A05217
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
216
Session of
2022
INTRODUCED BY KAIL, JUNE 27, 2022
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, JUNE 27, 2022
A RESOLUTION
Establishing, authorizing and empowering the Select Committee on
Restoring Law and Order to investigate, review and make
findings and recommendations concerning rising rates of
crime, law enforcement and the enforcement of crime victim
rights.
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives establish,
authorize and empower the Select Committee on Restoring Law and
Order to investigate, review and make findings and
recommendations concerning:
(1) The rising rates of crime, including, but not
limited to, the enforcement and prosecution of violent crime
and offenses involving the illegal possession of firearms, in
the City of Philadelphia this Commonwealth.
(2) The use of public funds intended for the purpose of
enforcing the criminal law and prosecuting crime in the City
of Philadelphia this Commonwealth.
(3) The enforcement of crime victim rights, including,
but not limited to, those rights afforded to crime victims by
statute or court rule, in the City of Philadelphia this
Commonwealth.
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(4) The use of public funds intended for the purpose of
benefiting crime victims, including, but not limited to,
crime victim compensation and crime victim services, in the
City of Philadelphia this Commonwealth;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the findings and recommendations of the select
committee may include, but are not limited to, any of the
following:
(1) Determinations regarding the performance of public
officials empowered to enforce the law in the City of
Philadelphia this Commonwealth, including the district
attorney, and recommendations for removal from office or
other appropriate discipline, including impeachment.
(2) Legislation or other legislative action relating to
policing, prosecution, sentencing and any other aspect of law
enforcement.
(3) Legislation or other legislative action relating to
ensuring the protection, enforcement and delivery of
appropriate services and compensation to crime victims.
(4) Legislation or other legislative action relating to
ensuring the appropriate expenditure of public funds intended
for the purpose of law enforcement, prosecutions or to
benefit crime victims.
(5) Other legislative action as the select committee
finds necessary to ensure appropriate enforcement of law and
order in the City of Philadelphia this Commonwealth;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the select committee consist of five members
of the House of Representatives, including three members from
the majority party of the House of Representatives and two
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members from the minority party of the House of Representatives;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Speaker of the House of Representatives
appoint the chair of the select committee from among the members
of the select committee; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the chair of the select committee, on behalf
of the select committee, be authorized and empowered to do all
of the following:
(1) send for individuals and papers and subpoena
witnesses, documents, including electronically stored
information, and any other materials under the hand and seal
of the chair;
(2) administer oaths to witnesses;
(3) take testimony;
(4) conduct interviews, take statements and any other
investigative steps as determined by the chair;
(5) prepare and file pleadings and other legal
documents; and
(6) employ counsel and staff for the use of the chair or
the select committee;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Sergeant-at-Arms or a deputy, or other
competent adult authorized by the chair, serve the process and
execute the order of the select committee; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the select committee be authorized to sit
during the sessions of the House of Representatives; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the expenses of the select committee
investigation be paid by the Chief Clerk from appropriation
accounts under the Chief Clerk's exclusive control and
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jurisdiction upon a written request approved by the Speaker of
the House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the House
of Representatives or the Minority Leader of the House of
Representatives; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing
assist the select committee to the extent requested by the chair
of the select committee; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Judiciary Committee of the House of
Representatives assist the select committee to the extent
requested by the chair of the select committee; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the select committee submit a final report to
the House of Representatives with its findings and
recommendations, which shall be made available to the public.
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