FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2003
Contact:  Erin K. Kelly
(717) 846-2828
ekelly@pasen.gov
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Waugh Legislation Receives Support From Senate

Two Bills Now Move to the House

HARRISBURG – Over the last two days, the State Senate has passed two of Sen. Mike Waugh’s (28-York) bills sending Senate Bill 304, an amendment to the Probate Code providing for classification and payment of debts when the assets of an estate are insufficient to cover them and SB 379, which would allow flashing or revolving lights to be used during funeral processions, to the House.

Current law establishes an order of payment of debts, but Pennsylvania is one of a few states that does not assign a priority of any kind in claims against estates for taxes. Some states rank taxes as high as second; most prioritize them between third and sixth. Waugh’s SB 304 would put debts owed to the state or municipal government sixth on the list of priorities for payment at settlement of an estate.

“A mayor of a borough in my senatorial district brought this issue to my attention last year, and it surprised me to find out that Pennsylvania was one of those few states that does not prioritize tax claims against estates,” said Waugh.

SB 379 calls for an amendment to the Vehicle Code to allow Funeral directors or their representatives to use the lights as an additional measure to alert other drivers of the procession, rather than simply the traditional “funeral” flags and having each vehicle use their headlights.

“Unfortunately, traffic accidents involving vehicles in funeral processions are not uncommon in the Commonwealth,” said Waugh. “ This bill would allow for a more obvious warning to other motorists.”

It is because of such accidents that Waugh has introduced this legislation for two consecutive sessions on behalf of the York County Funeral Directors. During the 2001-2002 legislative session, SB 1553 was approved unanimously (49-0) in the Senate. The Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association continues to support the bill without reservation.

SB 304 and SB 379 now head to the House for consideration.