The Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC) and the Policy Information Exchange (PIE) are pleased to present this summary of legislation of interest to the disability community in the 2005-2006 Session. The summary highlights some, though not all, of the legislation which we followed with interest.

The report is organized by chamber and by bill number and includes a listing of the prime sponsor and a phrase indicating the topic of the legislation. A brief summary of the activity that occurred on the bill is included. In addition, if the bill has become law, the Act number is noted. We have added a list of adopted Resolutions of interest to the disability community in this summary. We have provided an index by topic at the end of this report to locate bills by subject. An index of bills signed into law and Resolutions is also included.

The recently ended legislative session was a productive one. We look forward to the 2007-2008 legislative session and continued work on the many issues of importance to Pennsylvanians with disabilities. The Council and the Policy Information Exchange are available to provide information about issues of importance to the disability community.
This report is also available on the PADDC website at www.paddc.org. It is available in alternate formats from the PIE office by request. Reach PIE at UCP of PA, 908 North Second Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17102, by phone toll free at 866.761.6129 or by email to pie@ucpofpa.org.

While the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council itself is not a provider of services and supports, it is committed to building a Commonwealth in which all citizens are valued and are linked together. To learn more about the Council visit www.paddc.org which contains copies of our newsletters, annual reports and other information about our advocacy and systems change efforts.
It is the mission of the Policy Information Exchange to educate and inform Pennsylvanians with disabilities, their families and advocates, and the general public regarding public policy issues and to further the exchange of policy information between the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council and federal, state and local policy makers. The Policy Information Exchange is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.

Index:
Senate Bills of Interest
House Bills of Interest
Resolutions
Selected Bills of Interest Signed Into Law
Selected Bills Vetoed by the Governor
Selected Resolutions of Interest Adopted
Index of Bills of Interest

Selected Bills of Interest to Pennsylvanians with Disabilities
2005-2006

SENATE BILLS:
S.B. 4. Introduced by Senator Brightbill (R-Lebanon), would amend the state constitution to require spending caps. This is one of a number of bills which would cap or place strict limits on state spending. These bills would dramatically limit the amount of money available for all state funded services, including education, health care, home and community based services, etc. The other bills which would impose the cap by statute without constitutional amendment are S.B. 884 also introduced by Senator Brightbill; H.B. 2067, introduced by Representative Allen (R-Berks), and H.B. 2082 introduced by Representative Allen. S.B. 884 passed the Senate by a unanimous vote in October, 2005, and was given two considerations by the House. S.B. 4 also passed the Senate in late October, but with eight negative votes, and was referred to the House Appropriations Committee. H.B. 2067 passed the House Appropriations Committee and was given two considerations by the full House. H.B. 2082 passed both the House and Senate in a little more than one month and was sent back to the House for concurrence in the Senate amendments.

S.B. 39. Introduced by Senator Wagner (D-Allegheny). Since Senator Wagner subsequently was sworn in as Auditor General, the Prime sponsor of the bill is now Senator Connie Williams (D-Montgomery). The bill would create an Office of Disabilities in the Governor's Office. It was referred to the Senate State Government Committee on January 18, 2005.

S.B. 59. Introduced by Senator Rhoades (R-Schuylkill). A bill establishing an office of disability services, and providing for funding of disability services programs. Referred to Public Health and Welfare, January 24, 2005.

S.B. 229. Introduced by Senator Piccola (R-Dauphin). This bill, in its original form would have stopped the closure of Harrisburg State Hospital and Altoona State Center until the completion of a study by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 26-19 on April 6, 2005. It was amended in the House Health and Human Services Committee to provide procedures to regulate the closure. Advocates who opposed the bill in its original form supported the bill as amended. The bill was considered by the House Appropriations Committee and given two considerations by the full House. On October 19, 2005, the bill was moved to the House Rules Committee. See also H.B. 201 by Representative Nailor (R-Cumberland) and H.B. 1372 by Representative Fairchild (R -Snyder).

S.B. 273. Introduced by Senator Vance (R-Cumberland), which establishes a minimum wage for direct care workers Referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sept.25, 2006. See also H.B. 1813.

S.B. 334. Introduced by Senator Greenleaf (R-Montgomery). This bill would provide for Pennsylvania's implementation of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Atkins case outlawing the use of the death penalty for people with mental retardation. It provides for post-trial determination of mental retardation which is supported by the District Attorneys' Association, rather than the pre-trial determination which is supported by many advocacy groups. The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3, 2005. See also H.B. 698 by Representative O'Brien (R-Philadelphia), which also provides for post-trial determination and was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 22, 2006. See also two bills which provide for pre-trial determination -- H.B. 1410 by Representative Manderino (D-Philadelphia), referred to the House Judiciary Committee on April 20, 2005 and S.B. 631 by Senator Mary Jo White (R-Venango), referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee on April 24, 2006.

S.B.s 371-374. Introduced by Senator Orie (R-Allegheny). This package of mental health bills provides for aftercare plans, grants for empowerment, minimum wage for direct care workers, and a mental health court. S.B.s 371-73 were referred to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee and S.B. 374 was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 10, 2005.

S.B. 413. Introduced by Senator Rhoades (R-Schuylkill). Provides for a direct care worker Loan Forgiveness Program. S.B. 413 was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee on June 6, 2005. See also H.B. 49 by Representative Petrone (D-Allegheny) which does the same thing, and S.B. 273 which establishes a minimum wage for direct care workers, and H.B. 492 by Representative Pistella (D-Allegheny) which would provide for a Direct Care Advanced Training Program and tuition reimbursement. H.B. 492 was referred to the Senate Education Committee on July 1, 2006.

S.B. 436. Introduced by Senator Corman (R-Centre) This bill would allow people in need of a nursing home level of care to live in personal care homes if the home provides appropriate services. It was referred to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee on March 22, 2005. See also, H.B. 71 by Representative Watson (R-Bucks) which provides criteria for admission and retention of consumers in personal care homes. H.B. 71 was voted out of the House Health and Human Services Committee and referred to the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee on March 15, 2005.

S.B. 628. Introduced by Senator Greenleaf (R-Montgomery). The bill provides for living wills and health care powers of attorney and the implementation of out-of-hospital nonresuscitation orders. Approved by the Governor, Nov.29, 2006 becoming Act No. 169 of 2006.

S.B. 631. Introduced by Senator Mary Jo White (R-Venango). This bill would provide for Pennsylvania's implementation of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Atkins case outlawing the use of the death penalty for people with mental retardation. It provides for pre-trial determination of mental retardation which is supported by many advocacy groups. The bill has been voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and given first consideration by the full Senate. Referred to the Appropriations Committee April 24, 2006. At the same time, the House is moving H.B. 698 introduced by Representative O'Brien (R-Philadelphia), which provides for post-trial determination. That bill has been voted out of the House Judiciary and Appropriations Committees and given two considerations by the full House. Representative Manderino is prepared to offer an amendment which would change the bill to provide for pre-trial determination. See also S.B. 334. Introduced by Senator Greenleaf (R-Montgomery). The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3, 2005. See also two bills which provide for pre-trial determination -- H.B. 1410 by Representative Manderino (D-Philadelphia), referred to the House Judiciary Committee on April 20, 2005.

S.B. 669. Introduced by Senator Costa (D-Allegheny). Provides for court and administrative proceeding interpreters, including sign language interpreters for individuals who are deaf. Approved by the Governor, Nov.29, 2006 becoming Act No. 172 of 2006.

S.B. 686. Introduced by Senator Erickson (R-Delaware). Changing funding for approved private schools and charter schools for children who are deaf and blind. The bill passed the House and was referred to the Senate Education Committee on June 23, 2005.

S.B. 727. Introduced by Senator Pat Vance (R-Cumberland). The bill would establish a Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Prevention Fund and would devote a portion of the liquor tax into the Fund. Referred to Appropriations, June 19, 2006. See also, H.B. 1649 introduced by Representative True (R-Lancaster).

S.B. 736. Introduced by Senator Robbins (R-Butler). Amends the Pennsylvania Building Code. S.B. 736 passed both chambers and was signed by the Governor on December 22, becoming Act 95 of 2005.

S.B. 808. Introduced by Senator Armstrong (R-Lancaster). The bill would provide access to the Veterans Administration drug benefit for people in nursing homes. It has passed the Senate and was referred to the House Professional Licensure Committee, Oct. 10, 2006.

S.B. 847. Introduced by Senator Orie (R-Allegheny). It establishes developmental disability education and career planning programs. The Bill was referred to the House Education Committee September 8, 2005.

S.B. 850. Introduced by Senator Orie (R-Allegheny). It amends the Vehicle Code to provide for reports on mental or physical disabilities, for determination of incompetency, and for the establishment of a Medical Advisory Board which will develop standards for driver testing and licensing. It was referred to the Senate Transportation Committee September 8, 2005.

S.B. 884. Introduced by Senate Majority Leader Brightbill (R-Lebanon). It would amend the state constitution to require spending caps. This is one of a number of bills which would cap or place strict limits on state spending. See also S.B. 4 also introduced by Sen. Brightbill, H.B. 2067and H.B. 2082 introduced by Representative Allen.
S.B. 887. Introduced by Senator Pileggi (R-Chester). It would establish the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Fund with a surcharge on certain traffic offenses. The bill was referred to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee September 29, 2005.

S.B. 893. Introduced by Senator Browne (R-Lehigh). It would require school districts to have a policy to allow children with disabilities who have completed four years of high school to participate in graduation ceremonies with their class even when their IEPs call for them to continue their education to age 21. The bill was referred to the Senate Education Committee. See also, H.B. 1618 introduced by Representative Fairchild (R-Snyder) which does the same thing. And was signed into law on May 1 and became Act No. 31 of 2006.

S.B. 997. Introduced by Senator Erickson (R-Delaware). This bill would have taken away DPW's ability to revise the way that nursing home rates are calculated. It passed both the Senate and the House, but was vetoed by the Governor, May 16, 2006 becoming Veto No. 4 of 2006.

S.B. 999. Introduced by Senator Lemmond (R-Luzerne). This bill, which passed both chambers and was signed into law on May 12 as Act 45 of 2006, makes a number of changes in voting law, including location of polling places and timing for absentee ballots.

S.B. 1006. Introduced by Senator Erickson (R-Chester). Would provide for an annual cost of living increase for county mental health and mental retardation programs. It was voted out of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee on March 15, 2006 and given first consideration by the full House and is currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee March 20, 2006. See also, H.B. 1813 introduced by Representative Kenney (R-Philadelphia).

S.B. 1021. Introduced by Senator Greenleaf (R-Montgomery). This package of bills would eliminate the Medical Assistance premiums on families of children with disabilities and require private insurance to cover services for children with autism. Referred to Public Health and Welfare, Nov. 22, 2005. See also, H.B. 2243 to 2246, and H.B. 2196.
S.B. 1045. Introduced by Senator Vance (R-Cumberland), which was voted out of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, given first consideration by the full Senate and referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee on June 21, 2006. The bill would require Medicaid to cover home infusion therapy. See also H.B. 2202 introduced by Representative Reichley (R-Berks).

S.B. 1053. Introduced by Senator Greenleaf (R-Montgomery).The bill would establish in law rights of people with mental retardation, including the requirement that the state support the roles that both intermediate care facilities and community living arrangements play in providing options and resources for people with mental retardation and their families or legal guardians. It also would require the Department of Public Welfare to have a plan to address the waiting list. The bill was referred to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee on January 3, 2006. See also, H.B. 1371 introduced by Representative Fairchild (R -Snyder).

S.B. 1090. Introduced by Senator Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia). The bill raises the state's Minimum Wage. It passed both chambers and was signed into law on July 9, 2006, becoming Act 112 of 2006.

S.B. 1158. Introduced by Senator Rhoades (R-Schuylkill). This bill, which was drafted with the support of disability advocates and the Builder's Association, would authorize local tax authorities to offer tax credits to home owners who build or renovate homes to meet visitability standards. It enables local governments which have already passed laws providing for tax credits, like the City of Pittsburgh, to move ahead. The bill passed both the Senate and the House and was signed by the Governor on October 28 becoming Act No. 132 of 2006.

S.B. 1175. Introduced by Senator Rhoades (R-Schuylkill). The bill provides for statewide expansion of the shared-ride program for persons with disabilities and would make an $8.7 million appropriation. It was voted out of the Senate Transportation Committee on June 20, 2006 and given first consideration by the full Senate. It was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee, June 21, 2006. See also H.B. 2701 introduced by Representative Allen (R-Berks) and H.B. 2717 introduced by Representative Melio (D-Bucks).

S.B. 1188. Introduced by Senator Vance (R-Cumberland). The bill establishes a new federal-state pharmacy benefits program (PACE Plus Medicare) by merging the state Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) and PACE Needs Enhancement Tier (PACENET) with the federal Medicare Part D prescription plan. The bill was signed into law as July 7, 2006, Act 111 of 2006. For more information, go to http://www.aging.state.pa.us/aging/cwp/
view.asp?Q=253165&A=349.

S.B. 1253. Introduced by Senator Greenleaf (R-Montgomery) which was referred to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee on June 22, 2006. The bill would exempt continuing care retirement communities from the Medical Assistance bed approval process. See also H.B. 2661 introduced by Representative O'Neill (R-Bucks).

S.B. 1335. Introduced by Senator Armstrong (R-Lancaster). This bill amends the state insurance law. As it was amended in the House, it requires private health insurance policies to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorders. The bill passed the Senate and the House as amended on October 24, 2006 and was sent to the Senate for concurrence in the House amendments. See also H.B. 2243 introduced by Rep. O'Brien (R-Phila).

HOUSE BILLS:
H.B. 49. Introduced by Representative Petrone (D-Allegheny). Provides for a direct care worker Loan Forgiveness Program. Passed the House on June 7, 2005 and was referred to the Senate Education Committee. See also S.B. 413, Senator Rhoades (R-Schuylkill).

H.B. 93. Introduced by Representative Sather (R-Blair). This bill would establish a Long-Term Care Partnership Program to provide incentives for individuals to purchase long term care insurance. It passed the House and was referred to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Oct. 17, 2006.

H.B. 139. Introduced by Representative J. Taylor (R-Philadelphia). Provides for Affordable Housing Funds by allowing counties to raise the fee for recording deeds. Approved by the Governor, July 14, 2005 becoming Act No. 49 of 2005.
H.B. 201. Introduced by Representative Nailor (R-Cumberland). An Act imposing a moratorium on the closure of or reduction of State mental health and mental retardation facilities; requiring the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the issue of closure or reduction of State mental health and mental retardation facilities and issue a report. Referred to Health and Human Services Committee on May 2, 2005. See also S.B. 229 introduced by Senator Piccola (R-Dauphin).
H.B. 222. Introduced by Representative Gingrich (R-Lebanon). The bill would establish a Long-Term Care Quality Improvement Council to provide for data collection and publication of quality performance reports. It passed the House and was referred to the Senate Aging and Youth Committee July 5, 2006.
H.B. 247. Introduced by Representative Hess (R-Bedford). Provides for licensure of home care agencies. H.B. 247 was signed into law on July 7, 2006 and became Act No. 69 of 2006.
H.B. 257. Introduced by Representative Mark Cohen (D-Philadelphia). Would increase the state's minimum wage by July 1, 2006. The bill passed the House on April 5. Laid on the table in Senate Labor and Industry, June 30, 2006. See also S.B. 1090.

H.B. 259. Introduced by Representative Watson (R-Bucks). Providing for the licensure and regulation of assisted living residences and for increases to the state supplement for people in personal care homes. The bill was voted out of the House Health and Human Services Committee and the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee and given two considerations by the full House. It was referred to the House Appropriations Committee June 14, 2006.

H.B. 293. Introduced by Representative Bebko-Jones (D-Erie). Would require health insurers that cover prescription drugs to extend coverage to off-label use of drugs. H.B. 293 was referred to the House Insurance Committee on February 8, 2005.

H.B. 412. Introduced by Representative Pistella (D-Allegheny). The bill would establish the Pennsylvania Long-term Care Council in law. It was passed by the House on October 16, 2006.

H.B. 433. Introduced by Representative Maitland (R-Adams). Amends the Mental Health Procedures Act to expand the grounds for involuntary emergency examination and treatment. H.B. 433 was voted out of the House Health and Human Services Committee and referred to House Judiciary Committee on March 15, 2005.

H.B. 469. Introduced by Representative E. Z. Taylor (R-Chester). The bill amends the election code to, among other things, allow for emergency absentee ballots up to and including on Election Day. The bill passed the House and Senate and was approved by the Governor, Nov.9, 2006 becoming Act No. 137 of 2006.

H.B. 492. Introduced by Representative Pistella (D- Allegheny). Provides for tuition reimbursement and financial payments for direct care workers. The bill passed the House and was referred to the Senate Education Committee, July 1, 2006.

H.B. 544. Introduced by Representative T. Stevenson (R-Allegheny) provides for changes to absentee ballots, and passed the House on December 12. It was referred to the Senate State Government Committee on January 5, 2006. See also H.B. 2000 and H.B. 1318.

H.B. 566. Introduced by Representative Baker (R-Tioga). The bill would raise amounts payable under the aging family caregiver program. It passed the House and was referred to the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, June 17, 2005.

H.B. 698. Introduced by Representative O'Brien (R-Philadelphia). It provides for post-trial determination of mental retardation in death penalty cases which is supported by the District Attorneys' Association. H.B. 698 passed the House on June 12 on a vote of 169-28. It was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, June 22, 2006. Meanwhile, S.B. 631 introduced by Senator Mary Jo White (R-Venango), would provide for pre-trial determination which is supported by many advocacy groups.

H.B. 727. Introduced by Representative Solobay (D-Washington). The original bill which related to emergency vehicles was amended to include a provision requiring the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a performance audit of the shared ride program for persons with disabilities. The bill, including the amendment, passed the House on June 30, 2005 and was sent to the Senate Transportation Committee. See also H.B. 1731, another transportation bill to which the same amendment was added. That bill as amended also passed the House and was referred to the Senate Transportation Committee June 29, 2005.

H.B. 755. Introduced by Representative Kenney (R-Philadelphia). It would amend the law related to Newborn Screening Tests and reporting of test results. It was passed by the House and by the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee and given first consideration by the full Senate. The bill was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee June 19, 2006.
H.B. 879. Introduced by Representative Allen (R-Berks). Would extend the PACE program to people with disabilities. H.B. 879 was referred to the House Insurance Committee on March 14, 2005.

H.B. 881. Introduced by Representative Allen (R-Schuylkill). The bill would amend the Uniform Construction Code. It passed the full House and the Senate Labor and Industry and Appropriations Committees and was given two considerations by the full Senate. Approved by the Governor, Nov. 29, 2006 becoming Act No. 157 of 2006.

H.B. 1062. Introduced by Representative Boyd (R -Lancaster). Provides for a tax credit program to support community-based mental retardation services. The bill was passed by the full House and referred to the Senate Finance Committee on June 24, 2005.

H.B. 1168. Introduced by Representative Habay (R-Allegheny). An Act amending the Public Welfare Code, providing for use of medical expenses. Approved by the Governor, July 7, 2005, Act No. 42 of 2005.

H.B. 1318. Introduced by Representative Clymer (R-Bucks). This bill contained a number of changes to election law, including a requirement that all voters have identification and changes on absentee ballot rules. The bill passed both the House and the Senate, but was vetoed March 16, 2006 by the Governor in part because of the burden that the identification requirement would have placed on some voters. Veto No. 1.

H.B. 1370. Introduced by Representative Wojnaroski (D -Cambria). Provides for a certification program in facilities which offer cognitive support services to people with cognitive impairments. The bill was voted out of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, given first consideration and sent to the House Rules Committee on June 7, 2005.

H.B. 1371. Introduced by Representative Fairchild (R -Snyder). The bill would establish a bill of rights for people with mental retardation. The bill was referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee on April 14, 2005. See also S.B. 1053 introduced by Senator Greenleaf (R-Montgomery).

H.B. 1372. Introduced by Representative Fairchild (R -Snyder). An Act regulating the closure of State-operated mental health facilities; and providing remedies. Referred to Health and Human Services Committee on April 14, 2005. See also S.B. 229 introduced by Senator Piccola (R-Dauphin).

H.B. 1410 by Representative Manderino (D-Philadelphia), referred to the House Judiciary Committee on April 20, 2005 would provide for pre-trial determination in cases of mental retardation and the death penalty. See also S.B. 631 by Senator Mary Jo White (R-Venango), which is similar. And S.B. 334. and H.B. 698 by Representative O'Brien (R-Philadelphia), which provide for post-trial determination.

H.B. 1446. Introduced by Representative Gingrich (R-Lebanon). The bill mandates standards of care and strengthens criminal penalties for abuse and neglect in facilities and individual homes for those over age 60 in waiver programs. It requires Area Agencies on Aging (AAA's) to oversee the care management of the aging waiver and to monitor consumers through regular face-to-face contacts. Caregivers must have a report of criminal history record and submit a communicable disease screening. The bill passed the House in June 2005 and the Senate Aging and Youth Committee on May 3, 2006. It's been given first consideration by the full Senate and referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. See also H.B. 1578 introduced by Representative Gingrich (R-Lebanon).

H.B. 1488. Introduced by Representative Kenney (R- Montgomery). Provides for information on prenatal and postpartum depression. It passed the House and was referred to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee on May 24, 2005.

H.B. 1479. Introduced by Representative Pistella (D-Allegheny). It would create an Office of Disabilities in the Governor's Office. The bill passed the House on June 26 and the Senate State Government Committee and was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee Oct. 4, 2006. See also Executive Order 2006-09 which creates a Governor's Cabinet for People with Disabilities and a Governor's Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities.

H.B. 1554. Introduced by Representative Pistella (D-Allegheny). The bill relates to requirements of third-party guarantees of payment for nursing homes. It was reported out of the House Health and Human Services and Rules and Appropriations Committees and given two considerations by the full House. Removed from table, Oct. 30, 2006.

H.B. 1578. Introduced by Representative Gingrich (R-Lebanon). Provides for punishment of caretakers who abuse a care-dependent person. H.B. 1578 was sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee June 28, 2005. See also H.B. 1446 introduced by Representative Gingrich (R-Lebanon). These bills were a response to cases of abuse and neglect in several unlicensed personal care homes in Lebanon County.

H.B. 1595. Introduced by Representative Eachus (D-Luzerne). Would pilot Long-Term Care Integration or managed long term care for people in several waiver programs. The bill was referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee on May 27, 2005.

H.B. 1597. Introduced by Representative Walko (D-Allegheny). Provides for registration of private care residences and for background checks. Private care residences are unlicensed personal care homes. The bill was voted out of the Judiciary Committee and the Appropriations Committee, given two considerations by the full House, and was referred to the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee on July 1, 2005. See also H.B. 1598.

H.B. 1598. Introduced by Representative Walko (D-Allegheny), which amends the law on neglect of a care-dependent person to include owners of private care residences. H.B. 1598 was referred to the House Judiciary Committee on May 27, 2005.

H.B. 1601. Introduced by Representative Veon (D-Beaver). Would amend the law governing the distribution of Tobacco Settlement funds by changing some of the percentages. Among the changes is a $1 million pilot project, part of the home and community based services share of settlement funds, for an Inner City Community Care Program. The bill was referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee on June 7, 2005.

H.B. 1618. Introduced by Representative Fairchild (R-Snyder). This bill requires school districts to have a policy to allow children with disabilities who have completed four years of high school to participate in graduation ceremonies with their class even when their IEPs call for them to continue their education to age 21. The bill was signed into law on May 1 and became Act No. 31 of 2006. It took effect immediately, and so was in place for 2006 high school graduations.

H.B. 1649. Introduced by Representative True (R-Lancaster). The bill would establish a Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Prevention Fund and would devote a portion of the liquor tax into the Fund. It passed the House on June 19, 2006 and the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee and was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee October 17, 2006. See also S.B. 727 introduced by Senator Pat Vance (R-Cumberland).

H.B. 1685. Introduced by Representative J. Evans (R-Crawford). Would establish rights of purchasers of assistive technology devices. It was referred to the House Commerce Committee on June 8, 2005.

H.B. 1688. Introduced by Representative Barrar (R-Chester). It changes the rules on absentee ballots. The bill passed the House and was sent to the Senate State Government Committee on September 28, 2005.

H.B. 1773. Introduced by Rep. DiGirolamo (R-Bucks). This bill would establish a Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. It passed the House on November 14, 2006 and was referred to the Senate State Government Committee on Nov. 21, 2006.

H.B. 1813. Introduced by Representative Kenney (R-Philadelphia). The bill provides for a regular cost-of-living adjustment for county mental health and mental retardation programs. The bill passed both the House and Senate, but was vetoed by the Governor on October 27, 2006 becoming Veto No. 7. See also, S.B. 1006 introduced by Senator Erickson (R-Chester) and S.B. 273 introduced by Sen. Vance (R-Cumberland).

H.B. 1931. Introduced by Representative Rubley (R-Chester). Relates to the duties of Intermediate Units and to payment for special education. It was referred to the House Education Committee on August 24, 2005.

H.B. 1935. Introduced by Representative Pistella (D-Allegheny). Establishes an Enhanced Senior Services Demonstration Program to provide an alternative form of housing and care for low-income and moderate-income older people with disabilities. The program would be administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency in collaboration with the Departments of Aging and Public Welfare. It was voted out of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee on August 24, 2005 and given first consideration by the full House.

H.B.1980, 1981, and 1982. Introduced by Representative Payne (R-Dauphin). The bills provide protections for service dogs. H.B. 1980 and 1981 were referred to the House State Government Committee on September 27, 2005, and H.B. 1982 was referred to the Judiciary Committee on September 27, 2005.

H.B. 2000. Introduced by Representative Frankel (D-Allegheny), requiring voter verified permanent paper records. The bill was referred to the House State Government Committee on September 27, 2005.

H.B. 2045. Introduced by Representative Biancucci (D-Beaver). Would require that annual inspections of personal care homes be unannounced. It was referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee October 17, 2005.
H.B. 2067. Introduced by Representative Allen (R-Berks). This is one of a number of bills which would cap or place strict limits on state spending. The bill was voted out of the House Appropriations Committee and given two considerations by the full House.

H.B. 2082. Introduced by Representative Allen (R-Berks). This is one of a number of bills which would cap or place strict limits on state spending. These bills would dramatically limit the amount of money available for all state funded services, including education, health care, home and community based services, etc. H.B. 2082 passed both the House and Senate in a little more than one month and was sent back to the House for concurrence in the Senate amendments.

H.B. 2172. Introduced by Representative DeWeese (D-Fayette). Amends Act 139 of 1994, known as the Independent Living Services Act, to change the composition of the Statewide Independent Living Council. It was referred to the House State Government Committee on November 1, 2005.

H.B. 2196. Introduced by Representative Barrar (R-Chester), which would require private insurance coverage of autism services. Referred to Insurance, Nov. 4, 2005. See also, H.B. 2243-H.B. 2246 introduced by Representative O'Brien (R-Philadelphia), S.B. 1021 introduced by Senator Greenleaf (R-Montgomery), which would remove the premium, and S.B. 1335 introduced by Senator Armstrong (R-Lancaster).

H.B. 2202. Introduced by Representative Reichley (R-Berks). The bill would require Medicaid to cover home infusion therapy. Vetoed by the Governor, Nov. 9, 2006 becoming Veto No. 10 of 2006. See also, S.B. 1045 introduced by Senator Vance (R-Cumberland).

H.B. 2243 through H.B. 2246. Introduced by Representative O'Brien (R-Philadelphia). This package of bills would eliminate the Medical Assistance premiums on families of children with disabilities and require private insurance to cover services for children with autism. All four bills passed the House on December 7, 2005. H.B. 2243, requiring private insurance coverage, was sent to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee on December 12, 2005. H.B.s 2244 and 2245, which stop implementation of the premiums and move funds in the budget to pay for the costs of the change, were referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. H.B. 2246, which amends the Public Welfare Code to take out the premium, was referred to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee. See also S.B. 1021 introduced by Senator Greenleaf (R-Montgomery), S.B. 1335 introduced by Senator Armstrong (R-Lancaster), and H.B. 2196 introduced by Representative Barrar (R-Chester.

H.B. 2269. Introduced by Representative Sather (R-Blair). The bill would establish a system of protective services for adults between the ages of 18 and 59 who are abused or neglected. It was developed in consultation with a group of consumers, advocates and family members. For more information, contact Judy Banks of Pennsylvania Protection and Advocacy at jbanks@ppainc.org. The bill passed the House on October 24, 2006.

H.B. 2272. Introduced by Representative Harhai (D- Westmoreland). This bill would change the rules regarding license plates and parking placards for persons with disabilities. It was introduced and sent to the House Transportation Committee on November 28, 2005.

H.B. 2545. Introduced by Representative J. Taylor (R-Philadelphia). The bill in part relates to wheelchair accessible taxicabs. It passed both the House and Senate but was vetoed by the Governor on October 27, 2006 becoming Veto No. 8.

H.B. 2618. Introduced by Representative Mundy (D-Luzerne). It provides changes to the certificate of need process for health care facilities including nursing homes. The bill was introduced and referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee on April 24, 2006.

H.B. 2654. Introduced by Representative Frankel (D-Allegheny). The bill would require that proceeds from the sale of state institutions go into a Mental Health Community Services Trust Fund. The bill was introduced and referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee on May 2, 2006.

H.B. 2661. Introduced by Representative O'Neill (R-Bucks). The bill would exempt continuing care retirement communities from the Medical Assistance bed approval process. The bill was voted out of the House Health and Human Services Committee, was given two considerations by the full House and was referred to the House Appropriations Committee, Oct. 4, 2006. See also, S.B. 1253 introduced by Senator Greenleaf (R-Montgomery).

H.B. 2699. Introduced by Representative Kenney (R-Philadelphia). This bill provides for the expansion of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and calls for a study of the Health Choices managed care program for medical assistance recipients. It passed the House and the Senate and was signed by the Governor on November 2, 2006 becoming Act 136 of 2006.

H.B. 2701. Introduced by Representative Allen (R-Berks). The bill provides for statewide expansion of the shared-ride program for persons with disabilities. Referred to the House Transportation Committee on June 5, 2006. See also H.B. 2717 and S.B. 1175 introduced by Senator Rhoades (R-Schuylkill).

H.B. 2706. Introduced by Representative DiGirolamo (R-Bucks). The bill amends the crime code to provide for the offense of sexual crimes against young people with mental disabilities. The bill passed the House on October 18 and was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, October 25, 2006. See also H.B. 3033 introduced on October 17, 2006 by Representative Barrar (R-Chester).

H.B. 2717. Introduced by Representative Melio (D-Bucks). The bill provides for statewide expansion of the shared-ride program for persons with disabilities. It was referred to the House Transportation Committee on June 6, 2006. See also H.B. 2701, introduced by Representative Allen (R-Berks) and S.B. 1175 introduced by Senator Rhoades (R-Schuylkill). H.B. 2732. Introduced by Representative McCall (D-Carbon). It would establish an educational bill of rights for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. It was introduced and referred the House Education Committee on June 7, 2006.

H.B. 2791. Introduced by Representative Thomas (D-Philadelphia). The bill would establish in the Governor's Office an Employment and Rehabilitation Commission for people who are Blind and Visually Impaired. It was introduced and referred to the House Labor Relations Committee June 19, 2006.

H.B. 2802. Introduced by Representative Nailor (R-Cumberland). The bill would exempt school-based sign language interpreters from registering under the Sign Language Interpreter Act and having to pass the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment Test, requiring instead that they comply with Education Department regulations. The bill passed both chambers and was signed into law on July 7 becoming Act 92 of 2006.

H.B. 3033. Introduced by Representative Barrar (R-Chester). The bill amends the crime code to provide for the offense of sexual crimes against young people with mental disabilities. Referred to Judiciary, October 17, 2006. See also, H.B. 2706 introduced by Representative DiGirolamo (R-Bucks).

RESOLUTIONS:
H.R. 490. Introduced by Representative Kenney (R-Philadelphia). This Resolution, which urges the Governor to direct the Department of Public Welfare to rescind the plan to implement cost sharing for families of children with disabilities on medical assistance, was adopted unanimously by the House on November 14, 2005.

H.R. 631. Introduced by Representative George (D-Clearfield). Directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the feasibility of increasing the State contribution to the persons with disabilities shared-ride pilot program and expanding the program to include night and weekend hours and intercounty transportation, and report findings within two years. The Resolution was adopted March 7, 2006.

H.R. 634. Introduced by Representative Pickett (R-Bradford). Designates April 8, 2006 as "Disability Awareness Day." It was adopted April 3, 2006.

H.R. 665. Introduced by Representative Clymer (R-Bucks). This Resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study and cost review of personal care home services in Pennsylvania. It was adopted Sept. 27, 2006. (A similar resolution, S.R. 260. Introduced by Senator D. White (R-Indiana) was adopted by the Senate on July 6, 2006).

S.R. 76. Introduced by Senator Lemmond (R-Luzerne). The Resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all state services provided to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Resolution was adopted by the Senate on June 20, 2005.

S.R. 200. Introduced by Senator Orie (R-Allegheny). Directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study cost control measures for the Medicaid program and report back to the General Assembly by November 30. The Resolution was adopted on March 22, 2006.

S.R. 260. Introduced by Senator D. White (R-Indiana). This Resolution, calling for a study and cost review of personal care homes by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, was adopted by the Senate on July 6, 2006. A similar Resolution, H.R. 665, introduced by Representative Clymer (R-Bucks) was also introduced in the House.