Gun control talk surfaces during PA AG's budget hearing

(Harrisburg) -- A budget hearing turned into a discussion about gun control for the state attorney general.

Appearing before the House Appropriations Committee, Attorney General Kathleen Kane made a pitch for a $13 million increase to offset payroll costs and finance a crackdown on child predators and violent drug dealers.

But, lawmakers' questions were not always about the proposed spending plan.

Representative Cherelle Parker praised Kane's support for certain gun-control measures. The Philadelphia Democrat cited Kane's move to close a loophole allowing Pennsylvanians to get concealed-weapon permits from Florida even if prohibited from doing so back home.

Rep. Jeffrey Pyle, an Armstrong County Republican and gun-rights supporter, said he hunts in multiple states. He jokingly asked Kane to identify other states where she is reviewing reciprocal gun-permit agreements so he won't break the law.