State asked to take over PSU frat case

BELLEFONTE — The man just elected to be Centre County’s next district attorney wants state prosecutors to take over the case of former Penn State fraternity members accused of crimes related to the death of a pledge after a night of drinking and hazing.

Bernie Cantorna announced Tuesday he has a conflict of interest and will ask the attorney general’s office to assume prosecution of the case surrounding now-closed Beta Theta Pi.

Twenty-six people currently face charges that range from involuntary manslaughter to liquor-law violations.

Prosecutors say 19-year-old Tim Piazza of Lebanon, N.J., died after consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol and falling several times at the fraternity house in February.

A spokesman for Attorney General Josh Shapiro says the agency will review Cantorna’s request.

[naviga:h3]House continues Shale tax debate[/naviga:h3]

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives is beginning a second day of debate on legislation to impose a long-sought tax on Marcellus Shale natural gas production, as lawmakers sort through dozens of proposed amendments.

Tuesday’s debate started with a Republican-penned amendment to halt new gas-drilling regulations for two years in the nation’s No. 2 gas state. With lawmakers scheduled to leave the Capitol after Tuesday, a final vote won’t occur before December.

The bill’s proposed volume tax rises with the price of natural gas and would raise about $100 million in a full year for the cash-strapped state, using 2016 production and current prices.

[naviga:h3]Teachers resign due to violence[/naviga:h3]

HARRISBURG — Teachers are asking for support after a series of violent altercations with students has led to multiple resignations.

The Harrisburg Education Association says at least 45 teachers have resigned between July and October. Association President Jody Barksdale says more have resigned since then.

Speaking at a school board meeting Monday evening, first-grade teacher Amanda Sheaffer says she has been hit and kicked by her students.

Barksdale says the association wants a task force comprised of teachers, administrators and parents to help students who display violent behaviors.

The district claims not all of the teacher resignations were due to student violence.

[naviga:h3]Children’s health bill advances[/naviga:h3]

HARRISBURG — The state House of Representatives is advancing legislation to reauthorize the federally subsidized Children’s Health Insurance Program after removing wording to prohibit coverage for gender or sex reassignment surgery.

The House unanimously passed the bill Monday and sent it to the Senate. The Senate had inserted the Republican-penned prohibition three weeks ago, sparking opposition by Democrats. The bill reauthorizes the program for 2018 and beyond. It currently covers 177,000 children in Pennsylvania.

Senate Republicans say Pennsylvania can’t legally extend coverage for gender reassignment surgery.

Separate legislation is now pending in the House to prohibit the coverage.