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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 5, 2022 11:22 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Scott Conklin |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Ineligibility to hold public office if convicted of Domestic Violence |
| During COVID lockdowns, we have seen domestic violence numbers on the rise. It is necessary that we remind ourselves of the tragic ongoing costs to families that have been victims of domestic violence. In Pennsylvania, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner. At least 109 people died as a direct result of domestic violence last year alone. Pennsylvania’s citizens bear an estimated $156 billion dollars in lifetime economic burdens due to intimate partner violence. Pennsylvania has long fought to reduce rates of domestic violence. Combating domestic violence and reducing these deadly statistics requires legislators with integrity to act in the public good to pass the necessary legislation to reduce rates and protect victims. Legislators who themselves have been convicted of domestic violence-related crimes can not be trusted to act ethically on behalf of domestic violence victims. In order to protect the integrity of Pennsylvania’s legislature and the rights of our citizens, I will soon introduce legislation making any person convicted of domestic violence ineligible to serve in the General Assembly, or of holding any office of trust or profit in this Commonwealth. Please join me in co-sponsoring this vital, life-saving legislation. |
Introduced as HB2596