Rob Kauffman

A Pennsylvania bill requiring gun owners to lock firearms in safes or use locking devices when not in use advanced to the House over Republican objections. The bill includes a sales tax exemption for gun locks and safes but faces criticism from GOP lawmakers who argue it hinders self-defense during emergencies.

A Pennsylvania House bill requiring gun owners to lock firearms in safes or use locking devices when not in use advanced over GOP objections. The bill includes a sales tax exemption for gun locks and safes but faced criticism from Republicans who argue it hinders self-defense. The measure passed the Judiciary Committee on a 16-14 vote.

A Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee hearing descended into chaos as Republicans accused Democratic Chairman Timothy Briggs of bypassing proper legislative procedures to re-refer two transgender sports bills (HB 158 and HB 1849) without disclosing their titles. GOP lawmakers, including Rep. Rob Kauffman, criticized Briggs for denying Republicans clarity on the bills' contents, which aim to separate scholastic athletes by biological sex. The dispute highlights broader political tensions over transgender rights in sports.

A Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee hearing on transgender sports legislation turned contentious as Republicans accused Democrats of attempting to bypass debate on two GOP-backed bills by re-referring them without disclosing their titles. The bills, HB 158 (Fairness in Women’s Sports Act) and HB 1849 (Dads Defending Daughters Act), aim to separate scholastic athletes by biological sex. Republicans criticized Democratic Chairman Timothy Briggs for moving the bills to the Health Committee without transparency.