State, Local Officials Call for PA House to Meet July 24 Deadline to Protect PA Communities

LANCASTER - A group of state and local officials gathered in Lancaster today to call on the state House of Representatives to address sentencing guidelines for criminals convicted of second-degree murder when they reconvene this week.

In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the state's sentencing system for second-degree murder was unconstitutional. The court stayed its ruling for 120 days to give the General Assembly time to establish new sentencing guidelines.

The Senate passed two bills to create new sentencing guidelines, but the House of Representatives adjourned on July 13 without addressing the issue. After the announcement of the press conference, House leaders announced they would return to voting session on Thursday.

"Without having new sentencing guidelines in place, many of these criminals who committed these absolutely horrific crimes will be re-sentenced and could even be released back onto the streets," said Senator Scott Martin (R-Lancaster). "We have a duty to act. The House should send our bipartisan bill addressing this issue to the Governor's Desk immediately and prevent serious consequences for communities throughout Pennsylvania."

"We are two days from a deadline that could jeopardize the safety of Pennsylvania communities and revictimize the hundreds of families who lost a loved one in an act of second-degree murder," Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said. "We are calling on the state House to immediately send to the Governor legislation that protects victims and our communities."

"We must get the ball across the finish line. Inaction would be an insult to families of these victims, an insult to law enforcement and prosecutors who worked so diligently on the investigation and prosecution of these cases, and to the public who rely on those elected to do their jobs," said Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams. "Inaction is quite simply inexcusable."

"Victims need truth in sentencing, and this situation is another example of the system failing to provide this important part of the healing process. Advocates have a responsibility to provide accurate information to the families of victims about what will happen next, so that they can prepare," said Victim and Witness Services Director Deanna Weaver. "A resolution is needed so we can provide answers to the families who have been through so much and have once again been thrown into a state of turmoil."

"The Pennsylvania Senate has sent bipartisan, thoughtful, and responsible legislation to the House, not once, but twice, to address the Supreme Court's decision," said Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York). "The House must send House Bill 1042 to the Governor's desk without further delay, to stand with victims, keep our communities safe and ensure certainty in our judicial system."

The Senate passed legislation addressing the issue on June 25. Senate Bill 1400 would allow offenders currently serving sentences for second-degree murder to become eligible for parole after serving at least 35 years incarceration, with additional discretion for judges based on the circumstances of the offense. This bill currently sits in the House Judiciary Committee.

Similar language was amended into House Bill 1042 and returned to the House of Representatives on July 12, positioning the bill for quick passage once House leaders decide to act.

CONTACT: Jason Thompson (Senator Martin)
CONTACT: Brett Hambright (AG Sunday)
CONTACT: Erik Yabor (DA Adams)