Several bills were signed into law by the Governor Friday, but several remain on his desk awaiting action. Here’s the rundown….

State Budget/Tax Changes: The state budget is in House Bill 2499 and the related tax bills implementing budget agreements are in House Bill 859 (Tax Code), Senate Bill 300 (Tax Code), House Bill 1992 (Fiscal Code) and House Bill 185 (Education). House Bill 2499 has been signed by the Governor as Act 2A.

In-Lieu of Tax Payments: Senate Bill 868 (Scarnati-R-Warren) increasing the in-lieu of tax payments for State Forest and Game Lands from $1.20 to $3.60, funded by gaming revenues was signed into law by the Governor as Act 102.

Conservation District Funding: Senate Bill 1224 (Wenger-R-Lancaster) creating the Conservation District Fund was signed into law by the Governor as Act 110.

Environmental Capital Budget: House Bill 2317 (Feese-R-Lycoming) establishing the 2005-2006 Capital Budget for flood control, Keystone Recreation, Environmental Stewardship projects is with the Governor.

Storage Tanks: House Bill 1195 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) that makes changes to the program to help underground tank owners upgrade tanks is on the Governor’s desk for his action.

Oil and Gas Leases: Senate Bill 594 (MJ White-R-Venango) establishing the Dormant Oil and Gas Act to create trusts for prior oil and gas well owners is with the Governor for his action.

Penalties for Non-Native Fish: House Bill 1320 (Reichley-R-Berks) establishing penalties for the sale, transport, possession or release of non-native injurious fish is on the Governor’s desk for his action.

7/7/2006