|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Chris Sainato |
|
House passes Sainato energy services theft bill
HARRISBURG, Oct. 31 – State Rep. Chris Sainato, D-Lawrence/Beaver, said he is pleased that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a bill that would impose criminal penalties on people convicted of stealing energy services in Pennsylvania.
Sainato said his legislation (H.B. 1716) would add theft of natural gas and propane service, in addition to electricity and telecommunications services, to Pennsylvania’s Theft of Services law.
“People have died or were injured in fires because of manipulation of electrical wiring and gas lines,” Sainato said. “Pennsylvania needs a stronger law in order to curtail these incidents.”
Sainato said violations of the measure would be classified on a range from a third-degree misdemeanor to a second-degree felony, depending on the value of the natural gas or propane stolen. Violators would face penalties ranging from a $2,500 fine and a year in jail to a $15,000 fine and seven years in prison.
In addition, utilities would be able to seek restitution in civil court for the amount of service stolen, and fire departments or other emergency responders answering a call caused by energy theft also would be able to sue to recover the cost of responding.
The legislation was sent to the Senate for consideration.
###rrc/2007/mjh
l:\print\releases\naturalgas.009
|
CONTACT: Roseann R. Cadau |