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October 28, 2011

Senator John Pippy E-News

Senate News Brief

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SENATOR CORMAN PROPOSES TRANSPORTATION FUNDING LEGISLATION

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jake Corman (Centre) announced Wednesday that he will introduce transportation funding legislation encompassing many of the recommendations of a state commission appointed by Governor Tom Corbett.

Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of structurally deficient bridges, and more than 8,000 miles of highway need to be repaired or replaced, the senator said. The Commonwealth is losing ground in simply maintaining its current transportation network, let alone improving infrastructure, adding capacity where necessary or modernizing.

Senator Corman's legislative package is based largely on recommendations included in the report issued by the Transportation Funding Advisory Commission (TFAC), which Governor Corbett created in April to find solutions to the transportation funding crisis facing the state.

For more on Senator Corman's transportation funding legislation, please see In the Spotlight, below.
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URLs for Links Above:
Transportation Funding Advisory Commission: http://www.tfac.pa.gov/

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM ACT APPROVED BY SENATE

The Senate on Tuesday approved the Criminal Justice Reform Act, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart Greenleaf (Montgomery). 

Senate Bill 100 contains several provisions that address prison overcrowding and recidivism, and reduce the high costs of incarceration. Senate Bill 100 continues the prison reform movement in Pennsylvania, makes better use of already existing alternative sentencing programs, and relies on principles that have been proven highly effective in other states.

Senator Greenleaf: "I am very pleased to see this legislation move on to the House. This is both an important fiscal and public safety issue in Pennsylvania. We can reform more non-violent offenders which will increase public safety and we can save millions in taxpayer dollars in the long term." 
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URLs for Links Above:
Senate Bill 100: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0100
 

SENATE APPROVES JUVENILE JUSTICE AMENDMENTS

The Senate approved legislation Wednesday amending the state's Juvenile Act to ensure greater protections for juvenile offenders.

The action was prompted by the judicial abuses that occurred in Luzerne County between 2005 and 2008. Many juvenile's rights were violated because they were denied representation by an attorney and as a result were placed in detention centers for minor offenses.

Under Senate Bill 850, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart Greenleaf (Montgomery), the law will presume that all juvenile defendants are indigent in order to have each juvenile represented by an attorney. It would ensure more equitable treatment of juveniles and offer them the same protections whether they are tried in juvenile court or before a magisterial district judge for a summary offense. The legislation also streamlines the expungement of records that result from cases before the juvenile court and magisterial district judges.

The bill also defines the crime of cyber bullying by minors. These activities would only be considered a crime if a minor knowingly transmits an electronic message or photo to harm or harass another person. 
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URLs for Links Above:
Senate Bill 850:  http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0850

PICCOLA'S FINANCIAL RECOVERY BILL FOR
HARRISBURG SIGNED INTO LAW

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (Dauphin) to put Pennsylvania's Capital City on a responsible path to fiscal recovery was approved Tuesday by the Senate and later signed into law. 

Senate Bill 1151 (Act 79 of 2011) enables the Governor to declare a state of fiscal emergency in Harrisburg, which would be triggered by the city's inability to meet its financial obligations and failure to adopt a financial recovery plan under Act 47. Once the emergency is declared, the Governor may petition Commonwealth Court to appoint a receiver for the city.

Once appointed, the receiver will have the ability to create a long-term recovery plan for the city and implement the plan as needed. The law also includes an advisory panel responsible for providing feedback to the receiver.

Senator Piccola: "The bankruptcy filing recently approved by city council is illegal and demonstrates the majority's inability and absolute flagrant disregard in governing the city in a responsible manner. This ongoing, reckless behavior has become a national embarrassment not only for this city but for our entire Commonwealth, as Harrisburg is the only municipality in state history to reject an Act 47 recovery plan." 
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URLs for Links Above
Senate Bill 1151: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1151

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT BILL APPROVED BY SENATE

The Senate on Tuesday approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Mary Jo White (Venango) to establish a pretrial procedure to determine if a defendant in a capital penalty trial is a person with mental retardation.

A version of Senate Bill 397 has passed the Senate overwhelmingly in three prior legislative sessions, but has yet to receive final passage. The measure now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senator White has introduced the measures since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2002 that applying the death penalty to persons with mental retardation is unconstitutional. The court left it up to states to determine how to implement the decision.

Under Senate Bill 397, counsel for a defendant in a capital case can request a hearing prior to trial to determine if the defendant is not eligible for the death penalty due to mental retardation. The burden of proof would be on the defendant. If the trial judge finds for the defense, the trial would proceed as a noncapital trial. The bill also provides a similar procedure for a defendant already sentenced to death with appeals pending.
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URLs for Links Above:
Senate Bill 397:  http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0397

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE TARGETS DRUNK DRIVING, AUTO THEFT

The Senate Transportation Committee, chaired by Sen. John Rafferty (Montgomery), approved several measures Tuesday, including legislation that would crack down on drunk driving and set new standards for the use of ignition interlock programs.

Senate Bill 539 would increase penalties for drunk drivers who have a minor in the vehicle with them when the violation occurs. The maximum fine for a first offense would increase to $1,000 and 100 hours of community service. A second offense would carry a maximum fine of $2,500 and imprisonment of up to six months. Drivers convicted of subsequent offenses could be jailed for up to two years. 

Senate Bill 1184 would increase the fee that a convicted drunk driver would pay for an occupational limited license from $50 to $100 and only with an ignition interlock system. Drivers who have been convicted of DUI would be eligible for an occupational limited license if they do not have a prior offense, have served 15 days of the suspension, and possess only a vehicle equipped with ignition interlock.

The committee also approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Stewart Greenleaf (Montgomery) to assist law enforcement in cracking down on auto theft in Pennsylvania. 

Senate Bill 86 expands the Motor Vehicle Chop Shop Act to include "vehicle," "trailer" and "semitrailer," and clarifies language to assist law enforcement when attempting to charge someone with the crimes of profiting from stolen vehicle activity. The measure also provides additional legal protections with respect to search and seizure of stolen property.
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URLs for Links Above:
Senate Bill 539:  http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0539
Senate Bill 1184:  http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1184
Senate Bill 86:  http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0086

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Pennsylvania currently has 50 closed bridges and 650 weight-restricted or posted bridges – many in rural parts of the state where drivers must make long detours. Urban and suburban areas are seeing greater road congestion because money is not available to keep up with traffic needs.

The Transportation Funding Advisory Commission report urged PennDOT to consider a number of measures including adjusting outdated vehicle driver fees for inflation, increasing fines, uncapping the Oil Company Franchise Tax over five years and modernizing many PennDOT services for cost savings.
The Corman bill package incorporates most of the Commission's recommendations, providing a fair, strategic plan for addressing the transportation funding needs of Pennsylvania. All revenue generated will be dedicated specifically to transportation projects, which means the money will stay in Pennsylvania, creating jobs and boosting the economy.

The senator noted that, factoring in vehicle damage, time loss due to a degraded or overcrowded roadways, and reduced options to effectively and efficiently move products, motorists continue to pay more and get nothing in return for an overstressed transportation system.

Senator Corman: "A safe and reliable transportation network is a core function of state government and necessary for a strong economy. We have to find a way to fund our roads and bridges even in these tough fiscal times."

 PennDOT, State Police Team to Make Roads Safer for Halloween
Underage Drivers Reminded of Stiff Penalties for Impaired Driving

Harrisburg – Impaired drivers, especially those under the legal drinking age, had better beware this Halloween, as PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police are teaming to increase law-enforcement patrols throughout the week.

"Many drivers under 21 don't realize that different rules and penalties apply to them if they are caught drinking and driving," said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch. "Putting people's lives in danger by getting behind the wheel while impaired is senseless and can result in tragedy. It's just not worth the cost."

The legal blood-alcohol content in Pennsylvania is 0.08 for motorists over the age of 21. For underage drivers, the BAC limit is 0.02 percent. Penalties for a conviction can include jail time, license suspension and fines of between $500 and $5,000.

"No one should ever get behind the wheel when slightly impaired," said State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan. "It's not a question of whether a person is legally intoxicated; it's a question of whether it is safe to drive after consuming any amount of alcohol. It's also important for adults to understand that they can face heavy fines and jail time for supplying alcohol to minors."

Adults, even parents, who are convicted of knowingly and intentionally supplying minors with alcohol are subject to a fine of at least $1,000 for the first offense and $2,500 for each additional offense, and face up to a year in jail.

The increased DUI patrols, which will include municipal police departments, will be funded in part with federal funds distributed through PennDOT. The extra patrols will continue through Nov. 1.

According to PennDOT data, in 2010 there were 1,241 crashes statewide involving at least one underage drinking driver. On Halloween last year, there were 322 crashes statewide, resulting in nine deaths. Of those crashes, 64 were alcohol related and accounted for six fatalities.

Learn more about impaired driving by visiting www.DriveSafePA.org. Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews.

PennDOT Weekend Traffic Alerts

PennDOT Traffic Alerts
PennDOT District 11
Weekend Construction Projects
October 28-31, 2011
 

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is reminding motorists several highway and bridge improvements will be occurring in Allegheny County this weekend, Oct. 28-31.

All activities are weather permitting and subject to change. Motorists should plan their travels accordingly by anticipating highway work zones, slowing down, exercising patience and being safe.

PennDOT is also reminding motorists approaching lane restricted highway work zones to use all open lanes to the merge point. Please be courteous to other motorists and allow them to merge. The effectiveness of traffic flow in highway work zones is highly dependent on driver behavior. Using all lanes and allowing a consistent, courteous merge will reduce congestion and delay and help traffic move safely through the work zone.
The HOV lanes on the Parkway North (I-279) are open to all outbound traffic on weekends after 7 p.m. on Friday and remain open until 5 a.m. on Mondays. In addition, the two passenger vehicle rule does not apply during weekend hours. To alleviate congestion, motorists are encouraged to use the HOV lanes to exit the downtown area following sports games and other events on weekends. 

Below is a summary of the major closings and restrictions this weekend:

Short-Term:

I-79

*Motorists are advised to expect significant delays; alternate routes should be considered. *

Roadwork 
Single lane traffic on I-79 in both directions in the area between the Cranberry (Exit 78) and Wexford interchanges (Exit 73) will occur from 7 p.m. Friday through approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday. Crews will be milling, paving and line painting.  Southbound restrictions will begin first on Friday evening.

Full release: I-79 Bridgeville to Washington Improvements Continue this Weekend
Google Map of Area:   http://g.co/maps/ak5ff

Road Work 
Single lane traffic on I-79 in both directions from Washington County to ½ mile north of the Bridgeville interchange (Exit 54) will occur from 7 p.m. Friday through 7 p.m. on Saturday. Crews will be sawing and sealing roadway joints.

*Motorists are advised to expect significant delays; alternate routes should be considered. *

Full release: I-79 Bridgeville to Washington Single Lane Traffic Friday and Saturday
Google Map of Area: http://g.co/maps/yrc8w

Parkway East 

Road/Bridge Work

The outbound (eastbound) Parkway East (I-376) will be reduced to single lane in the Municipality of Monroeville from 8 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. on Monday. The outbound off-ramp to Plum/northbound Route 48 (Exit 84B) will also be closed. Crews will be paving the ramp and the outbound Parkway East between the Monroeville off-ramp (Exit 84A) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Exit 85). Signs will be posted to guide motorists during the Plum outbound off-ramp closures. 


Full release: Outbound Parkway Single Lane this Weekend in Monroeville
Google Map of Area:  http://g.co/maps/x6xcy http://g.co/maps/54uxa

Parkway North/Fort Duquesne Bridge
  
A single, right lane closure on outbound (northbound) Fort Duquesne Bridge approaching the Parkway North (I-279) in the City of Pittsburgh will occur from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Brief traffic stoppages of 15 minutes or less in both directions on the bridge will also occur as needed. Crews will be resetting bearings. 
 
Full release: Outbound Lane Closure Saturday on Fort Duquesne Bridge in Pittsburgh
Google Map of Area:  http://g.co/maps/ky8su

Route 50

Roadwork
Work to improve Route 50 (Washington Road/Pike) and Greentree Road (Route 3052) in Collier and Scott townships and Heidelberg and Carnegie boroughs will continue this weekend.

The following restrictions will occur from 8 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Monday:
• Crews will be milling and resurfacing the deck on the bridge that carries Greentree Road over Chartiers Creek (near the intersection with Route 50 across from Walgreens by the Exxon station). Traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction shifted around the work area.
• Route 50 will be reduced to a single lane in each direction in the area of the Thoms Run Road intersection. Crews will be milling and resurfacing the deck on the bridge over Chartiers Creek.

The following restrictions will occur from 8 p.m. on Friday to 7a.m. on Monday:
• Single lane traffic will occur on Route 50 in both directions for paving between Collier Avenue in Heidelberg and Boden Avenue in Carnegie. Crews will apply the final paving surface.

Full release:  Route 50 and Greentree Road Single Lane this Weekend in Collier and Heidelberg
Google Map of Area:  http://g.co/maps/7gzuh

Long-Term:
Route 65 
Route 65 (Ohio River Boulevard) in the City of Pittsburgh is closed long-term in both directions at the Marshall Avenue (Route 19) interchange. Crews are rehabilitating the mainline Route 65 bridges at the interchange between the West End and McKees Rocks bridges. Traffic is being detoured using the on-and-off ramps to Beaver Avenue and California Avenue.

Full release:  Route 65 Closure Continues through Early Summer 2012 at Marshall Avenue Interchange in Pittsburgh
Google Map of Area: http://g.co/maps/qjve   

Route 28
Northbound Route 28 is reduced to a single lane between the Chestnut Street Overpass and the 40th Street Bridge in the City of Pittsburgh through 2014.

Full release: Next Phase of Route 28 East Ohio Street Improvements Begins Monday in Pittsburgh
Google Map of Area: http://g.co/maps/atdy 

Crosstown I-579 Bridges and Ramps

The bridges that connect Sixth and Seventh avenues to Washington Place over I-579 near the Civic Arena are closed continuously through mid-November 2011

Full release: I-579 Crosstown Boulevard Ramp Closures Long-Term Detours Begin this Weekend in Pittsburgh
Google Map of Area: http://g.co/maps/45q3u 
   

PennDOT Information and Resources:

For more information, visit the District 11 website, www.dot.state.pa.us , click PennDOT near you, "11" under "roadwork". PennDOT reminds motorists to call the construction hotline at 412-429-6035 for information and current activities on the Parkway East, Parkway West, Parkway North, I-79 and Route 28. All work is weather permitting.

Call 1-800 FIX ROAD to report roadway problems and concerns.

Log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions and cameras on major roadways before traveling. The 511 system also automatically feeds Twitter accounts with information such as incidents, construction notices and weather alerts. The Pittsburgh/Southwestern-region account, www.twitter.com/511PAPittsburgh, covers Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland counties. Follow PennDOT to receive real-time updates.

District 11 offers specialized information for particular roadways and projects. Potential email subscribers should specify preferences for receiving information for the following categories:

• All roadways and bridges in Allegheny, Beaver or Lawrence counties;
• Weekend work and restrictions in Allegheny County (this will only include restrictions and work activities that occur on weekends);
• Parkway East (I-376);
• Parkway West (I-376) ;
• Parkway North (I-279);
• Interstate 79;
• West Liberty Avenue and Liberty Tunnel Improvements;
• Route 28 (Allegheny Valley Expressway);
• Route 65 (Ohio River Boulevard);
• Route 48 Boston Bridge; and
• Route 19 Wexford Flats Project.

Potential subscribers should send their email address and location preferences to Press Officer Jim Struzzi at jstruzzi@state.pa.us or contact the PennDOT District 11 Press Office by phone at 412-429-5010.