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For Immediate
Release
3/23/09
Senate Approves Senator Browne's Bail
Reform Bill
Would allow
BAIL denials for serious crimes, dangerous individuals
The Senate today (March 23) approved
Senate Bill 366, 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 would allow for
the denial of bail for offenses where 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."
Contact:
Lesley Crozier
(717) 787-1349
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