FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2003
Contact:  Erin K. Kelly
(717) 846-2828
ekelly@pasen.gov
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Waugh Reintroduces Selective Service Bill Among Others

Additional bills call for order of debt payments upon one’s death and a signed disclosure for contracts under seal

HARRISBURG – Today Sen. Mike Waugh (R-York) reintroduced three bills from last session, most notably his selective service bill that would require young men between the ages of 18 and 26 to register with the Federal Selective Service when applying for a driver’s license.

Now Senate Bill 305, last session’s SB 457 gained a great deal of support from the General Assembly, and the language contained in Waugh’s bill was overwhelmingly approved in the House and Senate.  However, the language had been amended into HB 1533, which reached the Governor’s desk but was vetoed on account of another measure contained in the bill. 

“I am reintroducing this legislation because the importance of the issue lies in the fact that federal law requires young men to register with the selective service, yet many are failing to do so.  Not only does this jeopardize our country’s military preparedness, but also the men’s ability to receive government benefits,” stated Waugh. 

As for other legislation being reintroduced today, Waugh’s SB 1433, now SB 304, called for an amendment to the Probate Code to further provide for classification and payment of debts when the assets of an estate are insufficient to cover them.  

The current law establishes an order of payment, 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 bill would put debts owed to the state or municipal government sixth on the list of priorities.

And finally, Waugh is reintroducing legislation that calls for consumers to sign a disclosure statement when entering a contract under seal.  SB 1101 during last session, the bill is now SB 306.

Contracts under seal carry a twenty-year statute of limitations, unlike regular contracts with a four-year statute.  This translates into the ability to file a lawsuit anytime during that twenty-year period, should either party fail to perform any promise in the contract.

“Very few consumers appreciate the magnitude of their obligation when they sign such a contract,” said Waugh.  “I am trying to help consumers make decisions with a better understanding of what they are signing, as well as protect businesses from breaches of consumer contracts."

Senate Bills 305, 304, and 306 are currently awaiting committee assignments.