Pickett Bill to Exempt Maple Sugar Houses from UCC Passes House

Mar. 20, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation that will help bring common sense to the state’s Uniform Construction Code (UCC), especially along the Northern Tier, passed the state House today and is on its way to the state Senate for consideration, said Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna).

Rep. White Bill to Protect Police IDs Passes House

Mar. 20, 2017 /

HARRISBURG—Legislation sponsored by Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) to protect police officers and their families when the officer is involved in a discharge of his or her firearm or other use of force has passed the House.

Who Will Come When You Call?

Mar. 20, 2017 /

In the spirit of Senate Resolution 60, the General Assembly is working on corresponding legislation that addresses the following issues:

Benninghoff Invites Tech Firms to Present Potential Budget Cost Savings

Mar. 20, 2017 /

WHAT: State government agencies have spent millions of taxpayer dollars to upgrade and build technology systems and databases in an attempt to make government run more efficiently and effectively. Yet, despite the money being spent, the data collected is not being used to its fullest potential, personnel costs are climbing, fraud and system abuse continues, and Pennsylvania is still years behind in its technology capabilities.

Committee Approves Ortitay Bill to Streamline Problem Gambling Assistance

Mar. 20, 2017 /

HARRISBURG — The House Gaming Oversight Committee today reported out Rep. Jason Ortitay’s (R-Washington/Allegheny) legislation to streamline the Commonwealth’s problem gambling assistance telephone number and put into law current practice involving education, awareness and training for problem gaming.

Barrar and House, Senate Committees to Hear from Veteran Community

Mar. 20, 2017 /

WHAT: Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, will conduct a joint informational hearing to learn about programs and issues that affect our veteran and military communities.

Senate and House Committees Announce Hearing on Autonomous Vehicle Testing

Mar. 17, 2017 /

HARRISBURG-- The Senate and House Transportation Committees will hold a joint hearing to gather information on “Highly Automated Vehicles,” also known as autonomous vehicles, driverless cars, self-driving cars, etc. The committees will focus on Senate Bill 427, which creates standards for the testing of Highly Automated Vehicles (HAV) on roadways in the Commonwealth.

State Legislators to Condemn Anti-Semitic Activity

Mar. 17, 2017 /

WHAT: Members of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly will discuss House Resolution 161, legislation condemning the recent acts of hate against the Jewish community across this country and in Pennsylvania. They will call for education - particularly for young people – that would build understanding among the future generations.

House Passes Toohil’s Adoption Reform Legislation

Mar. 16, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Adoption reform legislation that would provide financial assistance to birth mothers, sponsored by Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne), was passed unanimously by the House of Representatives and sent to the Senate for consideration this week.

Legislative Audit Advisory Commission to Release 2016 Audit

Mar. 15, 2017 /

WHAT: Rep. Mark Keller (R-Perry/Cumberland), chairman of the Legislative Audit Advisory Commission (LAAC), and other LAAC members will meet to review and accept the audit of the Pennsylvania General Assembly for 2016. The commission consists of eight members, including a majority and a minority member of the House of Representatives and two public members appointed by the House Speaker; and a majority and a minority member of the Senate and two public members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

House Passes Simmons’ Student Health and Safety Bill

Mar. 15, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton), that would help to ensure the health and safety of Pennsylvania students who suffer from severe allergic reactions, was overwhelmingly approved by the House of Representatives on Monday. House Bill 224 will now go to the Senate for consideration.

Lewis’s Bill to Ease the Adoption Process Receives House Support

Mar. 13, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – To provide Commonwealth children who have incarcerated parents with stable families in a more timely fashion, Rep. Harry Lewis Jr. (R-Chester) drafted a bill to fulfill adoption requirements in a more efficient manner. It passed the House unanimously today.