Politics & Government

Area Votes: Legislature Approves DNA Database, Longer Beer Store Hours

An account of legislative votes in the General Assembly.

Returning from the Thanksgiving holiday, lawmakers started December with a full week of legislative sessions. House and Senate measures approved numerous measures, including establishing a criminal DNA database, extending beer distributor hours on Sunday and abolishing the office of jury commissioner.

Below are votes in the Pennsylvania General Assembly for legislators representing Ardmore, Merion and Wynnewood.

Senate

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SB775: Working off federal and other state systems, the Senate approved a bill to establish a criminal DNA database in Pennsylvania. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pillegi (R-9), the bill also calls for collection of DNA from those currently incarcerated or on parole.

  • YES: Daylin Leach (D-17)

SB1336: The Senate approved a bill Dec. 7 to comply with federal regulations regarding the Accident and Health Filing Reform Act. Voting 48-1 in favor of compliance, the Senate agreed to federal standards largely established filing deadlines for insurers.

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  • YES: Daylin Leach (D-17)

House

HB242: Concerning definitions of liquor licenses, the House concurred with the Senate version Dec. 7 in a 164-29 vote. The bill, originally passed in June and recently OK'd by the Senate, modifies restrictions and definitions for municipalities regarding liquor licenses at hotels, clubs and restaurants, and also for stores that sell alcohol. This also allows for beer distributors on Sundays to be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., more than the current 5-hour window.

YES: Tim Briggs (D-149), Michael Gerber (D-148)

HB1644In a 149-40 vote Dec. 5, House members concurred with a Senate bill that abolishes the office of jury commissioner. An elected official in counties throughout the commonwealth, a jury commissioner was deemed by the General Assembly to be unnecessary. This bill, which awaits the governor's signature, would empower counties with a jury commissioner to get rid of it.

YES: Tim Briggs (D-149), Michael Gerber (D-148)

SB638: House members approved Dec. 7 a measure that amends public welfare law to provide mileage reimbursement for those receiving methadone. This allows those seeking methadone treatment to pursue facilities farther away from their homes. Members approved the bill 189-5.

YES: Tim Briggs (D-149), Michael Gerber (D-148)

Both the Senate and House reconvene Dec. 12.


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