State Capitol Roundup for Oct. 10

Here's this week's State Capitol Roundup courtesy of state Rep. Bob Mensch (R-147):

GOP Says Important Business Left Unfinished

Despite a flurry of activity this week, House Republican lawmakers say important business was left unfinished due to Democrat leadership. Health care remains a chief concern as costs are skyrocketing and doctors are leaving the state, limiting patient access to quality care. While the governor's government-run health care plan had many flaws and was too expensive, especially in light of the state's plummeting revenues, the Republican alternative, which addresses health care cost drivers, was not given a vote on the House floor. Other unfinished business includes reauthorization of the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council; extension of the state's MCare program, which helps keeps doctors in the state; and relief for consumers from expiring electricity rate caps. The House is scheduled to be in session for four days in November, but the Senate has indicated its session is over for the year.

House Democrats Thwart GOP Efforts to Extend MCare, Keep Doctors in PA

After successfully winning enough votes to force a bill out of the Appropriations Committee to extend the state's MCare abatement program for another year, House Republicans could not muster enough support from House Democrats to advance the bill to the Senate. Rep. Tom Killion (R-Delaware/Chester) engineered the effort, citing the growing problem of local doctors and specialists leaving Pennsylvania communities due to high malpractice insurance costs. The Rendell administration has refused to extend the MCare abatement unless lawmakers approve his costly, big-government health care plan to provide insurance to more people. While House Republicans agree that ensuring access to the uninsured is important, they note the loss of doctors only further erodes access to care. For more on Republican health care reform efforts, visit HealthCareForPAFamilies.com

Bill Aimed at Illegal Gun Trafficking Heads to Governor's Desk

Working to keep guns from falling into the wrong hands, the House and Senate have approved legislation making several changes to the state's gun laws. House Bill 1845, which is now awaiting the governor's signature, increases the statute of limitations from two to five years for offenses involving the straw purchase of firearms. It increases the penalties for making false reports to law enforcement and for possession of a firearm with an altered serial number. The measure requires judges to transmit to state police additional information regarding the mental health of individuals, and requires tracing the origin of all illegally possessed firearms recovered by police. If signed, the bill would also protect against unlawful seizures of firearms during emergencies and would extend a valid license to carry to Pennsylvanians serving overseas in the U.S. armed forces.

Wiretap Law Extended, Loophole Closed

With the state's Wiretap Law set to expire at the end of this year, lawmakers this week approved legislation that not only extends the law but also addresses loopholes that could put the safety of police officers, prosecutors, crime victims and everyday citizens at risk. Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery) authored the legislation to close the loophole after a Scranton attorney was able to obtain the personal cell phone records of prosecutors and police detectives involved in the Mt. Airy Casino Resort gaming license investigation. The former law says phone service providers "may" provide records and other information about a subscriber upon request, though law enforcement must meet higher standards. Vereb's legislation ensures a judge must approve a warrant or court order before call records can be released. The measure was signed by the governor and while parts of the legislation take effect immediately, most of the changes will not take effect until sixty days from the date of passage