The Senate and House are in session the week of March 13. Here’s the rundown of what’s on the calendars and in committees—

Calendars

The Senate and House will start March 13 with this bill of interest on its Calendar-- House Bill 2067 setting limits on state spending through a constitutional amendment.

The Senate will have these items on their Calendar-- House Bill 213 establishing penalties for eco-terrorism; and Senate Bill 1063 providing additional funding to expand the PA Small Business Development Centers.

Committees

In the House, the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 940 further providing for the Land Trust Reimbursement Program and Senate Bill 723 providing for definitions and legislative report under the Agricultural Area Security law; and the House Republican Policy Committee holds a hearing on alternative energy.

In the Senate, the Appropriations Committee meets to consider House Bill 2317 establishing the 2005-2006 Capital Budget for flood control, Keystone Recreation, Environmental Stewardship projects; and the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 1104 amending the One Call System Underground Utility Line Protection Law, Senate Bill 1052 amending the Fireworks law to further define consumer fireworks facilities.

The Joint Legislative Budget & Finance Committee will meet to consider reports on Game Commission compliance with strategic plan.

Senate/House Bills Moving/Introduced

Legislation proposing a constitutional amendment to provide additional tax incentives for land conservation moved in the House this week and bills on high mileage vehicles and biomass were introduced. Here’s the rundown.

Tax Incentives for Land Conservation: The House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee reported out House Bill 1895 (Fairchild-R-Union) proposing a constitutional amendment to provide tax incentives for land conservation.

Bills Introduced

High Mileage Vehicles: House Bill 2475 (Benninghoff-R-Mifflin) excluding vehicles that are less than 11,000 pounds and have fuel economy that meets or exceeds 40 miles per gallon from sales and use tax.

Biomass Projects: House Bill 2487 (George-D-Clearfield) providing a sales and use tax exemption for biomass, non-fossil plant derived fuels.

3/10/2006