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Legislation
Act 7 of 2011 bans synthetically produced drugs, including
concentrated bath salts, designed to mimic the effects of other drugs. Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver)
Act 66 of 2011 provides immunity from prosecution for minors for
underage drinking and possession of alcohol if they call 911 to help an
intoxicated friend in an emergency situation. Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery)
Senate Bill 273 strengthens the Castle Doctrine by removing the "duty to
retreat" clause when an individual is threatened by an attacker in any place
that individual has a right to be, including home or vehicle. Sen. Richard
Alloway (R-Franklin) (House version
enacted as
Act 10 of 2011.)
Act
98 of 2011
makes Pennsylvania roads safer by prohibiting texting while
driving. Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks)
Act
81 of 2011,
as amended by the Senate, would limit the number of passengers who may ride in a
vehicle operated by a junior driver and requires minors with a learner's permit
to complete 65 hours of practical driving.
Senate Bill 775 requires individuals arrested for serious crimes to submit
DNA samples, authorizes a new type of DNA search to help identify suspects in
unsolved crimes, and implements important privacy protections. Senate
Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware)
Senate Bill 539 increases penalties for those driving under the influence
with a minor in the vehicle to $1,000 and 100 hours of community service for
first offense, $2,500 and six months imprisonment for a second offense and two
years imprisonment for subsequent offenses. Senate Transportation Committee
Chair John Rafferty (R-Montgomery)
Senate Bill 58 allows a victim of sexual assault who has not sought
criminal charges to petition a court to order protection from the offender.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery)
Senate Bill 397 establishes a pretrial procedure to determine if a defendant
in a capital penalty trial is a person with mental retardation. Sen. Mary Jo
White (R-Venango)
Senate Bill 100 requires the Department of Corrections to establish a
comprehensive program to reduce recidivism, makes more nonviolent offenders
eligible for alternative sentencing programs and establishes a county program
providing predictable and immediate sanctions on offenders who violate
probation. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery)
Senate Bill 595 authorizes 19 cities across Pennsylvania to enact ordinances
to use red-light cameras to improve traffic safety at intersections. Senate
Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware)
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