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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 12, 2017 11:54 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Anthony M. DeLuca |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Parole Reform (HB 293 of 2015) |
In the near future I will be re-introducing legislation prompted by the tragic shooting death of a police officer in my district (HB 293 of 2015). The shooting was committed by an individual who was on parole. My legislation is designed to keep violent repeat offenders where they belong – in prison and not on parole. For far too long, parole has been treated like a right and not the privilege that it actually is. There is no reason that offenders convicted of a second or subsequent crime of violence should be paroled on day one of their parole eligibility. If an offender is a repeat violent offender, he should stay in jail for the duration of his sentence. Under current law, a repeat offender of a crime of violence (such as murdering a police officer) is eligible for parole upon completion of half their maximum sentence. My legislation provides that such an offender must serve eighty-five percent (85%) of their maximum sentence prior to being eligible for parole. This legislation should have a deterrent effect on those individuals on parole who may be considering a second crime. It will act as a statement to those individuals on parole that they are expected to abide by their parole as well as the laws of the Commonwealth. In the wake of the tragic death of the police officer in my district, this legislation will ensure that individuals like the shooter serve the entire sentence that he originally received. I invite you to join me as a co-sponsor of this bill. Thank you. |
Introduced as HB463