Here’s the rundown of what’s on the calendars and in committees—

Calendars

The House will start with these bills of interest on its April 24 Calendar--Senate Bill 881 would tighten the definition of “blight” to prohibit local governments from using eminent domain authority to take private businesses; House Bill 1588 providing for the fluoridation of public water; House Bill 2067 setting limits on state spending through a constitutional amendment; House Resolution 661 designating May as “Lyme Disease Awareness Month;” and House Resolution 679 designating May as “Drinking Water Awareness Month.

Committees

In the House, the Environmental Resources & Energy Committee meets to consider House Bill 2042 increasing penalties under the Clean Streams Law; House Bill 1195 that makes changes to the program to help underground tank owners upgrade tanks; and Senate Bill 868 increasing the forest land in-lieu of tax payment; the Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee holds a public hearing on deer damage; and the Transportation Committee meets to consider House Bill 2502 setting a fee cap of $10 on vehicle emissions inspection exemption test.

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 Environmental Resources and Energy Committee holds a hearing on reducing mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants.

Senate/House Bills Moving

The Senate was the only chamber in session this week and one bill moved on the downtown relocation law. Here’s the rundown.

Downtown Relocation Law: House Bill 218 (Reed-D-Indiana) redefines “downtown” in law requiring the Commonwealth to look at locating state offices in downtown areas was amended and reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee.

4/21/2006