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House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	December 31, 2014 10:34 AM
From:	Representative Ryan A. Bizzarro and Rep. Pam Snyder
To:	All House members
Subject:	Elder Abuse: Theft of Prescription Medication

In the near future, we plan to re-introduce legislation – House Bill 2006 – that will amend Title 42 (Judicial and Judicial Procedure), Section 9717 (Sentences for offenses against elderly persons), of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes for the purpose of adding three additional theft offenses and corresponding mandatory minimum sentences for individuals who take, dispose, deceive, or extort prescription medication from elder adults. During the 2013-14 Legislative Session, a hearing was held by the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee which revealed the older adult population, people aged 50 and older, will comprise 45 percent of the United States population by 2015. Moreover, Pennsylvania has one of the highest populations of older adults in the country. Therefore, the issue of theft of prescription medication has become a particular concern in our Commonwealth, as too many elder adults are susceptible to exploitation. Our legislation attempts to combat the issue of increasing theft of prescription medication from elder adults, age 60 or older, by enhancing sentencing laws specifically relating to elderly persons. Offenses relating to theft by unlawful taking or disposition will result in a minimum mandatory sentence of not less than one year. In addition, an offense relating to theft by deception or an offense relating to extortion will result in a minimum mandatory sentence of not less than six months. As public officials, we believe it is important to help protect all elderly adults living in Pennsylvania from the threat of potential abuse. Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation.

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