HARRISBURG -- State Sen. Bob Regola, R-Hempfield, doesn't think the state "should profit from someone's death.''

So he's introduced a bill to repeal the state's estate tax -- also known as the inheritance tax -- and also known, by its critics, as the "death tax.''

"The tax is a cold-hearted burden on families, particularly those with small businesses and farms," Mr. Regola, who is seeking re-election in November, said in a statement yesterday.

Mr. Regola said that only seven other states impose such a tax. Pennsylvania's is structured in three tiers: direct descendants, who include parents, children and spouses, pay 4.5 percent of an inherited estate's value in tax; siblings pay 12 percent; and other heirs pay 15 percent.

Under Mr. Regola's plan, the three tiers of the tax would be phased out by 2011, 2014 and 2016, respectively.

"I do not believe the state should profit from someone's death," Mr. Regola said. "Families should be able to pass on their possessions to their heirs with the least amount of government interference."

First Published: July 18, 2008, 3:15 p.m.