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For Immediate
Release
3/20/07
CONTACT:
Lesley Crozier
(717) 787-1349
PA
Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725
Education Committee Acts to Require Crime Reporting
Adopts Senator Browne's amendment to fine schools that don't comply
School districts that do not immediately report criminal
activities to law enforcement officials would face disciplinary actions and
fines under an amendment introduced by Senator Pat Browne and approved by the
Senate Education Committee today (March 20).Senator Browne amended Senate Bill 112, a measure introduced by Senator
Jeffrey Piccola, to expand the scope of the Memoranda of
Understanding (MOU) that school districts have with local law
enforcement agencies detailing steps to be taken in the event of serious
incidents on school property.
Under Senator Browne's amendment to SB 112, schools would be required to
immediately report violent offenses and those involving weapons
possession to law enforcement officials or face fines ranging from
$2,500 on first offense to $5,000 for a third or subsequent offense.
Senator Browne drafted the amendment in response to public concerns about
reporting lapses and lack of disciplinary action following alleged
sexual assault incidents at Central Elementary School in Allentown.
"What happened in Allentown was totally unacceptable," Senator Browne
said. "School districts that don't immediately report criminal incidents
must be held accountable. This legislation provides a penalty provision
for districts that fail to comply with the reporting requirements."
Under Senator Browne's measure, the state Office of State Schools would
receive any money collected from the fines.
"This is an issue of trust," Senator Browne said. "Parents should not have
to worry about the safety and welfare of their children when they send
them to school. They expect schools to take every possible step to
ensure safety and every necessary measure when criminal action takes
place."
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