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 Roxborough, Manayunk and Andorra.

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: Cherelle Parker (D-200), Pamela DeLissio (D-194)

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. 

• NO: Cherelle Parker (D-200), Pamela DeLissio (D-194)

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: Cherelle Parker (D-200), Pamela DeLissio (D-194)

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. Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R-9), the bill establishes fines and protocols for cities to install the cameras, while tightening language on license plate visibility.

• YES: Shirley Kitchen (D-3), Vincent Hughes (D-7)

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. Edwin Erickson (R-26), the bill allows for the board to also impose fines and establish regulations, while also appropriating funds to the board.

• YES: Shirley Kitchen (D-3), Vincent Hughes (D-7)

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