Monday April 15th

House of Representatives

Senate Bill 709

Amends Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to increase the penalty for killing a bald or golden eagle from $200 to $2,000. The bill also increases the penalty one degree for violation, but includes an amendment to ensure that an individual is not charged more than once per offense.

Votes: 171 yes, 30 no, Leave 1 (Rep. Joe Kerwin is on leave while deployed in the National Guard)

No: Doyle Heffley, Jack Rader, Jamie Barton, Tim Twardzik, Zack Mako and Ryan Mackenzie.

House Bill 1799

Allows local taxing authorities to exempt taxes on shopping mall redevelopment and improvements. It also establishes an advisory board within the State Planning Board to guide municipalities on redeveloping shopping malls into affordable housing and other mixed-use spaces.

Votes: 106 yes, 95 no, LVE 1

No: Doyle Heffley, Jack Rader, Jamie Barton, Tim Twardzik, Zack Mako, Ryan Mackenzie.

House Bill 2119

A bill that would exempt rollovers from a 529 account to a Roth IRA from state taxes. This would give Pennsylvanians more flexibility in using their 529 funds and add another option for saving for retirement. The bill is an amendment to the Tax Reform Code of 1971, which provides for classes of income in personal income tax.

Votes: 198 yes, 3 no, 1 LVE

Yes: Doyle Heffley, Jack Rader, Jamie Barton, Tim Twardzik, Zack Mako and Ryan Mackenzie.

House Bill 1853

Would require that the Department of Health’s nursing care field officers hold annual meetings with staff at the licensed nursing facilities under their jurisdiction. The goal of these meetings is to discuss and share information on survey results, patterns, trends, and best practices to improve quality care across the commonwealth’s nursing care facilities.

Votes: 124 yes, 77 no, 1 LVE

No: Doyle Heffley, Jack Rader, Jamie Barton, Tim Twardzik, Zack Mako and Ryan Mackenzie.

House Bill 1730

Pennsylvania law requires municipalities to take control of and maintain neglected or abandoned cemeteries when a local church closes its doors. It also requires them to register as cemetery companies with the State Real Estate Commission. This legislation would amend the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act to exempt municipalities from registering as a cemetery company.

Votes: 201 yes, 0 no, 1 LVE

Yes: Doyle Heffley, Jack Rader, Tim Twardzik, Zack Mako and Ryan Mackenzie.

House Bill 1573

Establishes the Historic and Older Building Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program and the Historic and Older Building Redevelopment Fund. The bill would create a two-year grant program administered by the DCED to assist with the renovation and redevelopment of historic buildings.

Votes: 102 no, 99 yes, 1 LVE

No: Doyle Heffley, Jack Rader, Jamie Barton, Tim Twardzik, Zack Mako and Ryan Mackenzie.

Compiled by Jill Mack and Jarrad Hedes