HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — The Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus was discussing ways to tackle violent crime in Pennsylvania communities, and they now have a new bill package that aims to address it.
Republicans are introducing a package of bills with a four-pillar approach to crime: Prevention, Policing Practices, Prosecution Tools, and Punishment. Today, lawmakers focused on prevention with legislation sponsored by Rep. Craig Williams (R-Delaware/Chester) and Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny, which includes providing more support to law enforcement.
"My legislation is about empowering communities to safely and anonymously help solve crimes," said Rep. Williams. "By supporting independent crime stopper programs, we can ensure that tipsters feel secure in providing critical information without fear of retaliation. Retail theft and other crimes drive up costs for businesses, which pass those losses onto consumers through higher prices, further exacerbating inflation. Establishing an advisory committee will help standardize these programs across Pennsylvania, making them more effective in keeping our neighborhoods safe. As we confront the challenges of rising crime, inflation, and the impact of illegal immigration, this legislation is one step toward restoring security and stability in our communities."
"My legislation would authorize and expand neighborhood watch programs and addresses the critical issue of determining bail for violent offenders," said Rep. Gaydos. "These bills represent a comprehensive approach to addressing crime in Pennsylvania. While some forms of crime are down significantly, others are increasing. By empowering communities to help prevent crime before it happens and prioritizing public safety when determining bail for violent offenders, we can begin to restore a sense of safety and security for all Pennsylvanians."
"Some of the frustration for the people who won't apply to be a police or law enforcement officer is because they feel the community won't back them up," said Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland County). "Lower Allen, et al. are doing the best they possibly can with the laws that are on the books. We need to back them up with the ones that close the loopholes."
To view the co-sponsorship memos sent to members concerning these bills, click below:
- https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20230&cosponId=43216
- https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20230&cosponId=43217
The FBI released their 2023 crime report last week, showing violent crime is down. Republicans claim that the statistics used are lacking. The package will be introduced again at the beginning of the next session, which starts December 1.