In a decision issued in Commonwealth v Childs on July 19, 2016 relating to the retroactive effect of Pennsylvania's Stand Your Ground law (HB40 of 2011), the Pennsylvania Supreme Court acknowledged that the Castle Doctrine is an inherent right, dating back to biblical times, and that the Right existed in common law, long before being … Continue reading PA Supreme Court Affirms that Castle Doctrine is an Inherent Right
Governor Wolf passes new law allowing research into industrial hemp.
Pennsylvania has taken another step forward in legitimizing the production of Cannabis. In this instance, it's industrial hemp. On July 19, 2016, Governor Tom Wolf signed a new law providing for industrial hemp research. House Bill No. 967, now Act 92 was approved by Governor Wolf and amends Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated … Continue reading Governor Wolf passes new law allowing research into industrial hemp.
DDTC Issues Guidance on ITAR Registration
On Friday July 22, 2016, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls ("DDTC") released a letter issuing guidance on the requirement of firearm manufacturers and gunsmiths to register with DDTC under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). There has been constant discussion on the internet regarding whether an individual who has obtained a federal firearms license ("FFL") … Continue reading DDTC Issues Guidance on ITAR Registration
Private room rentals under 30 days are subject to PA’s 6% Hotel Occupancy Tax
Any Pennsylvania home owner who rents out an extra room or rooms on a short term basis either privately or through an online site like Airbnb is subject to Pennsylvania’s 6 percent Hotel Occupancy Tax. (See 61 Pa. Code § 38 et seq.). Under Pennsylvania law, the hotel occupancy tax applies when renting out a … Continue reading Private room rentals under 30 days are subject to PA’s 6% Hotel Occupancy Tax
PUC Seeks Comments on Changes to Utility Regulations
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC or Commission) today issued for comment revisions to Chapter 56 of the Public Utility Code (Chapter 56), including but not limited to new utility reporting requirements, a new definition for medical certificates, an end to Friday utility service terminations, and installments for customers’ security deposits. The Commission voted 4-0 … Continue reading PUC Seeks Comments on Changes to Utility Regulations
PUC Seeks Comments and Approved Tentative Implementation Order Addressing Valuation of Municipal or Authority-Owned Water and Wastewater Systems Acquired by Investor-Owned Utilities
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today, July 21, 2016, adopted a Tentative Implementation Order that addresses amendments to Chapter 13 of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Code (Code), which Governor Wolf signed into law April, as Act 12 of 2016. That legislation added a new section to the Code – Section 1329 – providing for significant … Continue reading PUC Seeks Comments and Approved Tentative Implementation Order Addressing Valuation of Municipal or Authority-Owned Water and Wastewater Systems Acquired by Investor-Owned Utilities
Pennsylvania’s Department of Health sets up a Physician’s Work Group to aid in the implementation of the Medical Marijuana Program.
On Tuesday, July 19, 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Health took another step forward in the implementation of the state’s Medical Marijuana Act by establishing a Physician’s Work Group. Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, Dr. Karen Murphy, in an announcement from the DOH, said, "We have started working closely with physician groups to disseminate important information, … Continue reading Pennsylvania’s Department of Health sets up a Physician’s Work Group to aid in the implementation of the Medical Marijuana Program.
FDA rules threaten my right to smoke!
“It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues.” – Abraham Lincoln On June 22, 2009, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (Tobacco Control Act), was signed into law giving the FDA authority to regulate the manufacture, distribution, and marketing of tobacco products. Initially the act was focused … Continue reading FDA rules threaten my right to smoke!
IRS unfairly taxes Legal Marijuana Businesses.
For those who wish to get involved in the now legitimate Pennsylvania business of medical marijuana, be prepared to be unfairly taxed by the IRS. While medical marijuana is now legal in Pennsylvania, as well as 24 other states, it remains classified as schedule I drug under the Federal Controlled Substance Act. This allows the … Continue reading IRS unfairly taxes Legal Marijuana Businesses.
Monumental Decision from the Middle District Court of Pennsylvania Regarding Mental Health Commitments and the Second Amendment
Today, Judge John E. Jones, III. of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania held in Keyes, et al. v. Loretta Lynch, et al. that an individual, who was involuntarily committed on a single-isolated occasion, can successfully challenge a prohibition under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(4). In this case, both Mr. Keyes … Continue reading Monumental Decision from the Middle District Court of Pennsylvania Regarding Mental Health Commitments and the Second Amendment
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