February 2012
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House Rules Reports Out Budget Bill

The House Rules Committee held a meeting this afternoon to consider  HB 1485, the budget bill, and HB 1352, the School Code bill; both bills were reported as committed out along a party line vote with  amendments to HB 1485 ruled out of order. Check out the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today to read the full story.


House Democrats walk out of Rules Committee meeting – with audio

With shouts of “Perzel”, “outrageous”, and ”where’s Corbett?” in the air, House Minority Leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny)  along with the Democratic members of the Rules Committee and of the Democratic caucus walked out of a tumultuous committee meeting where the majority Republicans on the committee, reported out HR 6. The resolution amends the General Operating Rules of the House by reducing the number of minority members on the standing committees from ten to nine members; reducing the number of votes needed to report legislation from committee from eleven to ten members; and allowing motions to lay on the table any amendment offered on the floor.  House Republicans accused Democrats of trying to obstruct the reform legislation by offering numerous amendments while Democrats accused the Republicans of stifling their right to debate and to offer amendments.

PLS subscribers can check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story. Listen to the complete audio of the meeting below. House Rules Audio

House Rules Reports Two Bills

The House Rules Committee reported out two pieces of legislation this morning. The first, SB 383, establishes problem solving courts. The second bill, HB 1041, amends the Pharmacy Act regarding drug therapy protocols. Check the Capitol Toolbox for the full story.

House Rules moves budget to the floor

Along a party line vote this evening, the House Rules committee amended and reported out budget vehicle HB 1416. It now goes before the full House, where it will be the subject of debate this evening and likely into tomorrow. Check the Capitol Toolbox for the full story, text of the amendment, and ongoing coverage.

House Rules – 5:00 p.m.

The committee met to consider HB 1531. The bill was report as amended with the Republicans voting in the negative. The amendment eliminated the tax proposal on small games of chance but included a severance tax on natural gas, increase in cigarette tax, and a tax on smokeless tobacco and cigars. The amendment also set the tax on table games at 34 percent and a $20 million license fee. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

House Rules & House Appropriations – Off the Floor

House Rules and House Approp met back to back this afternoon and reported the following bills unanimously without amendments: HB 348 (Rules), HB 692, HB 1593, HB 1614, and SB 607 (all from Approp).

Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox.

House Select Committee – 10:30 a.m.

The House Select Committee on Minority, Women & Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Inclusion met today to vote on a report that was produced after six months of hearings on the issue of MWDB inclusion. Rep. Curtis Thomas (D-Philadelphia) made many recommendations and Chairman Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny) decided to suspend the meeting until next week so that the concerns of members can be properly addressed. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

House Rules – 8:00 p.m.

The committee met to consider one bill. HB 1828 was unanimously reported as amended. House Minority Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson)  said Republican members voted to move the process along but stressed that they still have a number of concerns with the legislation and look forward to a spirited debate tomorrow. House Majority Leader Todd Eachus (D-Luzerne) said it is fitting that the debate will be tomorrow, September 11, because the amendment guarantees the collective bargaining rights of the police and firemen. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

House Rules – 10:45 a.m.

The House Rules Committee met today to consider three bills. HB 1593, HB 39, and HB 1663 were unanimously reported as committed. Check the Capitol Tool Box later for more information.

House Rules – Off the Floor

The House Rules Committee met today to consider one bill. House Bill 1902 was unanimously reported as committed. Check the Capitol Tool Box later for more information.