South Central PA News

Members of the Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus have introduced a legislative package aimed at strengthening prosecution to address violent crime in the state. The proposed bills are part of a broader strategy and are authored by Representatives Sheryl M. Delozier, Tim Bonner, Torren Ecker, and Valerie Gaydos.

Representative Delozier's proposal seeks to enable county district attorney offices to request support from prosecutors within the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (OAG) when additional resources are needed. "We must give our prosecutors the tools they need to fight for justice for victims of crime," stated Delozier. Her bill is intended to address staffing shortages that may arise unexpectedly.

Representative Bonner's legislation addresses the lack of uniformity in bail availability across Pennsylvania. His bill proposes expanding the role of the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission by tasking it with creating guidelines for bail availability and pretrial release conditions. Bonner emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Some of the most violent jurisdictions in our Commonwealth are granting bail very liberally."

Representative Ecker has put forward a bill to establish a public registry for severe violent offenders, similar to Megan’s Law. The bill also includes provisions for counseling services for convicted individuals aiming for reintegration into society. Ecker noted, “Getting convicted violent offenders the help they need would decrease recidivism while further protecting our neighbors from acts of violence.”

Representative Gaydos' legislation aims to enhance public safety through reforming bail system practices. This bill would empower judges to prioritize public safety considerations alongside assessing flight risks when making decisions about bail. Gaydos remarked on the importance of ensuring families feel secure: “Our judicial system can no longer be a revolving door for violent criminals."

The introduction of these bills marks an effort by House Republicans in Pennsylvania to tackle issues related to crime through legislative means.