In recent action in the state Senate, the following bills were passed with “yes” votes from our local senators:

Senate Bill 598

The bill would require all public schools and state-funded, higher education institutions to display the Preamble to the United States Constitution. The display can be in the form of a physical plaque, student artwork, or similar format.

Vote: 38-11

Senate Bill 250

The bill would require every taxpayer-funded school entity, including school districts, charter schools and state-funded institutions of higher education, to display the Preamble to the Pennsylvania Constitution at the entrance of each school building. It would be able to be displayed as a mounted plaque, student artwork, or in another visual format.

Vote: 36-13

Senate Bill 1091

The bill would designate the bridge that carries PA Route 513 over Neshaminy Creek in Hulmeville Borough as the Corporal Robert Lee Clampffer Memorial Bridge.

Vote: 49-0

Senate Bill 1284

The bill would impose a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence and up to life in prison for the attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit the murder of a law enforcement officer when serious bodily injury results.

Vote: 41-8

Senate Bill 1294

The bill would increase the maximum civil penalty for operating an unlicensed private school, such as an illegitimate commercial driver’s license mill, from $2,500 to $25,000, and would amend the Private Licensed Schools Act to significantly stiffen penalties for entities operating without a proper license.

Vote: 48-2

Senate Bill 1298

The bill would eliminate the annual vehicle emissions testing requirement in the state’s 25 mandated counties, and would expand emissions exemptions to include newer vehicles, removing the testing requirement for the first five years after manufacture.

Vote: 29-21

Senate Bill 1295

The bill would enhance commercial vehicle safety by strictly mandating English proficiency for all Commercial Driver’s License applicants.

Vote: 32-18

Senate Bill 1286

The bill would amend the state vehicle code to impose stricter penalties for careless driving that results in an unintentional death, upgrading the offense of careless driving resulting in an unintentional death to an ungraded misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and a license suspension of up to two years.

Vote: 34-16

Senate Bill 822

The bill would ensure the General Assembly has exclusive authority to regulate firearms, ammunition, and related components by preventing local municipalities from enacting stricter, conflicting gun ordinances.

Vote: 30-20