Bill to Crack Down on Organized Retail Theft Approved by Senate Judiciary Committee
A bill to increase penalties on criminals who steal from retail stores was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee today, according to Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), the bill’s prime sponsor. [Read More]
Senate Resolution Would Evaluate School Safety Programs to Find Potential Improvements
A comprehensive study of Pennsylvania’s approach to school safety could build on recent successes to keep kids safer in the classroom, according to Senator Scott Martin (R-Lancaster). [Read More]
Senate Approves Mastriano Bill to Double Prison Time for Drug Dealers Responsible for Overdose Deaths
The state Senate today approved through a bipartisan vote a bill introduced by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) that would enact harsher criminal penalties on drug dealers who sell drugs that lead to a death. [Read More]
Senate Republican Leaders Decry Shapiro’s Attempt to Prevent Full Rainy Day Fund Transfer
Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39), Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-13) issued the following statement today regarding the Shapiro Administration’s failure to request the statutorily required amount be deposited in the state’s Rainy Day Fund: [Read More]
Leader Pittman Calls on Gov. Shapiro to Immediately Withdraw from RGGI
Today, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) issued the following statement calling on Gov. Josh Shapiro to accept one of the recommendations of the Shapiro RGGI Working Group, which highlighted the need for legislative approval, and urged immediate action be taken to withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). [Read More]
Sen. Farry and State Reps. Unveil Crime Bill Package to Address Rising Crime in Pennsylvania
Sen. Frank Farry (R-6) and Reps. K.C. Tomlinson (R-18), Joe Hogan (R-142), Kristin Marcell (R-178) and Shelby Labs (R-143) joined local law enforcement officials yesterday at the Northampton Police Department to unveil legislation that addresses the rising and evolving crime in Pennsylvania, specifically around Philadelphia. [Read More]
Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee to Hold Two Hearings on Gaming Law and Skill Games
The Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, chaired by State Senator Chris Gebhard (R-48), will hold two separate public hearings next week examining the state’s gaming laws and the skill games operators. [Read More]
An Opportunity to Bring Back Common Sense
Last November, the voters sent a divided government to Harrisburg. The governor is a Democrat. The House of Representatives has swung between having the same number of Democrat and Republican members, and the Democrats having a one-seat majority. In the Senate, our Republican majority is strong with 28 members. [Read More]
Martin Calls for Study Evaluating Successes and Future Needs of School Safety Grant Program
Senator Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) today called on his colleagues to support a study to evaluate the successes, outcomes and potential legislative actions that may be needed for the state’s largest school safety grant program. [Read More]
Baker’s Bill Simplifying Grantor Trust Process for PA Taxpayers Passes Senate
Legislation to simplify and streamline the irrevocable grantor trust process was passed by the Senate, according to the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20). [Read More]