Fighting Crime in our Communities

One of my proudest legislative accomplishments happened during this recent legislative session.  For years and years, members of our law enforcement community have been killed in the line of duty with their own guns or weapons.  I was pleased when Governor Rendell signed into law my bill that now criminalizes the practice of disarming a police officer.   

We also need to make sure that comprehensive policies are in place that expands Megan’s Law beyond its current language.  Every family in our community should know whether or not a sexual predator is living in their neighborhood.  Immediate access to that information is vital.  Changing the law to mandate that all sex offenders must register on the state’s Megan’s Law website is essential to protecting our children and families. 

Furthermore, we need to implement Jessica’s Law in Pennsylvania, as other states have done.  Voting in favor of this legislation that passed the Senate was one of the best votes I have ever cast.  This measure would impose a minimum of 25 years in prison for anyone over 18 years who is convicted of sexually assaulting a child, mandatory GPS monitoring for life, and a 50 year sentence for anyone convicted of a second offense.  According to the Pennsylvania State Police, there are over 7,100 registered sex offenders in the state.  Last year, sexual assault centers around the Commonwealth served approximately 38,000 people, nearly a third of who were children.  Children under the age of 12 account for 34 percent of all sexual assaults. 

As State Senator, I have introduced the following legislation, and will continue to push to make sure these bills become law: 

·        Amends Megan's Law - all offenders would be required to register and failure to do so would be a felony

      ·        Eliminates statute of limitations for serious sex offenses in civil actions and criminal cases

      ·        Makes impersonating a serviceman/woman and/or veteran a 2nd degree misdemeanor

      ·        Prohibits persons convicted of arson from working for volunteer fire companies