A bill being considered by the state House would allow individuals with photosensitive disorders to have sunscreened windows installed in their automobiles.

People suffering from photosensitive ailments, such as lupus, experience a high degree of skin irritability from exposure to the sun.

The legislation was developed by Rep. Lynn Herman, R-Philipsburg, at the request of a constituent who suffers from lupus erythematosus.

"Many of my colleagues have expressed interest in this bill as some of their constituents also suffer from photosensitive disorders and other dermatological ailments," Herman said.

Since 1984, sunscreening has been prohibited because in such instances police have experienced difficulty in determining whether dangerous weapons are present in a vehicle. Under Herman's bill, all applicants for sunscreened windows must obtain written certification from a licensed physician or optometrist.

"Medical experts suggest that those who suffer from the disease should use ultraviolet filtering glass or film in their automobiles," Herman said.

Karen Trapp, the Centre County representative of the Lupus Foundation of America, said her organization is concerned about how much attention the bill is getting in Harrisburg.

"We contacted (Sen. Doyle Corman, R-Bellefonte) and gathered a number of signatures in support of the bill and sent them on to Harrisburg," Trapp said.

According to Corman, the sunscreen bill had been hindered by an attached amendment that called for an increase in the state speed limit to 65 mph. That amendment has since been removed at a meeting of the Senate Transportation Committee.

Trapp said a number of people in her association, including herself, find it difficult to drive.

"I'm affected by it in the winter as well as in the summer. One lady in our group drives with a towel covering the window on the driver's side in order to protect herself from the sun," she said.

According to the foundation, more than one-third of the people afflicted with lupus erythematosus suffer from photosensitivity.

Michelle Dameshek, patient services coordinator with the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the foundation, wonders how many people would take advantage of the sunscreen windows if the bill is approved.

"Many people affected by photosensitivity can get by with just applying sunscreen to their skin and don't have a real problem with the sun," Damashek said.