Jun. 23, 2016 Download
Legislative efforts to combat the Commonwealth’s growing problem with heroin and opioid addiction was the topic of discussion at a press conference held in the State Capitol on Thursday. House Leaders, joined by the Governor and other lawmakers, announced the completion of the recommendations set forth by the Task Force and Advisory Committee on Opioid Prescription Drug Proliferation, and outlined plans to move the issue forward by initiating a special legislative session to tackle the problems associated with prescription drug abuse.
Jun. 22, 2016 Download
Legislation that would update Pennsylvania’s Abortion Control Act, limiting abortions to cases of medical necessity after 20 weeks of pregnancy, instead of the current 24-weeks, and ending the practice of dismemberment abortions has been approved by the House of Representatives. Rep. Judy Ward (R-Blair) supported the legislation and said the changes brought by the bill would bring an end to the objectionable practice of dismemberment abortion.
Jun. 22, 2016 Download
Legislation designed to modernize the Commonwealth’s outdated Abortion Control Act received overwhelming support from the Pennsylvania House on Tuesday. House Bill 1948, which passed with bipartisan support, would prohibit abortions after 20 weeks, and ban the practice of dismemberment abortions. Bill sponsor Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren, Forest & Crawford), said she is proud of how many members voted for the sanctity of human life.
House Bill 1948 now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Bite available.
Jun. 17, 2016 Download
The weekly Legislative Report Program with Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter & Cameron) 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.
Jun. 17, 2016 Download
The Legislative Report Program with Rep. Matt Baker (R- Tioga, Bradford & Potter) 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.
Jun. 17, 2016 Download
A new Legislative Report Program/Podcast with Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-Northumberland & Snyder) 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.
Jun. 16, 2016 Download
Legislation that would protect the consumers of online daily fantasy sports gaming and require fantasy sports contest providers to be licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has been unanimously approved by the House Gaming Oversight Committee in Harrisburg. According to bill sponsor Rep. George Dunbar (R-Westmoreland), the Commonwealth currently has no law on the books regarding fantasy sports gaming and this legislation would provide for regulations and consumer protections similar to those extended to casino patrons.
Jun. 16, 2016 Download
Legislation designed to increase access to quality healthcare providers by employing telemedicine was the topic of a press conference held recently in Harrisburg. House Bill 1619 would allow Pennsylvania to join the Federation of State Medical Boards, allowing licensed physicians in one state to treat patients in other states via telemedicine. Rep. Jesse Topper (R- Bedford, Fulton & Franklin), prime sponsor of the bill, said people in rural and underserved areas should be able to get the best care available.
Jun. 16, 2016 Download
Legislation designed to increase access to quality healthcare providers by employing telemedicine was the topic of a press conference held recently in Harrisburg. Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks) plans to introduce legislation to regulate the practice of telemedicine, and keep Pennsylvania law up-to-date with current technology. Quinn said she wants to ensure that people can access healthcare via telemedicine in a safe and lawful way.
Jun. 15, 2016 Download
Legislation designed to reform Pennsylvania’s public pension system and place new state workers into a hybrid retirement plan has been approved by the Pennsylvania House. The hybrid formula would provide prospective employees with a baseline pension, and a defined benefit – 401K style – plan for any income earned over $50,000. The change will also help to address the unfunded pension liability currently plaguing the Commonwealth’s Public School Employees (PSERS) and State Employees (SERS) retirement systems. Rep. R. Lee James (R-Venango, Butler) said the House has worked in a bipartisan fashion to address pension liability without robbing those already in the system of their benefits.
Senate Bill 1071 now awaits concurrence in the Senate.