These environmental bills received final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the Governor’s desk for action—

Strategic Development Areas: Senate Bill 854 (Armstrong-R-Lancaster) authorizes local governments and the Department of Community and Economic Development to create Strategic Development Areas subject to special taxing arrangements to encourage development was signed into law by the Governor and is now Act 151.

Regulatory Impacts: House Bill 236 (Pickett-R-Bradford) requiring the review of regulations for their impact on small business by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission was vetoed by the Governor and this week the House failed to override his veto in a 108 to 83 vote (two-thirds is needed).

Preserving Open Space: House Billl 183 (Ross-R-Chester) providing more local taxing options for preserving open space was given final approval and goes to the Governor for his action.

Infrastructure Security: House Bill 854 (Rubley-R-Chester) establishing the Terrorism Infrastructure Disclosure Protection Act prohibiting the release of certain infrastructure records was reported from Senate Rules Committee and concurred in House amendments. The bill now goes to the Governor for his action.

One Call Program: Senate Bill 1104 (Tomlinson-R-Bucks) making changes to the One Call Program was concurred in by the Senate and now goes to the Governor.

Healthy Foods, Healthy Schools: Senate Bill 1209 (Waugh-R-York) establishing the Healthy Foods, Healthy Schools Program was passed by the House without amendments and now goes to the Governor for his action.

Windmill Farm Assessments: Senate Bill 514 (Gordner-R-Columbia) amending the Tax Reform Act related to property tax assessments for windmill farms and other issues was passed by the House, concurred in by the Senate and now goes to the Governor for his action.

Clean Diesel Tax Credit: Senate Bill 1139 (Browne-R-Lehigh) providing a $3,000 tax credit for a taxpayer who invests in clean diesel technology was concurred in by the Senate and sent to the Governor for his action.

Continuing Ed for Engineers, Land Surveyors, Geologists: Senate Bill 655 (Madigan-R-Bradford) establishing continuing education requirements for individuals licensed under the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologists Registration Law was given final approval by the Senate and goes to the Governor for his action.

11/24/2006