WILKES-BARRE — Sen. Lisa Baker, who leads the Senate Judiciary Committee, stated that two bills were moved forward to focus on community safety.
Senate Bill 1111, which was proposed by Baker, would make technical adjustments to Megan’s Law to ensure that individuals convicted of certain human trafficking offenses are subject to the same reporting and evaluation requirements as any other sexual offender.
“The General Assembly made significant progress in efforts to combat human trafficking by passing Act 144 of 2022, which added certain human trafficking offenses to Megan’s Law,” stated Baker, R-Lehman Township. “However, the changes in Senate Bill 1111 are necessary to ensure that individuals convicted of these offenses, as well as attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit those offenses, are subject to the same requirements as other sexual offenders.”
Senate Bill 1120 aims to establish clear standards for courts when determining what bail to set after an arrest. If a court believes that someone poses a danger to public safety, they cannot release that person without any bail or with an unsecured monetary condition.
The bill also specifies that if a person meets the criteria of posing a threat to public safety, the arresting officer must bring them before the court to set bail. This includes individuals who were arrested for repeated violent crimes or major fentanyl traffickers.
“This bill is essential in preventing the release of individuals arrested for fentanyl trafficking or repeat violent crimes back into our communities,” Baker said. “By establishing clear standards for setting bail, individuals who threaten public safety cannot be released without appropriate conditions. This measure helps to keep these criminals off the streets, protecting our communities from the potential harm they may cause.”
Both bills are part of the Senate Republican effort to enhance community safety across Pennsylvania. They now go to the full Senate for consideration.
Baker said Amendment A03634 adds two crimes related to law enforcement to the list of circumstances that make a defendant a “person posing a threat to public safety.”
The first is assault on a law enforcement officer, including shooting at a police officer or exposing them to bodily fluid.
”You may remember Scranton Detective Kyle Gilmartin, who earlier this year miraculously survived two gunshots to the head inflicted by an individual who was out on bail for previously assaulting a police officer,” said Baker.
Baker mentioned that the second addressed crime is evading arrest on foot.
”You may recall Scranton Police Officer John Wilding, who was killed in the line of duty in 2015 while chasing three 17-year-old robbery suspects, leaving behind a young son and daughter,” stated Baker. “These situations are incredibly dangerous, not only for the police officer, but also for the public at large.
Baker also emphasized that the additions draw attention to bail practices in Pennsylvania and the very real threats that law enforcement officers face every day on the job.
“With this amendment, when someone is accused of these crimes, the judge who decides on bail cannot set bail without requiring payment or release the defendant without bail on their own promise,” Baker said. “It's important to note that the judge can still choose the amount of bail money they think is suitable.”
Rep. Pashinski organizes event about government programs and services
On Friday, State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, held an outreach event for residents in the community at the Wilkes-Barre Housing Authority’s Lincoln Plaza.
“Pennsylvania offers many resources for its residents, which can make it difficult for many to keep track of the available assistance,” Pashinski said. “I am happy my staff and I had the chance today to provide information about programs ranging from the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and PACE/PACENET, all the way to the Yellow Dot Program.”
Pashinski, working with the Pennsylvania Treasury, also informed attendees about unclaimed property and the money owed to them that they are unaware of.
“The great thing about unclaimed property is that it is a free service, with no cost to claim the property, meaning those who are eligible will receive money owed to them,” Pashinski said. “These physical assets often include collectible coins, jewelry, military medals, stamps, antiques, savings bonds, or other physical items. My office is always available to assist community members with these and other programs. That is our purpose.”
Rep. Cabell to organize shredding/cleanup event on April 6 at Luzerne County Fairgrounds
To help residents with the disposal of personal documents and other items, Rep. Mike Cabell, R-Butler Township, will host a shredding/cleanup event at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds in Dallas on Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The fairgrounds are located at 3605 State Route 118.
“My staff and I are happy to offer these services to residents at no charge,” Cabell said. “Events like this have become very popular as people take advantage of the opportunity to shred sensitive documents to protect against identity theft or safely dispose of old tires.”
Residents are asked to stay in their vehicles while Cabell’s staff unloads items for disposal.
Items to be accepted include:
• Documents — Limit of four copy-paper-sized boxes per vehicle.
• Old tires — Up to four tires from a passenger vehicle, pickup truck, or SUV that must be off the rim and clean.
• Torn or faded U.S. flags — Collected by Harveys Lake American Legion for proper disposal.
Additionally, Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge will be accepting donations of canned pet food, and the Domestic Violence Service Center will be accepting donations of personal hygiene products.
For information, call Rep. Cabell’s district office in Dallas at 570-675-6000.
Rep. Watro to organize PENNVEST informational event on April 11
Rep. Dane Watro, R-Kline Township, invites municipal officials interested in learning about PENNVEST to an information exchange he is hosting in Schuylkill County on Thursday, April 11.
The event will be free and will happen from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the McAdoo Fire Company, 51 N. Hancock St., McAdoo.
The PENNVEST program provides money for sewer, storm water, and drinking water projects throughout the Commonwealth. A PENNVEST project specialist will lead the session and talk about the financing process.
To get more information, call Watro’s office at 570-453-1344.
Rep. Pashinski praises $14,000 in law enforcement funding enforcement funding for Wilkes University
A $14,000 state grant is going to Wilkes University from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to improve law enforcement, announced by state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski.
Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, explained, “Campus police officers are sworn police employed by a college or university to protect the private or public property of the campus and surrounding areas as well as the people who live, work, and visit. Thanks to this funding and the Shapiro Administration’s role in awarding Wilkes University this money, students, faculty, staff, and parents of students attending the university can feel safer. This funding will help campus police protect, efficiently and effectively, those enrolled and those who work there, and I am proud to have helped acquire this funding for my Alma mater to ensure a heightened level of campus and community safety.”
Pashinski stated that the funding aims to support Act 120 training and recruitment activities for law enforcement officers. Act 120 is a mandatory training program for municipal police officers in Pennsylvania provided through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission.
With support from the Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program established under Act 54 of 2022, eligible law enforcement agencies that do not cover the costs of Act 120 training can request up to $7,000 per new officer to support training costs. Or, if they already hire officers that are already Act 120-trained or the agency already covers training costs, they can apply for up $5,000 per new officer to support stipends, signing bonuses, or marketing efforts.
Preference in awards goes to law enforcement agencies serving areas with high rates of violent crime and low clearance rates for violent crimes.
The solicitation will be open for eligible law enforcement agencies to submit applications until all funding is committed. Awards will be announced on a rolling basis as applications are considered.
