A weekly summary of important events on Capitol Hill

Provided by House Republican Public Relations

December 3, 2010

Governor Vetoes Castle Doctrine

A measure, known as the Castle Doctrine, which would have protected an individual’s right to use lethal force if necessary for self-defense when threatened in a home, vehicle or anywhere the victim has a right to be, was vetoed by Gov. Ed Rendell on Nov. 27.  The governor issued the veto, citing fears the expansion would escalate violent acts.  Rep. Scott Perry (R-York/Cumberland), author of the Castle Doctrine, reiterated after the veto that the bill would only be issuing protection to law-abiding citizens.  It would also have guaranteed civil immunity in the event a criminal is harmed as a result of a victim’s actions of self-defense and have eliminated the duty to retreat prior to resorting to force.  Additionally, House Bill 1926 would have addressed a loophole in the state’s Megan’s Law to enact tougher criminal penalties for out-of-state offenders who move to Pennsylvania and fail to register.  The measure will have to be reintroduced when the Legislature reconvenes in January with a Republican majority.  For the latest news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.

Agricultural Biosecurity Area Proposal Now Law

A measure that would offer increased protection of livestock and other farm products by defining agricultural biosecurity areas and outlining the criminal penalties for trespassing into them is now law.  Gov. Ed Rendell signed into law Senate Bill 906, legislation that mirrored a bill introduced in the House by Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster).  The new law would create a definition of an “agricultural biosecurity area” and give the Department of Agriculture express authority to require that such an area be established and clearly marked if deemed necessary to control or contain disease.  An offender would face graded misdemeanor charges for entering an agricultural biosecurity area without authorization or if entry results in the death or damage of an animal or plant within the biosecurity area.  A charge of ecoterrorism would be issued if there is intent to release a dangerous transmissible disease or hazardous substance into the environment.

Measure Limiting Sale of Medicines Used in Meth Production Enacted

Legislation that would limit the sale of certain over-the-counter cold medications commonly used by criminals to illegally manufacture methamphetamine was recently enacted into law.  Rep. Matt Baker (R-Bradford/Tioga) authored the legislation, prohibiting the sale at retail of any product containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine or their salts or isomers as the sole active ingredient unless it is sold behind a counter or within a locked cabinet.  Any violation of the new law will result in an ungraded misdemeanor, and upon a first conviction, the maximum penalty would be up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.  A second or subsequent conviction would result in the maximum punishment of up to two years in jail and/or a fine of up to $25,000.

Electronics Recycling Now Guaranteed by Law

A bill to establish a recycling program for computer equipment and televisions was recently signed into law.  House Bill 708 was sponsored by Rep. Chris Ross (R-Chester) and determines proper disposal of desktop and notebook computers, monitors and televisions used by small businesses and consumers for personal use.  The new law would apply to municipalities of more than 5,000 people.  The Department of Environmental Protection will maintain a list on its website of each manufacturer and the brands the manufacturer uses for devices covered under the act.  For the latest news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.