While lawmakers have been focusing on reducing the number of non-violent offenders in prison, at least two House Republicans are pushing to heighten penalties on certain violent crimes in an effort to address what they say are two of the thorniest public safety threats to the commonwealth.

After a summer uptick in deadly gun violence across Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley and other parts of the state, Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery) has been vocal about the need for a bill creating extreme risk protection orders to temporarily remove guns from individuals deemed to be in crisis.

Lost during gun control conversations, advocates say, is consideration for the role of firearms in suicides.

While the gun violence debate frequently centers around mass shootings and illegal gun crimes, roughly 200 activists who filled the Capitol rotunda steps on Tuesday said that more attention should be paid to the hundreds lost each year to firearm-involved suicides. 

The House Gaming Oversight Committee met at Mount Airy Casino Monday afternoon for an informational meeting to discuss how sports betting is working for the state’s gaming companies.
 
Pennsylvania has offered single-game wagering and other options since November 2018 at certain race tracks and casinos. Online betting began in late May of this year.

After an omnibus election reform bill was vetoed by Gov. Tom Wolf in June, state lawmakers are revisiting potential changes to the state’s Election Code, which elected officials on both sides of the political spectrum believe is long overdue.

 

In a joint meeting between the House and Senate State Government Committees on Monday, lawmakers heard from county officials and other interested stakeholders on their top election-related priorities. Their shared goal? No-excuse absentee voting.

If you’ve ever wanted to order beer and wine alongside your groceries, a new proposal from Rep. Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland) could be the answer. 

Rothman will soon be introducing legislation that would allow consumers to order wine and beer online and have it delivered to their home through a licensed transporter.