Area Votes: Texting Bill Stalls; Tighter Gaming, Theft Bills Pass

In action last week, the General Assembly approved several bills pertaining to traffic violations, plumbing, retail theft and gambling—among others. However, the biggest action came from the House regarding the extent of how severe a potential ban on texting while driving would go. 

Below are votes in the Pennsylvania General Assembly for legislators representing Media, Edgmont, Upper Providence and Middletown.

House of Representatives

SB314, Amendment A5660: Though representatives passed an amendment from Rep. Josh Shapiro (D-153) that would make texting while driving a primary offense, House Republican leadership assigned the bill back to the Appropriations Committee. The contention is if the bill should be a primary or secondary offense, which the Delco Times reports Senate Republicans could take issue with the bill as amended. This is the vote on amendment (164-29) during second consideration.

• YES: Thomas Killion (R-168), Joseph Hackett (R-161)

SB314: House members approved Oct. 31 a bill to ban texting while driving. After House members amended the bill Oct. 28 to make texting a primary offense, the bill was approved on final passage Monday, 188-7. General Assembly members will have to reconcile the bill with the original one passed by the Senate, which only had texting as a secondary offense.

HB1603: Changing language in existing crime laws, this bill, passed 178-20, Oct. 24, tightens up the definition for repeat offenders in retail theft. The new language would consider any previous sentencing in a similar crime—including conviction, rehab or other sentencing. 

• YES: Thomas Killion (R-168), Joseph Hackett (R-161)

HB1893: Related to gambling, this bill, passed 196-0 by the House Oct. 25, increases the scope of what electronic gaming devices are prohibited in places not licensed for gaming. Essentially, the bill keeps up with technology and closes potential loopholes in gambling laws.

• YES: Thomas Killion (R-168), Joseph Hackett (R-161)

Senate

SB595: Passed 35-14 Oct. 25, this bill provides for cities to easier utilize red-light camera technology to penalize violators of traffic laws. Sponsored by Sen. Pileggi, the bill establishes fines and protocols for cities to install the cameras, while tightening language on license plate visibility.

• YES: Edwin Erickson (R-26), Dominic Pileggi (R-9)

SB747: In a 35-14 vote Oct. 25, the Senate approved a measure to create the State Board of Plumbing Contractors, which will oversee licensing for plumbers statewide. Sponsored by Sen. Erickson, the bill allows for the board to also impose fines and establish regulations, while also appropriating funds to the board.

• YES: Edwin Erickson (R-26), Dominic Pileggi (R-9)

Both the House and Senate are scheduled to reconvene Oct. 31.