HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Senate is finished with a flurry of votes as senators wrapped up their last scheduled session day of voting this year.

Senators today approved bills that deal with overcrowded prisons, blighted properties, budget-busting state pension funds and expanding the right to defend one's self with deadly force.

Meanwhile, talks continue behind closed doors on a bill to impose a new tax on the booming production of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale formation below Pennsylvania.

The House adjourned last week and is scheduled to return for votes after the Nov. 2 election.

However, leaders of both chambers say they're willing to call back their rank-and-file members before the election if negotiators reach an agreement on the Marcellus Shale tax.