Politics & Government

Area Votes: Senate Approves Texting Ban, DUI Bill

See how local legislators voted on recent bills.

Before a break, the Pennsylvania State Senate and House finalized several bills and approved versions to present for Gov. Corbett to sign into law last week. After House members rallied around , the Senate passed an amended version. The chambers also tackled gambling, DUI and student concussion legislation.  

Below are votes in the Pennsylvania General Assembly for legislators representing the Phoenixville area.

Senate

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SB314: Settling on a House version that makes it a primary offense to send text messages while driving, the Senate approved the updated bill Nov. 1 by a 45-5 vote. The law carries a $50 fine. Several reports indicate the governor will sign the bill.

  • YES: Edwin Erickson (R-26), Andrew Dinniman (D-19)

SB200: Concurring with amendments in the House, the Senate passed a bill 50-0 Nov. 1 that establishes statewide concussion standards for student athletes. The bill requires schools to have licensed medical officials clear athletes who sustain concussions prior to returning to play.

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  • YES: Edwin Erickson (R-26), Andrew Dinniman (D-19)

SB954: After rejecting a more specific version proposed by Sen. John Wozniak (D-35), the Senate approved a bill to include higher than prescribed methadone levels as basis for DUI in Pennsylvania. Though Sen. Dinniman supported the failed amendment, he voted in favor of the bill, which passed 49-0 Oct. 31.

  • YES: Edwin Erickson (R-26), Andrew Dinniman (D-19)

House of Representatives

HB2553 and 2501Dealing with related gaming measures, the House approved two transparency bills without dissent Oct. 31, 196-0. Both involving the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, HR2553 requires the board to publish its budget on the state website, and HR2501 forces the board to post executive session meeting agendas.

  • YES: Warren Kampf (R-157), Duane Milne (R-167), Mike Vereb (R-150)

The General Assembly is scheduled to reconvene Nov. 14.


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