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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2011
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Harrisburg Happenings

A report on the Legislative Session week of December 12, 2011
By Senator Jane C. Orie

40th Senatorial District

Adam Walsh Child Protection Signed Into Law

The Senate concurred last week to House amendments to Senator Orie's Senate Bill 1183 and sent it to the Governor – who approved it today (December 20th).  The Act will ensure that Pennsylvania meets federally mandated standards under the Adam Walsh Act by strengthening sex offender registration and notification.

Specifically, the measure enhances the Commonwealth's efforts to track and prosecute sex offenders, includes the state as part of a national registry that law enforcement officials can access, and expands the list of sexually violent offenses covered under the law.  In addition to the complying with the national standards for the registration of convicted sex offenders, the Act also closes loopholes in current law that have allowed homeless and out-of-state offenders to avoid registering under the state's Megan's Law. 

Committee Approves Bill Addressing Highmark-UPMC Impasse

The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee unanimously approved legislation to protect consumers if UPMC and Highmark do not settle their impasse.

Senate Bill 1358 provides the State Insurance Commissioner with the authority to extend the terms of the existing contract between Highmark and UPMC, providing additional time to allow for adjustments to the health care marketplace in western PA. Highmark and UPMC are battling over their service reimbursement contract which is set to expire on June 30, 2012.   If the contract is not renewed, about 2,700 doctors in the UPMC system would be considered "out-of-network" for Highmark, which provides insurance coverage for about 3 million people in western Pennsylvania.

Under current law, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department can suspend for up to six months the termination of a hospital contract.  SB1358 extend the timeframe the Commissioner may invoke from 6 months to 36 months.

SB 1358 now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

Bill Increasing Standards for Abortion Clinics Headed to Governor

Legislation increasing state oversight of abortion clinics and providing additional safeguards for the women who use those facilities is headed to the Governor for enactment into law following Senate concurrence on House amendments last week.

Senate Bill 732 sets licensing standards and provides for regular inspections of abortion clinics by the state Department of Health.  The legislation also requires clinics that perform abortions meet higher standards for treatment and care.

The legislation is intended to addresses the lack of oversight in Pennsylvania that led to the horrible conditions and practices detailed in a Philadelphia County grand jury report on an abortion clinic run by Kermit Gosnell.  At least two women died as a result of botched late-term abortions, according to the grand jury report released in January.  Some babies were born alive and then killed, and untrained personnel performed medical procedures, sometimes using unsterilized implements that spread venereal disease.  Gosnell and several employees were charged with murder and other offenses.

Senate Passes Transportation Public-Private Partnerships Measure

The Senate approved legislation that would encourage the private sector to join with the Commonwealth in funding transportation projects throughout the state.

Senate Bill 344 would establish Public-Private Partnerships (P3s), which are contractual agreements that allow for greater private sector participation in the delivery and financing of transportation needs and improvements.

A recent report by the U.S. Department of Transportation found that more transportation public-private partnerships were completed over the last three years than in any other compatible time period in history.  According to the report, more than 20 major highway and transit projects are currently being conducted in partnership with the private sector at various stages of development in the U.S.

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Task Force to Examine Child Abuse Reporting Laws And Procedures

The Senate approved a resolution on that establishes a special panel to conduct a sweeping review of Pennsylvania laws and procedures governing child protection and the reporting of child abuse.

Senate Resolution 250 creates an 11-member Task Force on Child Protection composed of individuals who are experienced in issues relating to child abuse or in providing services to victims of child abuse.  The panel's final report, due by November 30, 2012, will include recommendations to improve the reporting of child abuse; to implement necessary changes in state statutes, practices, policies and procedures relating to child abuse; and, to train appropriate individuals in the reporting of child abuse.

In 2010, Pennsylvania's child abuse hotline – ChildLine - received 121,868 calls, including 39,791 referrals for protective services.  At least 344 Pennsylvania children died from abuse between 2002 and 2009, with many of them dying before their second birthday and many within families previously known to the children and youth system.

Congressional Reapportionment Map Approved

Every 10 years, Pennsylvania's Congressional districts are redrawn based on U.S. Census data to ensure citizens receive equal representation in the U.S. House.  Unlike state Legislative reapportionment, which is handled by a special commission, Congressional reapportionment must be by legislation in the General Assembly.

The Senate completed this task last Wednesday with the final approval of Senate Bill 1249.  For more informational about Congressional reapportionment and maps and details about the new district, which becoming effective after next year's elections, visit the Pennsylvania redistricting website, www.redistricting.state.pa.us.

Legislative Redistricting Maps Finalized

After an in-depth study and several public forums, the Legislative Reapportion Commission approved the realignment of our state Senate and House districts to reflect population changes since 2000.  The new districts will become effective in 2012.

Unlike Congressional Reapportionment, state Legislative Reapportionment does not require approval by the General Assembly.  The Commission, a bi-partisan, bi-cameral panel, actively worked to ensure the process was open to public review and input and that the final maps truly reflect the population and diversity of Pennsylvania.  To view the final maps, visit the Commission's website: www.redistricting.state.pa.us/

The new 40th District will be made up of parts of Allegheny and Butler Counties.  In Allegheny County - Bradford Woods, Fawn, Fox Chapel, Franklin Park, Frazer, Hampton, Indiana, Marshall, McCandless, Pine, Richland, Ross, Shaler, West Deer, and West View.  In Butler County - Adams, Buffalo, Callery, Clinton, Cranberry, Jefferson, Mars, Middlesex, Saxonburg, Seven Fields and Valencia.

Bill Will Limit State-Funded Transportation to Methadone Clinics

Legislation enacting commonsense limits on transportation for methadone clients who are part of the Medicaid Transportation program is headed to Governor Corbett's desk for his signature and enactment into law.

Under Senate Bill 638, which received final legislative approval in the Senate on Wednesday, individuals receiving payments for mileage reimbursements or using public transportation would be required to go to the clinic closest to their residence.

 Currently, methadone recipients choose their preferred service location and the cost of the transportation is paid with tax dollars. Transportation costs totaled $32.5 million in 2009-10, an increase of 26.3 percent from 2007-08. More than one in three trips paid for through the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) is for methadone maintenance.

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-6538