Apr. 08, 2016 Download
The weekly Legislative Report Program with Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R- Lehigh & Berks) is now available on the House Republican Radio News Service. You may use this brief public affairs report in its entirety or edit it down for actualities to use in your state government news coverage.
Apr. 07, 2016 Download
House Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana) discussed Governor Wolf's move to veto the recently approved fiscal code legislation and how this will effect funding for PA schools on WSBA Radio's morning news program with Gary Sutton on Thursday April 7th. The fiscal code legislation laid out a specific funding distribution for PA schools based on a previously agreed to distribution formula, but the governor has decided to use his own plan to distribute the education money to schools that will provide significantly less funding for the majority of Pennsylvania's school districts.
Apr. 06, 2016 Download
Legislation to strengthen the statute of limitations law in cases involving child sex abuse was approved this week by the Judiciary Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Bill sponsor and Committee Chair Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin), said his committee has been working for months in a bipartisan manner to help ensure an extended statute of limitations in cases against those who are accused of sexually abusing children and offer those who have been victimized an expanded window of opportunity to hold sexual predators responsible for their actions.
Apr. 06, 2016 Download
Legislation designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s statute of limitation laws in regard to child sex abuse has been approved by the House Judiciary Committee. House Bill 1947 would eliminate the statute of limitations on criminal cases, and extend the statute for civil cases until the victim reaches age 50. Rep. Judy Ward (R-Blair) said victims of child sexual abuse should not be denied justice simply because too much time has passed.
House Bill 1947 now awaits consideration by the full House.
Apr. 06, 2016 Download
Legislation that would crack down on repeat DUI offenders convicted of vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol or drugs received tremendous support from the Pennsylvania House this week. House Bill 1353, sponsored by Rep. Dan Moul (R-Adams), would impose a mandatory 5 year prison sentence on the repeat drunk driver for each victim of vehicular homicide. Rep. Moul said there is no excuse for DUI and this legislation begins to address those who choose to repeat their crimes.
House Bill 1353 now goes to the Senate for further consideration.
Apr. 05, 2016 Download
In Harrisburg on Tuesday, Rep. Eric Nelson formally took the oath of office and began his service as the new State Representative for the 57th legislative district in Westmoreland County. Nelson was elected in a special election following the resignation of former Rep. Tim Krieger, who now serves as a Westmoreland County Judge. Rep. Nelson said he is eager to lead by example and demonstrate the principles that reflect the people he represents.
Apr. 05, 2016 Download
The Pennsylvania House has overwhelmingly approved to legislation that expands protections for landowners who open their land for public use. House Bill 544, sponsored by Rep. Dan Moul (R-Adams), would specifically limit the legal liability of landowners when they allow free access for purposes such as hunting, fishing and other recreational pursuits. Rep. Moul said his legislation will both insulate property owners from frivolous lawsuits and encourage the opening of more private land for recreational users.
Apr. 05, 2016 Download
Legislation that would criminalize the act of female genital mutilation in Pennsylvania was the topic of discussion at a press event held in Harrisburg on Tuesday. House Bill 135 would specifically make it a crime for a parent or family member to cut or allow someone to circumcise or excise the genitals of a female minor. Bill sponsor Rep. Tom Murt (R-Montgomery) said this legislation addresses traditional cultural practices performed on female adolescents by immigrants during coming-of-age rituals.
Apr. 05, 2016 Download
Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington & Allegheny) has announced new constituent outreach hours in the Canton area at the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month beginning on April 19th. Rep. Ortitay said he is instituting this new outreach schedule to ensure improved access to a variety of state related services for the residents of Canton Township.
Apr. 04, 2016 Download
Legislation designed to increase regulation on facilities that provide abortion services in the Commonwealth has been approved by the House Health Committee and is now awaiting consideration by the full House. Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren, Forest & Crawford), prime sponsor of House Bill 1948, said her bill would ban dismemberment abortions, and reduce the maximum gestational age of the fetus for an abortion procedure.