HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Senate has taken decisive action to crack down on violent crime and the fentanyl epidemic, passing three key bills this week to keep dangerous criminals off the streets, according to Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37), who sponsored one of the measures.
“Pennsylvania families deserve to feel safe in their communities, and these votes send a clear message: violent offenders and drug traffickers will be held accountable,” said Robinson. “These bills provide law enforcement with the tools they need to protect the public and ensure that justice is served.”
The Senate approved the following measures:
Senate Bill 490, sponsored by Robinson, would prohibit non-monetary bail for the most dangerous individuals, including those who possess 10 grams or more of fentanyl, have a history of violent crime or assault a law enforcement officer.
“This is a significant step toward ensuring that individuals who pose a serious threat to our communities are not given the opportunity to re-offend while awaiting trial,” said Robinson. “The passage of Senate Bill 490 is a commonsense reform that prioritizes the safety of Pennsylvanians while maintaining fairness in our judicial system.”
Senate Bill 92, known as Tyler’s Law, would impose tougher penalties on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose. A person who sells or engages in a monetary transaction to distribute fentanyl resulting in a death would face a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence upon conviction. Senate Bill 92 sends a strong message that those fueling the opioid crisis will face severe consequences.
Senate Bill 471 would require prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a criminal defendant is identified as unlawfully present in the United States, ensuring that individuals who commit serious crimes are transferred to federal custody for removal proceedings. The bill also would prohibit sanctuary policies that obstruct communication between local law enforcement and federal agencies.
“These pieces of legislation reaffirm our commitment to law and order,” Robinson added. “I am proud to stand with my colleagues in supporting these critical public safety reforms, and I look forward to working with the House to get them signed into law.”
These bills reflect the senator’s ongoing commitment to fighting crime, supporting law enforcement and ensuring Pennsylvania remains a safe place to live, work and raise a family.
CONTACT: Allison Dutrey