Mike's Memo

Week of March 24, 2008

Senate Passes Stillbirth Bill

The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 387, which would require the Department of Health, upon the request of a parent, to issue a birth certificate for stillbirths.

Advocates Join in Support of Ending "Lame Duck" Sessions

I was proud to join my fellow Senator, Bob Regola, and other reform advocates to call for House movement on Senate Bill 468, which calls for a Constitutional Amendment to eliminate so-called "Lame Duck Sessions" (the time after a General Election when some members of the General Assembly are leaving but their successors have not yet been sworn in).  Senate Bill 468 passed the Senate 41 – 8 last summer, and has been in the House State Government Committee ever since.

Marriage Amendment Reported from Committee

Senate Bill 1250, which would amend Pennsylvania’s Constitution to provide that marriage is between one man and one woman, was reported from the Senate Judiciary Committee by a vote 10 – 4.  Click here to see how members of the Committee voted on this important amendment, which I am proud to cosponsor.

Child Custody Bill Reported from Committee

My Senate Bill 1107, which would clarify child custody rights for military personnel who are deployed out-of-slate, was also reported (unanimously) from the Senate Judiciary Committee.  Click here for additional background information.