The House Judiciary Committee held an informational meeting with the Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Association regarding their legislative agenda. At the informal meeting, the Association was represented by Dauphin County DA Ed Marsico, Montgomery County DA Risa Ferman, and Cumberland County DA David Freed. Look for the write-up later in the Capitol Toolbox.

Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank Pawlowski sat before the House Appropriations Committee to discuss the implications of the Governor’s proposed budget on the agency. Some of the questions asked regarded the current complement of the police force, the cost of cadet training, and the policing of casinos as table games become effective. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.

Former House Democratic Leader Bill DeWeese (D-Greene) will announce Thursday at 4 p.m. if he will seek re-election this year.

DeWeese, the majority whip earlier this year, was forced to give up his post after being indicted in the attorney  general’s wide-ranging public corruption investigation, known as “Bonusgate.” He has been the caucus’ majority leader and speaker of the House in previous sessions.

DeWeese has served in the legislature 34 years.

The House Appropriations Committee continued their 2010 budget hearings today, beginning with a question and answer session about the budget submitted by the Attorney General. The Attorney General asked for a 2% overall increase in the budget to help account for fixed costs and contractual agreements. Concerns of the legislators focused around drug enforcement, witness relocation, gun control, and staffing concerns.  Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story and continuing detailed coverage of the 2010 budget hearings.

The committee met to consider 13 bills. HB 60, HB 101, HB 1186, HB 1445, HB 1789, and SB 383 were reported as amended; HB 1616, HB 1800,  HB 2003, SB 125, SB 297 and SB 464 were reported as committed. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.