HARRISBURG – Legislation introduced by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) at the request of the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association was passed by the Senate with strong bipartisan support to address the staffing crisis facing the state’s correctional institutions.
Senate Bill 111 would permit qualified candidates across state lines to help fill critical vacancies in Pennsylvania’s correctional facilities, while ensuring Pennsylvania residents continue to receive hiring preference.
“This bill provides real, immediate relief to the men and women who work long, difficult hours to keep our correctional facilities and communities safe – both at local institutions like SCI Frackville and SCI Mahanoy and across the state,” Argall said. “I was proud to introduce this legislation at the request of the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, whose members have been on the front lines calling for real solutions. By removing this outdated restriction, we can expand our hiring pool, ease the crushing overtime burden and give our officers the support they deserve.”
Corrections officers across the commonwealth have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years – including mandatory overtime, increased stress and a rise in violent incidents – that have strained morale and operations. Senate Bill 111 directly addresses these issues by modernizing hiring policies and expanding recruitment opportunities.
“Staffing shortages affect not just our correctional institutions but also public safety and taxpayer costs,” Argall said. “This bill is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that strengthens our workforce and improves safety for officers and inmates alike.”
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Seth Hubler