judiciary-committee
Gun safety measures head to Pa. House over GOP objections
GOP lawmakers argued that measures holding parents responsible when children access guns and safe storage requirements would punish gun owners.
Lawmakers take a bipartisan first step toward repealing Pennsylvania’s death penalty
Legislation to repeal Pennsylvania's death penalty passed out of a state House committee in what the bill's sponsor called a historic vote.
A proposed amendment to Pennsylvania’s constitution would change how the state considers pardons
Pennsylvania's Board of Pardons must vote unanimously in order for a person to be recommended for a pardon. HB 1410 would change it to a simple majority.
Experts say a bill to restrict where sexual predators can live in Pa. misses the mark
The state House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday heard testimony on a bill that would place restrictions on where sexually violent predators could live in Pennsylvania. But experts testified that such restrictions have been struck down on constitutional grounds in the past, and address a perceived problem not based on evidence. House Bill 77 is co-sponsored by […]
Protections for pets in domestic violence, divorce cases pass Pa. House panel
“Frequently, when a protection from abuse order is issued, the animal becomes a target … ,” Rep. Christina Sappey said.
Ban on shackling pregnant women, solitary confinement in prison advances in Pa. House
'I'm not saying open the door and let everyone out. All I'm saying is give these women some dignity,' women's safe house director Tonie Willis said
Judiciary committee deletes age restrictions for assault weapon ownership
House Republicans stripped a bill barring people younger than 21 from obtaining assault weapons and replaced it with concealed-carry language Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed in December.
Pa. House panel advances bills expanding penalties for human trafficking
The vote came amid concerns by civil libertarians that lawmakers are 'bloating' the criminal code by boosting penalties for too many offenses.