Special Edition: 2009 – 2010 Legislative Session Report

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 2009-10 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. The report includes 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 2010-2011 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. PIE can be reached at The Arc of Pennsylvania, 101 S. Second Street, Suite 8, Harrisburg, PA 17101, by phone at 800-692-7258 or by email to pie@thearcpa.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.

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SB 33. Introduced by Senator Pileggi (R-Chester). The bill amends state voting law on standards and changes in boundaries of election districts. Among the provisions is one which requires that only voting machines that comply with Section 301 of the Help America Vote Act be approved for use in elections in PA. Section 301 includes accessibility requirements. It passed both chambers and was signed into law on July 14, 2009 becoming Act 20 of 2009.

SB 43. Introduced by Senator Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia). This bill would create in law the Governor’s Office for People with Disabilities and Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities. The office and committee currently exist through an Executive Order which will expire at the end of Governor Rendell’s term. The bill was introduced and sent to the Senate State Government Committee on Jan. 20, 2009. See HB 1594introduced by Representative Maher (R-Allegheny). The bill would create the Office for People with Disabilities and Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities in the Governor’s Office. The bill passed the House on June 21, 2010 and was referred to the Senate State Government Committee.

SB 74. Introduced by Senator Greenleaf (R-Montgomery).This bill would establish theMental Health Reinvestment Program. Its purpose is to provide funding to counties with which they can plan, implement or expand initiatives that improve the effectiveness of treatment services for people with mental illnesses and/or substance abuse disorders who are involved or at risk of involvement with the criminal justice system. It was introduced and sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 29, 2009.

SB 251. Introduced by Senator Greenleaf (R-Montgomery). The bill provides for court-ordered outpatient mental health and drug and alcohol treatment. It was introduced and referred to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee on Feb.19, 2009.

SB 393. Introduced by Senator Ferlo (D-Allegheny). The bill would keep the proceeds from the sale of state Mental Health or Mental Retardation Facilities in the MH/MR system. The bill was referred to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee on Feb. 20, 2009. See also HB 1190 introduced by Representative Frankel (D-Allegheny) and referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee on April 3, 2009.

SB 404. Introduced by Senator Leach (D-Montgomery). The bill provides for assisted suicide. It was introduced and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 5, 2009.

SB 486. Introduced by Senator Vance (R-Cumberland). It would amend the state Constitution to provide for absentee voting for anyone who wants it. It was voted out of the Senate State Government Committee, given first consideration by the full Senate and was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee, March 30, 2009. See also HB 333 introduced by Representative Josephs (D-Philadelphia) Both bills, because they amend the state constitution, would need to pass both chambers of the General Assembly in consecutive sessions and then be passed by Pennsylvania voters.

SB 599. Introduced by Senator Yaw (R-Bradford). The bill would create a Housing Fundto, among other things, fund “projects to increase the availability or quality of accessible housing for persons with disabilities.” The bill was voted out of the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, given first consideration by the full Senate and was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee, March 30, 2009. Also see HB 60 by Representative Daley (D-Fayette).

SB 628. Introduced by Senator M. White (R-Butler). This is the 2009-10 session’s version of legislation supported by the advocacy community which would prohibit the imposition of the death sentence in cases of mental retardation. It was voted out of the full Senate on July 8, 2010 and the House Judiciary Committee, and referred to the House Appropriations Committee. Advocates support the bill in its current form.

SB 642. Introduced by Senator Tomlinson (R-Bucks). The bill amends the Sign Language Interpreter and Transliterator State Registration Act to provide for provisional registration and for exemptions from registration. The bill passed both chambers and was signed by the Governor becoming Act 124 of 2010. See also HB 916 introduced by Representative Bradford (D-Montgomery).

SB 699. Introduced by Senator Vance (R-Cumberland). This is the bill, supported by a coalition of advocates, which creates an Adult Protective Services System for adults between the ages of 18 and 59. The bill passed both chambers and was signed into law by the Governor on Oct. 7, 2010 as Act 70 of 2010. It’s effective on April 7. See also HB 1319 introduced by Representative Baker (R-Bradford) and HB 1185 introduced by Representative Josephs (D-Philadelphia).

SB 940. Introduced by Senator Dinniman (D-Chester). Referred to Senate Education Committee June 5, 2009. The bill would establish a special education funding formulabased on the results of costing out studies conducted in 2007 and 2009. As a result of the 2007 study, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation in 2007 that increased state funding for general education. However, special education was left out of that legislation. The bill would close the $380 million funding gap over a period of six years by mirroring the approach of the basic education funding formula. It also includes new accountability requirements. It is supported by advocates. See also HB 704 introduced by Representative Sturla (D-Lancaster).

SB 954. Introduced by Senator Piccola (R-Dauphin). The bill allows approved private schools and chartered schools for students who are deaf and blind to request from the PA Department of Education an emergency, long-term or day-to-day substitute teaching permit when a fully qualified and properly certificated applicant is not available. Senate Bill 954 passed the Senate on June 14, 2010 and was referred to the House Education Committee June 15, 2010.

SB 976. Introduced by Senator O’Pake (D-Berks). The bill adds new provisions to the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System for children, requiring the State Police to create a Missing Endangered Person Advisory System. That system is to help in the recovery of missing people who “are at special risk of harm or injury.” The bill passed both chambers and was signed by the Governor, Nov. 23, 2010 becoming Act 126 of 2010. See also HB 726introduced by Representative Youngblood (D-Philadelphia).

SB 1112. Introduced by Senator D. White (R-Armstrong). This bill would provide for Pennsylvania implementation of federal legislation on parity and non-discrimination in insurance. It relates to the Wellstone and Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act and Michelle’s Law. It was introduced and referred to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee on Oct. 6, 2009. See also HB 1593 introduced by Representative Matzie (D-Allegheny).

SB 1204. Introduced by Senator Browne (R-Lehigh). This bill would amend special education law relating to burden of proof and timeframe for evaluations. The bill was introduced and referred to the Senate Education Committee on Jan. 26, 2010.

SB 1241. Introduced by Senator Browne (R-Lehigh). The bill would educate student athletes, their parents and coaches about the nature and risk of concussion and head injuries. It was voted out of the Senate Education Committee, given first consideration by the full Senate and referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee Sept. 28, 2010. See also HB 2728 introduced by Representative Briggs (D-Montgomery). The bill would educate student athletes, their parents and coaches about the nature and risk of concussion and head injuries, require coaches to complete a concussion management certification training course and require that a student who shows signs of a concussion or head injury be removed from play. It was voted out of the full House on Sept. 28, 2010 and sent to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee. The bill is an update of HB 2060, also introduced by Representative Briggs.

SB 1339. Introduced by Senator Pippy (R-Allegheny). The bill amends the Mental Health or Mental Retardation Facility Closure Act to keep the proceeds from the sale of state Mental Health or Mental Retardation Facilities in Allegheny County in the MH/MR system. The bill was introduced and referred to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee on May 5, 2010. See also HB 2463 introduced by Representative Kotik (D-Allegheny) which also deals with the sale of facilities in Allegheny County. And see two bills introduced earlier which apply to sales of institutions statewide, SB 393 introduced by Senator Ferlo (D-Allegheny) and HB 1190 introduced by Representative Frankel (D-Allegheny).

SB 1443. Introduced by Senator Dinniman (D-Chester). The bill would amend the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Act of 1966, replacing the term “mental retardation” with “intellectual disability.” It was introduced and referred to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee on July 22, 2010.

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HB 1. Introduced by Representative Eachus (D-Luzerne). The bill would expand adultBasic, Pennsylvania’s subsidized health insurance plan, to 130,000 working-age adults from the current 44,000 people insured by adultBasic. Approximately 272,000 people are on the waiting list. The bill would also add prescription drug coverage, chronic disease management, behavioral health coverage, and prevention and wellness care to the coverage. It would also qualify adultBasic for federal matching dollars; currently the program is entirely state-funded. Funding for HB 1 would come from three sources: the Tobacco Settlement Fund, the Health Care Provider Retention Account, and the Community Health Reinvestment Fund (contributions from Blue Cross/Blue Shield). AdultBasic does not receive General Fund dollars. The bill passed the House June 29 and was referred to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee July 1, 2009.

HB 46. Introduced by Representative Conklin (D- Centre). It provides for early voting. It would allow people to vote at certain designated polling places starting ten days before an election. The bill was introduced and sent to the House State Government Committee on Jan. 28, 2009. See also HB 238 introduced by Representative DePasquale (D-York) which provides for early voting starting 15 days before elections. It was introduced and sent to the House State Government Committee on Feb. 4, 2009.

HB 56. Introduced by Representative K. Smith (D-Lackawanna). This is one of a number of bills amending the Older Adults Protective Services Act. HB 56 would add assisted living facilities to those covered by the act and require reporting of neglect. Referred to Senate Aging and Youth, April 2, 2009. HB 288 introduced by Representative Murphy (D-Lackawanna) would add “person acting under a power of attorney” to the definition of exploitation. HB 309 introduced by Representative Johnson (D-Philadelphia) adds assisted living facilities to those covered by the act, adds definitions of “chronic dementia” and “cognitive impairment” and requires physicians to disclose ownership and financial interests. All three bills passed the House and were sent to the Senate Aging and Youth Committee.

HB 60. Introduced by Representative Daley (D-Washington). This bill creates a Housing Trust Fund providing funding for, among other things, increasing the “availability or quality of accessible housing for persons with disabilities.” The bill passed both chambers and was signed by the Governor on Nov. 23 becoming Act 105 of 2010. See also SB 599introduced by Senator Yaw (R-Bradford).

HB 226. Introduced by Representative D. O’Brien (R-Philadelphia). The bill relates to the burden of proof in special education hearings and the time frame for completion of evaluations. Referred to House Education Committee, Feb. 3, 2009.

HB 227. Introduced by Representative D. O’Brien (R-Philadelphia). The bill creates a dispute resolution process for special education. It was introduced and sent to the House Education Committee, Feb. 3, 2009.

HB 238. Introduced by Representative DePasquale (D-York). This bill provides for early voting starting 15 days before elections. It was introduced and sent to the House State Government Committee on Feb. 4, 2009. See also HB 46 introduced by Representative Conklin (D-Centre), which would allow people to vote at certain designated polling places starting ten days before an election.

HB 245. Introduced by Representative Mundy (D-Luzerne). This bill amends the Family Caregiver Support Act. Among other changes, the bill would: remove the requirement that the caregiver be a family member; establish priority for services to “functionally dependent older” adults and adults “60 years of age or older with chronic dementia”; raise the maximum amounts payable under the act; and make clear that funding is limited to the appropriation of the General Assembly (no entitlement). It was voted out of the House on March 30, 2009 and sent to the Senate Aging and Youth Committee April 2, 2009. See alsoHB 826 introduced by Representative Baker (R-Bradford).

HB 254. Introduced by Representative Fairchild (R-Snyder). The original bill amends the Public Welfare Code to provide for benefit determinations for veterans. It was amended to include sections on hospital payment rates and a hospital assessment. The bill as amended passed both chambers and was signed into law by the Governor on July 9 becoming Act 49 of 2010.

HB 282. Introduced by Representative Walko (D-Allegheny). This bill amends the crime code sections on neglect of care-dependent persons. The bill passed the House on March 16, 2009 and was sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee March 19, 2009. See alsoHB 373 introduced by Representative Wansacz (D-Lackawanna). This bill would require the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission to provide for a sentencing enhancement for whenneglect of a care-dependent person results in death.

HB 288. Introduced by Representative Murphy (D-Lackawanna). This is one of a number of bills amending the Older Adults Protective Services Act. It would add person acting under a power of attorney to the definition of exploitation. See also HB 309 introduced by Representative Johnson (D-Philadelphia) and HB 56 introduced by Representative K. Smith (D-Lackawanna). All three bills have passed the House and were sent to the Senate Aging and Youth Committee.

HB 309. Introduced by Representative Johnson (D-Philadelphia). This is one of a number of bills amending the Older Adults Protective Services Act. It adds assisted living facilities to those covered by the act, adds definitions of “chronic dementia” and “cognitive impairment” and requires physicians to disclose ownership and financial interests. See alsoHB 56 introduced by Representative K. Smith (D-Lackawanna) and HB 288 introduced by Representative Murphy (D-Lackawanna). All three bills have passed the House and were sent to the Senate Aging and Youth Committee April 2, 2009.

HB 312. Introduced by Representative Gingrich (R-Lebanon). The bill provides for public notice relating to long-term care providers and for information provision. The bill passed the House on March 30, 2009 and was sent to the Senate Aging and Youth Committee April 2, 2009.

HB 333. Introduced by Representative Josephs (D-Philadelphia). A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, furtherproviding for absentee voting, which was voted out of the House State Government Committee, given first consideration by the full House and sent to the House Appropriations Committee, March 31, 2009. See also SB 486 introduced by Senator Vance (R-Cumberland). It would amend the state Constitution to provide for absentee voting for anyone who wants it. Both bills, because they amend the state constitution, would need to pass both chambers of the General Assembly in consecutive sessions and then be passed by Pennsylvania voters.

HB 371. Introduced by Representative Staback (D-Lackawanna). This bill outlines standards for complaint investigations of personal care homes and assisted living facilities. It was voted out of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee in March, given two considerations by the full House and voted, for the second time, out of the House Appropriations Committee on Oct. 1, 2009. The bill was amended in Committee to add a number of provisions, including those related to public benefits for veterans and changing the rules on allowable deductions for medical expenses when determining payment toward the cost of long term care services.

HB 372. Introduced by Representative Staback (D-Lackawanna) which provides forcomplaint investigations in nursing homes. This bill passed the House on March 30, 2009 and was given one consideration by the full Senate.

HB 373. Introduced by Representative Wansacz (D-Lackawanna). This bill would require the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission to provide for a sentencing enhancement for when neglect of a care-dependent person results in death. It passed the House and was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, June 4, 2009. See also HB 282 introduced by Representative Walko (D-Allegheny). This bill amends the crime code sections on neglect of care-dependent persons.

HB 704. Introduced by Representative Sturla (D-Lancaster). The bill would establish aspecial education funding formula based on the results of costing out studies conducted in 2007 and 2009. As a result of the 2007 study, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation in 2007 that increased state funding for general education. However, special education was left out of that legislation. HB 704 would close the $380 million funding gap over a period of 6 years by mirroring the approach of the basic education funding formula. It also includes new accountability requirements. It was supported by advocates. It passed the House on June 23, 2010 by a vote of 173-25 and was referred to the Senate Education Committee. See also SB 940 introduced by Senator Dinniman (D-Chester). Referred to Senate Education Committee June 5, 2009.

HB 726. Introduced by Representative Youngblood (D-Philadelphia). The bill provides for the State Police to establish and maintain a Missing Endangered Person Advisory System to assist in the recovery of missing persons who are “at special risk of harm or injury.” The bill has passed the House and been referred to the Senate Law and Justice Committee.  See also SB 976 introduced by Senator O’Pake (D-Berks) which passed both chambers and was signed by the Governor, Nov. 23, 2010 becoming Act 126 of 2010.

HB 821. Introduced by Representative Boback (R-Columbia). This bill provides for therelocation of long term care consumers. It was voted out of the House on April 20, 2009 and referred to the Senate Aging and Youth Committee.

HB 826. Introduced by Representative Baker (R-Bradford). This bill amends the Family Caregiver Support Act was sent to the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, March 10, 2009. See also HB 245 introduced by Representative Mundy (D-Luzerne).

HB 916. Introduced by Representative Bradford (D-Montgomery). The bill would amend theSign Language Interpreter and Transliterator State Registration Act. It passed the House on May 12, 2009 and was referred to the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee. See also SB 642 introduced by Senator Tomlinson (R-Bucks).

HB 1049. Introduced by Representative Saylor (R-York). It would require insurance companies to pay for anesthesia during dental procedures for certain people with disabilities. The bill was voted out of the House Insurance Committee on Oct. 7, 2009, given first consideration by the full House and referred to the House Appropriations Committee, Oct. 8, 2009.

HB 1152. Introduced by Representative Mundy (D-Luzerne). This bill would establish a newDepartment of Aging and Long Term Living that would include the programs, services, and personnel of the Office of Long Term Living and the Department of Aging. The General Assembly held hearings on the new department. The bill was voted out of the House and sent to the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, July 1, 2009.

HB 1185. Introduced by Representative Josephs (D-Philadelphia). This bill would create anAdult Protective Services System for adults between the ages of 18 and 59. See alsoHB 1319 introduced by Representative Baker (R-Bradford). Both bills were sent to the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee. See also SB 699 introduced by Senator Vance (R-Cumberland) which was approved by the Governor, Oct. 7, 2010 becoming Act 70 of 2010.

HB 1186. Introduced by Representative DiGirolamo (R-Bucks). This bill established a newDepartment of Drug and Alcohol Programs. It provides for planning authority and moves some programs out of the Department of Health and into the new cabinet level department. It was passed by both chambers and signed into law by the Governor on July 9, 2010, becoming Act 50 of 2010.

HB 1190. Introduced by Representative Frankel (D-Allegheny). This bill would keep the proceeds from the sale of state Mental Health or Mental Retardation Facilities in the system. It was referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee on April 3, 2009. See also SB 393 introduced by Senator Ferlo (D-Allegheny).

HB 1247. Introduced by Representative Harper (R-Montgomery).This bill would establish a bill of rights for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It was voted out of the House Health and Human Services Committee on Jan. 5, 2010, given first consideration by the full House and referred to the Appropriations Committee.

HB 1319. Introduced by Representative Baker (R-Bradford). This bill would create an Adult Protective Services System for adults between the ages of 18 and 59. See also HB 1185 introduced by Representative Josephs (D-Philadelphia). Both bills were sent to the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee. See also SB 699 introduced by Senator Vance (R-Cumberland) which was approved by the Governor Oct. 7, 2010 becoming Act 70 of 2010.

HB 1429. Introduced by Representative Dermody (D-Allegheny). It provides for joint training and continuing education of nursing care providers and nursing facility surveyors, assisted living service providers and assisted living residence surveyors and for joint training and continuing education of personal care providers and personal care home surveyors. It was voted out of the House Health and Human Services Committee and given first consideration by the full House.

HB 1593. Introduced by Representative Matzie (D-Allegheny). This bill would bring Pennsylvania into compliance with the federal insurance parity and nondiscriminationprovisions contained in the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-343, 122 Stat. 3881), the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-233, 122 Stat. 881) and Michelle’s Law (Public Law 110-381, 122 Stat. 4081. The bill passed the full House on Oct. 6 and was sent to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, Oct. 6, 2009. See also SB 1112 introduced by Senator D. White (R-Armstrong).

HB 1594. Introduced by Representative Maher (R-Allegheny). The bill would create theOffice for People with Disabilities and Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities in the Governor’s Office. The bill passed the House on June 21, 2010 and was referred to the Senate State Government Committee. See also SB 43 introduced by Senator Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia).

HB 1914. Introduced by Representative Cohen (D-Philadelphia). The bill provides for, among other things, wheelchair accessible taxi cabs in Philadelphia. It was introduced and referred to the House Urban Affairs Committee on Aug. 7, 2009.

HB 1961. Introduced by Representative Gergely (D-Allegheny). This bill would establish acentral depository of information related to home care agencies and their track records  and ensure that home care agencies provide access to all records on safety and reliability. It was introduced and referred to the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee on Sept. 8, 2009.

HB 2060. Introduced by Representative Briggs (D-Montgomery). The bill would educate student athletes, their parents and coaches about the nature and risk of concussion and head injuries, require coaches to complete a concussion management certification training course and require that a student who shows signs of a concussion or head injury be removed from play. It was voted out of the House Education Committee and the Appropriations Committee and given first consideration by the full House. See also HB 2728 introduced by Representative Briggs (D-Montgomery) which updated HB 2060. See also SB 1241 introduced by Senator Browne (R-Lehigh).

HB 2186. Introduced by Representative Scavello (R-Monroe). This bill amends the Mental Health Procedures Act providing for assisted outpatient treatment programs. It was referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee on Jan. 5, 2010.

HB 2439. Introduced by Representative K. Smith (D-Lackawanna). This bill would expand the list of those who can certify people to receive a disability plate and placard to include optometrists. It was voted out of the full House on Sept. 28, 2010 and referred to the Senate Transportation Committee.

HB 2463. Introduced by Representative Kotik (D-Allegheny). This bill deals with the sale of facilities in Allegheny County. HB 2463 was referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee on April 29, 2010. And see two bills introduced earlier which apply to sales of institutions statewide – SB 393 introduced by Senator Ferlo (D-Allegheny) and HB 1190 introduced by Representative Frankel (D-Allegheny). See also SB 1339 introduced by Senator Pippy (R-Allegheny).

HB 2492. Introduced by Representative McIlvaine Smith (D-Chester). This bill would change the name of the Department of Public Welfare to the Department of Human Services. The bill was voted out of the House Health and Human Services Committee, given first consideration before the full House and sent to the House Rules Committee Sept. 27, 2010. A number of amendments were added to the bill.

HB 2603. Introduced by Representative Roebuck Jr. (D-Philadelphia). The bill provides for the costs of tuition and maintenance for approved private schools for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. It was voted out of the House Education Committee, given first consideration by the full House and referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 2728. Introduced by Representative Briggs (D-Montgomery). The bill would educate student athletes, their parents and coaches about the nature and risk of concussion and head injuries, require coaches to complete a concussion management certification training course and require that a student who shows signs of a concussion or head injury be removed from play. It was voted out of the full House on Sept. 28, 2010 and sent to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee. The bill is an update of HB 2060, also introduced by Representative Briggs. See also SB 1241 introduced by Senator Browne (R-Lehigh).

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HR 91. Introduced by Representative J. Evans (R-Crawford). This House Resolution urges institutions of higher education that receive state funding to recognize American Sign Language courses for foreign language credit. It was adopted by the House on May 4, 2009.

HR 318. Introduced by Representative Siptroth (D-Monroe). The Resolution named the week of July 26 through Aug. 1, 2009, as “ADA Week” in Pennsylvania. It was adopted by the House on June 25, 2009.

HR 380. Introduced by Representative Brown (D-Philadelphia). This resolution would direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study and report on disparities in dental care for Pennsylvanians with disabilities. The resolution was voted out of the House Health and Human Services Committee on Sept. 11, 2009. It did not receive consideration by the full House.

HR 647. Introduced by Representative Swanger (R-Lebanon). The resolution designated March 3, 2010, as “Spread the Word to End the Word Day” in Pennsylvania. It was adopted by the House by unanimous vote on March 23, 2010. It was aimed at eliminating the use of the term “mental retardation.”

SR 161. Introduced by Senator Argall (R-Schuylkill), it established a ten member commission—six appointed by Republican Majority Leader and four by Democratic Minority Leader—to study state spending and show where the Commonwealth can cut costs, privatize and consolidate or eliminate functions of state government. The Commission reported in June, 2010. To read the report, go towww.senatorargall.com/commission/commission-final-report.pdf.

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Index of Selected Bills of Interest to Pennsylvanians with Disabilities Signed Into Law

Selected Resolutions Adopted 2009-2010

Index by Topic of Selected Bills of Interest to Pennsylvanians with Disabilities 2009-2010

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