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For Immediate
Release
3/27/07
CONTACT:
Lesley Crozier
(717) 787-1349
PA
Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725
Senate Approves Browne's
Bail Reform Bill
Would allow denials
for serious crimes, dangerous individuals
The Senate today (March 27) approved Senate Bill
256, a measure introduced by Senator Pat Browne that
would allow for the denial of bail in cases
involving serious crimes and/or dangerous
individuals.
The measure now goes to the House of
Representatives for consideration.
"I am pleased that the Senate approved this
legislation that will bring our state laws in line
with the Constitution in regard to limiting bail for
serious and violent offenders," Senator Browne said.
"I hope the House will act just as quickly to put
this bill on the Governor's desk for his signature."
Specifically, Senator Browne's legislation amends
Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) which
addresses the right for prisoners to have bail. SB
256 would allow for the denial of bail for offenses
for which the maximum sentence is life imprisonment
or for cases where there are no conditions other
than imprisonment that will reasonably protect
public safety.
"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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