Accomplishments
Protection of Families and Individuals
In his first legislative session, Senator Folmer had five
bills signed into law. Act 76 of 2007 establishes rights for foster children and foster parents;
Act 127 of 2008 strengthens the child custody rights for military
personnel deployed overseas;
Act 29 of 2009 is a land transfer;
Act 89 of 2010 clarifies powers and duties of police officers employed at
state military institutions; and
Act 125 of 2010 adds bioterrorism to the Pennsylvania Crimes Code.
No Lame Duck Session in 2010
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) and Senate Majority
Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) announced that the Senate would not convene
for a regular "lame duck" session in 2010.
The days between the general election and November 30 are
known as a "lame duck" session because some members of the General Assembly can
vote on legislation despite the fact that their successors have already been elected.
Clarification Between legislative and Political Duties
Senate Resolution 228 establishes new Senate Rules of Ethical Conduct
designed to make the division between legislative and campaign work clear,
provide annual ethics training, and impose strong penalties for violations.
Gaming Protections
Act 1 of 2010 makes numerous changes to the law regulating casinos in
Pennsylvania, including reestablishment of the prohibition on political campaign
contributions by individuals and entities subject to the Gaming Act, a ban on
outside employment by members of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, and
extension of the ban on felons receiving gaming licenses.
Omnibus School Code Bill
Act 104 of 2010:
- Directs school entities to report school violence to
PDE and local police and verify steps taken to prevent school violence, and
directs PDE to post an annual school violence report online.
- Creates the College Textbook Affordability,
Accountability and Accessibility Act.
- Clarifies that all school property owned by a charter
school or an associated non-profit foundation, or owned by a non-profit
corporation or foundation and leased to a charter school at or below fair
market value, which is used for public school purposes is exempt from real
estate taxation.
- Allows approved private schools and chartered schools
for the deaf and blind to apply directly to the state for emergency permits
for employee certifications.
- Simplifies annual financial reporting requirements to
prevent duplication with the annual audit filed by local education agencies.
- Formally enacts into law the Science Technology
Partnerships Program, better known as "Science in Motion."
- Allows public schools to provide education to prevent
teen-dating violence, and requires colleges to implement educational
programs combating sexual violence.
- Allows students with severe allergies to carry
epinephrine medication -- such as EpiPen auto-injectors -- upon approval by
the student's physician and parents.
Pension Reform
Act 44 of 2009 provides relief for Pennsylvania's ailing municipal
pension plans and enacts pension reforms.
Pie Bill
Act 31 of 2010 eliminates the ability of the Department of
Agriculture to cite non-profit community groups such as volunteer fire
companies, churches, and school booster clubs for selling home-baked food at fundraisers.
Military Relief Assistance
Act 9 of 2010 extends the Military Family Relief Assistance Program
until 2016 and adds National Guard members to the list of service members who
are eligible for the program.
Tuition Relief for Military Personnel
Act 57 of 2010 permits a community college or state-related or
state-owned institution of higher learning to charge lower, resident tuition
rates to active duty military personnel, their spouses and dependents receiving
courses or other services through the Internet or other electronic means.
2009-2010 Senate Accomplishments | 