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More Protections for Leaseholders…On January 28th, the State Senate unanimously approved two bills I sponsored aimed at expanding the rights of landowners who currently hold leases with natural gas companies. Senate Bill 147 would expand the Oil and Gas Lease Act by allowing royalty interest owners the opportunity to inspect records of natural gas companies to verify proper payments. The bill also requires all royalty payments to be made within 90 days of production unless otherwise stated in the contract. Any delinquent payments would be paid with interest.
Senate Bill 148
would prohibit a gas company from retaliating against any royalty interest owner by terminating their lease agreement or ceasing development on leased
property because the owner questions the accuracy of royalty payments. Companies violating the provisions of this bill would face civil penalties of up to
$1,000 per day. -------------------------------Legislative Update--------------------------------- Committee Approves Age Exemption for Jury DutyThe Senate Judiciary Committee has approved a measure that would provide an age exemption from jury duty. Senate Bill 210 would exempt those persons 75 years of age or older who wish to be excused from jury duty. At least 26 states exempt elderly persons from serving on juries. Generally, states have set the age qualifying for the exemption at 65, 70 or 75. Purely Public Charities Bill Sent to SenateThe Senate Finance Committee has approved a measure that would clarify the process for determining the tax-exempt status of public charities. Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Sen. Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster), is now before the full Senate for consideration. Bill Would Expand Ignition Interlock RequirementThe Senate Transportation Committee has approved a measure aimed at reducing drunk driving offenses in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 290, sponsored by Senator Rafferty, would make the ignition interlock program mandatory for first-time DUI offenders with high blood alcohol levels. Currently, the ignition interlock requirement only applies to second offenses.
LeRaysville Cheese Factory, Bradford County
$1.1 Million for Volunteer Fire and Ambulance ServicesOne hundred and six volunteer fire and ambulance service organizations throughout Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Union counties will share in more than $1.1 million in funding through the 2014-15 Fire Company Volunteer Ambulance Services (FCVAS) Grant Program. All grants awarded were generated from slot machine gaming proceeds through a program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner.
Visit to Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village
Do You Need Assistance With State Forms?Do you need assistance completing birth certificates, death certificates, PennDOT or other related applications and forms? My staff stands ready to assist you. The following district outreaches have been scheduled, and are updated frequently on my website.
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Harrisburg Office District Offices 1-800-443-5772
1 Elizabeth Street
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