Specifically, Senator Browne's legislation amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) which addresses the right for prisoners to have bail.  In cases where the maximum sentence is life imprisonment or where no conditions other than imprisonment will reasonably protect public safety, denial of bail would be permitted.

"In 1998, the voters amended the Pennsylvania Constitution regarding bail.  However, the language in the Judicial Code, which corresponded to the procedure in the Pennsylvania Constitution, was not changed," Senator Browne said. "The voters made it clear that they want dangerous individuals and those charged with the most serious offenses kept off the street. This legislation would empower courts to keep those offenders incarcerated."

 

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