Pennsylvania Senate Republicans and Democrats have passed a ban on cash gifts from lobbyists and others in response to reports that four House Democratic colleagues took money from an undercover informant in a sting investigation begun in 2010.

• Position: People & Politics

PENNSYLVANIA SENATE REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS have passed a ban on cash gifts from lobbyists and others in response to reports that four House Democratic colleagues took money from an undercover informant in a sting investigation begun in 2010. "Senate approval of this legislation gives hope that an ugly problem is about to yield a responsible solution," said Senator Lisa Baker (R), co-sponsor of the bill. "It sets basic ground rules everyone can grasp." The Senate bill makes taking a cash gift below $250 a misdemeanor...