PRINTER'S NO. 95
No. 151 Session of 2007
INTRODUCED BY GREENLEAF, COSTA, EARLL, O'PAKE, RAFFERTY, BOSCOLA, FONTANA, PUNT, TARTAGLIONE, RHOADES, KITCHEN, ARMSTRONG, ERICKSON, C. WILLIAMS, WASHINGTON, WOZNIAK, TOMLINSON, GORDNER, BROWNE, BAKER AND FUMO, FEBRUARY 9, 2007
REFERRED TO JUDICIARY, FEBRUARY 9, 2007
AN ACT 1 Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania 2 Consolidated Statutes, further providing for weapons or 3 implements for escape and for contraband; and making a 4 conforming amendment. 5 The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 6 hereby enacts as follows: 7 Section 1. Sections 5122 and 5123 of Title 18 of the 8 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes are amended to read: 9 § 5122. Weapons [or implements for escape], implements of 10 escape or dangerous material. 11 (a) Offenses defined.-- 12 (1) [A person commits a misdemeanor of the first] An 13 individual commits a felony of the second degree if he 14 [unlawfully introduces within a detention facility, 15 correctional institution or mental hospital, or unlawfully 16 provides an inmate thereof with any weapon, tool, implement, 17 or other thing] delivers to a confined person a weapon, 18 implement of escape, dangerous material or other item which
1 may be used for escape. 2 (2) [An inmate] A confined person commits a [misdemeanor 3 of the first] felony of the second degree if he [unlawfully 4 procures, makes or otherwise provides himself with, or 5 unlawfully has in his possession or under his control, any 6 weapon, tool, implement or other thing] possesses a weapon, 7 implement of escape, dangerous material or other item which 8 may be used for escape. 9 (b) [Definitions.-- 10 (1) As used in this section, the word "unlawfully" means 11 surreptitiously or contrary to law, regulation or order of 12 the detaining authority. 13 (2) As used in this section, the word "weapon" means any 14 implement readily capable of lethal use and shall include any 15 firearm, ammunition, knife, dagger, razor, other cutting or 16 stabbing implement or club, including any item which has been 17 modified or adopted so that it can be used as a firearm, 18 ammunition, knife, dagger, razor, other cutting or stabbing 19 implement, or club. The word "firearm" includes an unloaded 20 firearm and the unassembled components of a firearm.] 21 Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and 22 phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this 23 subsection: 24 "Confined person." An individual committed pursuant to a 25 court order to a correctional institution, mental hospital, 26 youth development center, youth forestry camp or other facility 27 for the detention or incarceration of individuals pursuant to a 28 court order, regardless of whether the individual is temporarily 29 absent due to medical treatment, transportation, court 30 appearance or other reason for a temporary absence. 20070S0151B0095 - 2 -
1 "Dangerous material." Any incendiary material or device, 2 highly flammable or caustic liquid, explosive, bullet or other 3 material readily capable of causing death or serious bodily 4 injury. 5 "Delivers." The transfer of a weapon, implement of escape or 6 dangerous material to a confined person in a correctional 7 institution, mental hospital, youth development center, youth 8 forestry camp or other facility for the detention or 9 incarceration of individuals pursuant to court order, building 10 appurtenant thereto or any other place. The term includes taking 11 or introducing a weapon, implement of escape or dangerous 12 material into a correctional institution, mental hospital, youth 13 development center, youth forestry camp or other facility for 14 the detention or incarceration of individuals pursuant to court 15 order, or building appurtenant thereto, on land granted to, 16 owned by or leased by the Commonwealth or a political 17 subdivision that is related to the confinement of persons. The 18 term includes putting a weapon, implement of escape or dangerous 19 material in a place where it may be obtained by a confined 20 person. 21 "Implement of escape." A tool, implement, device, equipment 22 or other item that can facilitate, aid or conceal an escape or 23 attempted escape by a confined person. 24 "Weapon." An implement readily capable of lethal use, 25 including any firearm, knife, dagger, razor, other cutting or 26 stabbing implement or club. The term includes any item which has 27 been modified or adapted so that it can be used as a firearm, 28 knife, dagger, razor, other cutting or stabbing implement or 29 club. For purposes of this definition, the term "firearm" 30 includes an unloaded firearm or the unassembled components of a 20070S0151B0095 - 3 -
1 firearm. 2 § 5123. Contraband. 3 (a) Controlled substance contraband to confined persons 4 prohibited.--[A person] An individual commits a felony of the 5 second degree if he [sells, gives, transmits or furnishes to any 6 convict in a prison, or inmate in a mental hospital, or gives 7 away in or brings into any prison, mental hospital, or any 8 building appurtenant thereto, or on the land granted to or owned 9 or leased by the Commonwealth or county for the use and benefit 10 of the prisoners or inmates, or puts in any place where it may 11 be secured by a convict of a prison, inmate of a mental 12 hospital, or employee thereof, any] delivers a controlled 13 substance included in Schedules I through V of the act of April 14 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, 15 Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, to a confined person or employee 16 of a correctional institution, mental hospital, youth 17 development center, youth forestry camp or other facility for 18 the detention or incarceration of individuals pursuant to court 19 order, (except the ordinary hospital supply of the [prison or 20 mental hospital] correctional institution, mental hospital, 21 youth development center, youth forestry camp or other facility 22 for the detention or incarceration of individuals pursuant to 23 court order) without a written permit signed by the physician of 24 such institution, specifying the quantity and quality of the 25 substance which may be furnished to [any convict, inmate, or 26 employee in the prison or mental hospital,] the confined person, 27 the name of the [prisoner, inmate, or employee for whom,] 28 confined person and the time when the same may be furnished[, 29 which permit shall be delivered to and kept by the warden or 30 superintendent of the prison or mental hospital]. 20070S0151B0095 - 4 -
1 (a.1) Mandatory minimum penalty.--[Any person] 2 (1) An individual convicted of a violation of subsection 3 (a) shall be sentenced to a minimum sentence of at least two 4 years of total confinement, notwithstanding any other 5 provision of this title or any other statute to the contrary. 6 Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the sentencing court 7 from imposing a sentence greater than that provided in this 8 subsection, up to the maximum penalty prescribed by this 9 title for a felony of the second degree. There shall be no 10 authority in any court to impose on an offender to which this 11 subsection is applicable any lesser sentence than provided 12 for in subsection (a) or to place such offender on probation 13 or to suspend sentence. Sentencing guidelines promulgated by 14 the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing shall not supersede 15 the mandatory sentences provided in this subsection. If a 16 sentencing court refuses to apply this subsection where 17 applicable, the Commonwealth shall have the right to 18 appellate review of the action of the sentencing court. The 19 appellate court shall vacate the sentence and remand the case 20 to the sentencing court for imposition of a sentence in 21 accordance with this subsection if it finds that the sentence 22 was imposed in violation of this subsection. 23 (2) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to 24 preclude prosecution for a more serious violation of The 25 Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. 26 (a.2) Possession of controlled substance contraband by 27 [inmate] a confined person prohibited.--[A prisoner or inmate] A 28 confined person commits a felony of the second degree if he 29 unlawfully has in his possession or under his control any 30 controlled substance in violation of section 13(a)(16) of The 20070S0151B0095 - 5 -
1 Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. For 2 purposes of this subsection, no amount shall be deemed de 3 minimis. 4 (b) Money to inmates prohibited.--[A person] An individual 5 commits a misdemeanor of the [third] first degree if he [gives 6 or furnishes money to any inmate confined in a State or county] 7 delivers money to an inmate committed to a correctional 8 institution as defined in section 501 (relating to definitions), 9 provided notice of this prohibition is adequately posted at the 10 institution. [A person] An individual may, however, deposit 11 money with the superintendent, warden, or other authorized 12 individual in charge of a [State or county] correctional 13 institution for the benefit and use of an inmate confined 14 therein, which shall be credited to the inmate's account and 15 expended in accordance with the rules and regulations of the 16 institution. The person making the deposit shall be provided 17 with a written receipt for the amount deposited. 18 (c) [Contraband other than controlled substance.--A person] 19 Other contraband.--An individual commits a misdemeanor of the 20 first degree if he [sells, gives or furnishes to any convict in 21 a prison, or inmate in a mental hospital, or gives away in or 22 brings into any prison, mental hospital, or any building 23 appurtenant thereto, or on the land granted to or owned or 24 leased by the Commonwealth or county for the use and benefit of 25 the prisoners or inmates, or puts in any place where it may be 26 secured by a convict of a prison, inmate of a mental hospital, 27 or employee thereof,] delivers to a confined person: 28 (1) any kind of spirituous or fermented liquor, poison 29 or medicine [or poison] (except the ordinary hospital supply 30 of the [prison or mental hospital] correctional institution, 20070S0151B0095 - 6 -
1 mental hospital, youth development center, youth forestry 2 camp or other facility for the detention or incarceration of 3 individuals pursuant to court order) without a written permit 4 signed by the physician of such institution, specifying the 5 quantity and quality of the substance which may be furnished 6 to [any convict, inmate or employee in the prison or mental 7 hospital, the name of the prisoner, inmate or employee for 8 whom,] the confined person, the name of the confined person 9 and the time when the same may be furnished[, which permit 10 shall be delivered to and kept by the warden or 11 superintendent of the prison or mental hospital.]; or 12 (2) an unauthorized item that is readily capable of 13 concealing a controlled substance contraband, weapon, 14 dangerous material, telecommunications device, implement of 15 escape or other item which may be used for escape. 16 (c.1) Telecommunication devices to [inmates] confined 17 persons prohibited.--A person commits a misdemeanor of the first 18 degree if, without the written permission of superintendent, 19 warden or otherwise authorized individual in charge of a 20 correctional institution, prison, jail, detention facility or 21 mental hospital, he sells, gives or furnishes to any [inmate] 22 confined person in a correctional institution, prison, jail, 23 detention facility or mental hospital, or any building 24 appurtenant thereto, or puts in any place where it may be 25 obtained by [an inmate] a confined person of a correctional 26 institution, prison, jail, detention facility or mental 27 hospital, any telecommunication device. 28 (c.2) Possession of telecommunication devices by [inmates] 29 confined persons prohibited.--[An inmate] A confined person in a 30 correctional institution, prison, jail, detention facility or 20070S0151B0095 - 7 -
1 mental hospital, or any building appurtenant thereto, commits a 2 misdemeanor of the first degree if he has in his possession any 3 telecommunication device without the written permission of the 4 superintendent, warden or otherwise authorized individual in 5 charge of a correctional institution, prison, jail, detention 6 facility or mental hospital. 7 (c.3) Possession of money or other contraband by a confined 8 person.--A confined person commits a misdemeanor of the first 9 degree if he possesses money or other contraband, the delivery 10 of which is prohibited by this section. 11 (d) Drug-sniffing animals.--Any jail or prison may use dogs 12 or other animals trained to sniff controlled substances or other 13 contraband for such purposes in or on any part of the jail or 14 prison at any time. 15 (e) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following 16 words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this 17 subsection: 18 "Confined person." An individual committed pursuant to a 19 court order to a correctional institution, mental hospital, 20 youth development center, youth forestry camp or other facility 21 for the detention or incarceration of individuals pursuant to a 22 court order, regardless of whether the individual is temporarily 23 absent due to medical treatment, transportation, court 24 appearance or other reason for a temporary absence. 25 "Dangerous material." Any incendiary material or device, 26 highly flammable or caustic liquid, explosive, bullet or other 27 material readily capable of causing death or serious bodily 28 injury. 29 "Delivers." The transfer of a weapon, implement of escape or 30 dangerous material to a confined person in a correctional 20070S0151B0095 - 8 -
1 institution, mental hospital, youth development center, youth 2 forestry camp or other facility for the detention or 3 incarceration of individuals pursuant to court order, building 4 appurtenant thereto or any other place. The term includes taking 5 or introducing a weapon, implement of escape or dangerous 6 material into a correctional institution, mental hospital, youth 7 development center, youth forestry camp or other facility for 8 the detention or incarceration of individuals pursuant to court 9 order, building appurtenant thereto, on land granted to, owned 10 by or leased by the Commonwealth or a political subdivision that 11 is related to the confinement of persons. The term includes 12 putting a weapon, implement of escape or dangerous material in a 13 place where it may be obtained by a confined person. 14 "Implement of escape." A tool, implement, device, equipment 15 or other item that can facilitate, aid or conceal an escape or 16 attempted escape by a confined person. 17 ["Inmate." A male or female offender who is committed to, 18 under sentence to or confined in a penal or correctional 19 institution.] 20 "Telecommunication device." Any type of instrument, device, 21 machine or equipment which is capable of transmitting 22 telephonic, electronic, digital, cellular or radio 23 communications or any part of such instrument, device, machine 24 or equipment which is capable of facilitating the transmission 25 of telephonic, electronic, digital, cellular or radio 26 communications. The term shall include, but not be limited to, 27 cellular phones, digital phones and modem equipment devices. 28 "Weapon." An implement readily capable of lethal use, 29 including any firearm, knife, dagger, razor, other cutting or 30 stabbing implement or club. The term includes any item which has 20070S0151B0095 - 9 -
1 been modified or adapted so that it can be used as a firearm, 2 knife, dagger, razor, other cutting or stabbing implement or 3 club. For purposes of this definition, the term "firearm" 4 includes an unloaded firearm or the unassembled components of a 5 firearm. 6 Section 2. Section 6105(b) of Title 18 is amended to read: 7 § 6105. Persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell 8 or transfer firearms. 9 * * * 10 (b) Enumerated offenses.--The following offenses shall apply 11 to subsection (a): 12 Section 908 (relating to prohibited offensive weapons). 13 Section 911 (relating to corrupt organizations). 14 Section 912 (relating to possession of weapon on school 15 property). 16 Section 2502 (relating to murder). 17 Section 2503 (relating to voluntary manslaughter). 18 Section 2504 (relating to involuntary manslaughter) if 19 the offense is based on the reckless use of a firearm. 20 Section 2702 (relating to aggravated assault). 21 Section 2703 (relating to assault by prisoner). 22 Section 2704 (relating to assault by life prisoner). 23 Section 2709.1 (relating to stalking). 24 Section 2716 (relating to weapons of mass destruction). 25 Section 2901 (relating to kidnapping). 26 Section 2902 (relating to unlawful restraint). 27 Section 2910 (relating to luring a child into a motor 28 vehicle). 29 Section 3121 (relating to rape). 30 Section 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual 20070S0151B0095 - 10 -
1 intercourse).
2 Section 3125 (relating to aggravated indecent assault).
3 Section 3301 (relating to arson and related offenses).
4 Section 3302 (relating to causing or risking
5 catastrophe).
6 Section 3502 (relating to burglary).
7 Section 3503 (relating to criminal trespass) if the
8 offense is graded a felony of the second degree or higher.
9 Section 3701 (relating to robbery).
10 Section 3702 (relating to robbery of motor vehicle).
11 Section 3921 (relating to theft by unlawful taking or
12 disposition) upon conviction of the second felony offense.
13 Section 3923 (relating to theft by extortion) when the
14 offense is accompanied by threats of violence.
15 Section 3925 (relating to receiving stolen property) upon
16 conviction of the second felony offense.
17 Section 4912 (relating to impersonating a public servant)
18 if the person is impersonating a law enforcement officer.
19 Section 4952 (relating to intimidation of witnesses or
20 victims).
21 Section 4953 (relating to retaliation against witness or
22 victim).
23 Section 5121 (relating to escape).
24 Section 5122 (relating to weapons [or implements for
25 escape], implements of escape or dangerous material).
26 Section 5501(3) (relating to riot).
27 Section 5515 (relating to prohibiting of paramilitary
28 training).
29 Section 5516 (relating to facsimile weapons of mass
30 destruction).
20070S0151B0095 - 11 -
1 Section 6110.1 (relating to possession of firearm by 2 minor). 3 Section 6301 (relating to corruption of minors). 4 Section 6302 (relating to sale or lease of weapons and 5 explosives). 6 Any offense equivalent to any of the above-enumerated 7 offenses under the prior laws of this Commonwealth or any 8 offense equivalent to any of the above-enumerated offenses 9 under the statutes of any other state or of the United 10 States. 11 * * * 12 Section 3. This act shall take effect in 60 days. L6L18DMS/20070S0151B0095 - 12 -