House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

At the suggestion of a magisterial district judge, I will be re-introducing HB 1948 from last session to increase the fine associated with a summary offense. Currently, the fine for a summary offense is an amount not to exceed $300. The next level of fine levied is that of a misdemeanor of the third degree which is set at $2500. My legislation would increase the fine for a summary offense, which is the lowest level of crime under the crimes code, to an amount not to exceed $1000. The fine for a summary offense was created in 1972, and the amount has not been amended since. I think we can all agree the value of money has changed significantly since then, yet the penalty 'range' has not kept pace with that change in time. As the law stands today, a person can violate a local summary ordinance as simple as permitting the grass to exceed six inches and receive a fine up to $1000 a day, and yet a spouse could slap their partner without causing injury and receive a fine not to exceed $300. Likewise, the owner of a dog could fail to confine a dog to their property and receive a higher fine than someone who commits a retail theft. I believe it is time to increase the fine for a summary offense to a suitable fine against the individual who commits certain types of crimes. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation.
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