WILKES-BARRE — Sen Lisa Baker, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, on Tuesday stated that the committee pushed two bills to safeguard important systems and unaccompanied minors in casinos.
Baker, R-Lehman Township, mentioned that Senate Bill 819 would raise the fines and punishments for people who damage or trespass on any part of a crucial infrastructure site.
“More and more, we face threats to our utility systems from international entities,” Baker said. “Companies are investing heavily in extra security to protect vital services as much as possible. We are obligated to tackle power interruptions caused by intentional acts of vandalism, a situation that is completely unacceptable. This bill raises the penalties for trespassing and vandalism that harms essential infrastructure.”
Baker stated that Senate Bill 1021 would give courts the authority to order assessments and treatment for individuals with gambling problems and establish penalties and regulations for leaving a minor unsupervised at a gaming facility.
“At times, we have to deal with situations that challenge our understanding,” Baker said. “This is definitely true when a person leaves a young child unattended in a car or hotel room to satisfy their gambling urge. The risk to the child is clear, especially when they are left in a car during extreme hot or cold weather. The gambling establishments acknowledge the seriousness of the issue and support our efforts to approve corrective legislation.”
If the bill becomes law, Baker said penalties would be raised, children and youth agencies would be involved, and involuntary exclusion from casinos would be enforced.
“If individuals are discovered to be violating the self-exclusion list, they would undergo assessment for a potential gambling problem, the results of which could impact their sentencing,” Baker said.
Both bills now move to the full Senate for consideration.
