adding comparative negligence provisions that deal with off-road vehicle riding area operations.

Amends the "Sunshine Act" in Title 65 (Public Officers) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to include within the definition "Agency" the governing board of any nonprofit corporation which by a mutually binding legal written agreement with a community college or State-aided, State-owned, or State-related institution of higher education is granted legally enforceable supervisory and advisory powers regarding the degree programs of the institution of higher education.

Designates the proposed Route 222 bypass in Lehigh County from the point immediately south of I-78 in Lower Macungie Township through portions of Upper Macungie Township to the south interchange of Route 100 in Lower Macungie Township as the "Fred Jaindl Memorial Highway."

Designates Exit 182 on Interstate 81 in Lackawanna County as the "Chuck Mattei Interchange."

Amends "The General County Assessment Law" by instituting a two-step process to increase real estate tax revenues in the year following a countywide reassessment. Initially, this amendment requires that the political subdivision set the tax rate to be revenue-neutral. The second step permits the governing body to vote to increase the real estate tax rate, subject to the current 10 percent antiwindfall limitation. The amended provision explicitly does not apply to Philadelphia or Allegheny Counties."

Amends the "Pennsylvania Construction Code Act" by, among other things: (1) adding the definitions "Addition," "Alteration," "Recreational cabin," "Repair," and "Residential building"; (2) excluding from the act many alterations and repairs to residential buildings; (3) subject to specified conditions, also excluding recreation cabins; (4) increasing from 500 to 1,000 square feet the maximum area in the definition of "Utility and miscellaneous use structures" which may be exempted; (5) authorizing municipalities to enact additional requirements for alteration and repair of residential buildings and stricter standards for utility and miscellaneous use structures; and (6) providing exemptions from the act for the display of natural cut [Christmas] trees and for one-room schoolhouses utilized by recognized religious sects.

Authorizes the release of "Project 70 Land Acquisition and Borrowing Act" restrictions imposed on certain lands owned by the City of Scranton, Lackawanna County, being conveyed by the city in return for the imposition of Project 70 restrictions on certain lands being conveyed to the city.

Extensively reenacts and amends provisions in the Chapters entitled "Parking Authorities" and "Taxicabs and Limousines in First Class Cities" in Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Pa.C.S.). Appropriate repeals to Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pa.C.S. are provided.

Amends the "Tax Reform Code of 1971" by adding an Article entitled "Film Production Tax Credit," which establishes a State tax credit for taxpayers who incur qualified film production expenses.

Would have amended the "Home Rule Charter and Optional Plans Law" in Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to establish a list of criteria and procedures which must be met in order for the City of Philadelphia to pursue any force reduction or elimination of any ladder or engine company in the City fire department. The Governor vetoed this legislation because he believed it: (1) interfered with the City's fiscal management when deciding the necessary level of services offered to the public in relation to the burden that such services have on the municipal tax base; (2) implicated labor management issues; and (3) had no rational basis for applying these restrictions to only one municipality.

Amends the "Mechanics' Lien Law of 1963" by augmenting the procedure under which written contracts between owners and contractors are maintained and indexed by the office of prothonotary to further provide for electronic indexing of such filings.

Extensively amends the "Pennsylvania Election Code" by, among other things:  (1) authorizing the Secretary of the Commonwealth to order county boards of elections to conduct a recount or recanvass of a statewide election ballot or ballot question when election results are separated by one-half of a percent or less of the total votes cast; (2) prohibiting county boards from paying compensation to judges of elections who willfully fail to carry out their electoral return obligation by two o'clock a.m. on the day following the election; (3) in addition to an election watcher serving in the district to which the watcher is appointed, authorizing a watcher to serve in any election district in which the watcher is a qualified registered elector; (4) eliminating the fees for the filing of nominating petitions for persons seeking election to public office in a borough, town, or township of the first class; (5) further providing for the casting of provisional ballots; and (6) further establishing criteria for the recount or recanvass of ballots.

Provides that the standards adopted by the Voting Standards Development Board under section 204 of the "Pennsylvania Election Code," as published by the Department of State in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, Vol. 33, No. 31, on August 2, 2003, shall, for the general election in 2004, have the force and effect of law.

Amends the "Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code" by: (1) providing in the definition "Multimunicipal plan" that all municipalities participating in the plan need not be contiguous if all of them are within the same school district; (2) expressly stating that members of the zoning hearing board shall hold no other "elected or appointed" office in the municipality "nor shall any member be an employee of the municipality"; (3) imposing the immediately preceding restrictions on zoning hearing board alternate members; and (4) further providing for the utilization of alternate members on zoning hearing boards.

Amends the "Assessors Certification Act" to include assessors employed by a county of the second class (Allegheny) within the requirements of the act.

This Act provides for, with exceptions, the permanent identification labeling of dentures.

Designates a bridge on State Route 11 crossing the Susquehanna River between Great Bend Township and Hallstead Borough, Susquehanna County, as the "Community Memorial Bridge."

Amends the "Crime Victims Act" by: (1) altering the definition "Crime" to reflect current statutory citations for referenced offenses; and (2) providing that a claim for compensation must be filed no later than two years after the "discovery" of the occurrence of the crime upon which the claim is based rather than limiting claims to the current two-year period which is calculated beginning on the date of the crime.

Amends Act 45 of 1991, an act which named two bridges in the Commonwealth, to further designate the "General Thomas R. Morgan Bridge" in the Borough of Slatington, Lehigh County, as the "General Thomas R. Morgan USMC Bridge."

Amends Title 54 (Names) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by providing that a surviving spouse may, at any time, resume any prior surname used by him or her by filing a written notice to such effect in the office of the clerk of courts of common pleas of the county where the surviving spouse resides, accompanied by a certificate of death for the decedent.

Amends "The Second Class Township Code" to authorize the board of supervisors to establish a nine-member recreation board as an alternative to the currently authorized five- or seven-member board.

Amends Act 37 of 1972, an act regulating the importation and sale of live turtles, by: (1) eliminating Department of Health permitting requirements and replacing them with federal statutory and regulatory requirements; and (2) requiring that information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on human salmonellosis infection associated with reptiles accompany the retail sale of live turtles.

Amends "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act" by: (1) adding the definition "Structure"; (2) making unlawful the manufacture of methamphetamines in a structure where any child under 18 years of age is present or in a manner that causes a child to suffer bodily injury; and (3) providing penalties for such violations.

Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to require that when any person is convicted of an offense under "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act," involving the manufacture of a controlled substance, the court shall order the person to make restitution for the costs incurred in the cleanup, including labor costs, equipment, and supplies, of any clandestine laboratory used by the person to manufacture the controlled substance. Relevant definitions are supplied.

Authorizes the Department of General Services, with approvals, to convey a tract of land in the Borough of Archbald, Lackawanna County, to named persons in exchange for conveyances to the Commonwealth of certain tracts of land. Also, pursuant to the "Project 70 Land Acquisition and Borrowing Act," tracts of land located in Wharton Township, Fayette County, are sold and transferred, with conditions, to Woodlands Zoo, Inc.

Designates the bridge on State Route 522 crossing the Black Log Creek, Cromwell Township, Huntingdon County, as the "Huntingdon County World War II Veterans Memorial Bridge."

Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by, among other things: (1) requiring the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to establish separate guidelines for county and State intermediate punishment for use by the courts; and (2) adding a chapter entitled "State Intermediate Punishment," which is adopted for the purpose of creating a drug offender treatment program administered by the Department of Corrections that not only punishes persons who commit crimes, but also provides treatment for those persons to address their drug or alcohol addiction or abuse thereby reducing the incidents of recidivism and enhancing public safety. Appropriate repeals, including a specific repeal to the "Motivational Boot Camp Act," are made.

Redesignates the bridge on State Route 228 that passes over Interstate 79 in Cranberry Township, Butler County, as the "79th Infantry Division Memorial Bridge."

Amends the "Tobacco Settlement Agreement Act" to further provide for the escrow accounts of certain tobacco product manufacturers.

Designates a portion of State Route 1014 in Cumberland County as the "Senator John D. Hopper Memorial Bypass."

Amends the "Tax Reform Code of 1971" to extend the sunset date for the employment incentive payments tax credit program from December 31, 2004, to December 31, 2009. The Secretary of Public Welfare is required to report to the General Assembly on the effectiveness of the incentive payments not later than December 31, 2008.

Authorizes the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey a tract of land with improvements in Polk Borough, Venango County, to Frenchcreek Township, Venango County.

THE GOVERNOR'S DESK IS CURRENTLY CLEAR OF BILLS TO BE SIGNED