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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 13, 2015 05:22 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mark Rozzi |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Co-Sponsorship - Confidential Informant Protection |
| Last week, I circulated a memo for co-sponsorship for Confidential Informant Protection, which legislation has since been upgraded. Therefore, I rescinded that memo and ask all members to re-consider co-sponsoring the following: My measure will enhance, clarify and strengthen protection for confidential informants. The genesis of the bill was the tragic murder of Rachel Hoffman, an 18-year-old student in Florida who, after her arrest on minor charges agreed, under police pressure, to become a confidential informant targeting illegal gun-running. Upon discovery of her status by the criminals, she was murdered. While many law enforcement agencies have guidelines in place concerning such persons, the specific and express protection of confidential informants is not clear and in fact, the term is not defined in Pennsylvania statute. My bill would create the definition of a “Confidential Informant” and would add it to Title 18, Sections 4952 and 4953, dealing with the Intimidation of Witnesses and Retaliation against Witnesses. The bill would put in place disclosures and protections for the safety and well-being of a person who agrees to become a confidential informant. Additionally, it specifies that a proposed confidential informant under the age of 18 would be required to have parental/guardian consent so that a minor may not unwittingly be coerced into potentially dangerous situations. Please join with me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB793