Senate Bill 963 (Greenleaf) would amend the Uniform Condominium Act to reduce the number of unit owners who must approve the application of the law to properties originally organized under the Unit Property Act.  The bill would require that only 67 percent of unit owners approve the change to permit the application of the Uniform Condominium Act to condominiums organized before its effective date.  Under existing law, all of the unit owners must approve the change.  Passed:  47-0. 

Senate Resolution 246 (Erickson) designates April 16, 2008 as "Healthcare Decisions Day" in Pennsylvania.  Adopted by Voice Vote.

Executive Session

Nominations to Various Boards and Commissions.  (See Attached)  Confirmed:  47-0. 

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Senate Bill 387 (Corman) would amend the Vital Statistics Law of 1953 to require the Department of Health, upon the request of a parent, to issue a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth for any fetal death previously filed with the Department.  The issuance fee would be the same as the fee for the issuance of a death certificate.  The issuance of a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth would not affect the registration, filing or record requirements of the act and would not impose any additional duties on a coroner or medical examiner.  Passed:  47-0.

Senate Bill 1153 (Greenleaf) would amend the Judicial Code to place the Minor Judiciary Education Board, which provides training and certification of magisterial district justices, under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.  The bill would make the Supreme Court responsible for appointing the members of the Board to three year terms and setting the member's compensation.  Under existing law, the Governor appoints the members to five year terms with the approval of the Senate.  The Supreme Court would appoint a chairman and other officers of the Board.  Subject to the approval of the Supreme Court, the Board would appoint a director and authorize other staff positions as may be necessary.  The Board would be further authorized, with the approval of the Court, to develop the subject matter and the examination for the course of training and to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out its duties.  Passed:  36-9.