The Senate moved these bills this week—

Mine Families First: House Bill 483 (Bastian-R-Somerset) establishing the Mine Families First Program modeled on policies adopted by Gov. Schweiker during the Quecreek Mine Rescue was passed by the Senate and now goes to the Governor for his action. (See separate article)

The House moved these bills this week—

Farmland Assessment for Wind Power: House Bill 656 (Bastian-R-Somerset) amending the PA Farmland and Forest Land Assessment Act to allow for the lease of a portion of farmland for wind power facilities was reported from the House Rules Committee.

Exposure to Hazards: House Bill 763 (Goodman-D-Schuylkill) amending the Workers’ Compensation Act to include Department of Environmental Protection employees exposed to certain hazards under the definition of “occupational disease” was reported from the House Rules Committee.

Low-Income Energy Assistance: House Bill 913 (Vereb-R-Montgomery) amending the Low-Income Home Energy Weatherization Improvement Act requiring an evaluation of the program and making other changes was reported from the House Rules Committee.

Appalachian Trail Act: House Bill 1281 (Freeman-D-Lehigh) requiring municipalities to protect the Appalachian Trail was reported from the House Rules Committee.

Alternative Transportation Funding: House Bill 1291 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing metropolitan transportation authorities to adopt alternative means of raising revenue or reducing expenses was reported from the House Rules Committee.

9/22/2007