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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Marc Gergely |
  
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Gergely reintroduces bill to crack down on gas theft
HARRISBURG, May 9 – With retail gasoline prices reaching a record-breaking $3.65 a gallon this week, state Rep. Marc Gergely believes cases of gas theft at the pump will become even more commonplace, which is why he has reintroduced legislation to suspend driving privileges for people who steal gasoline.
"Consumers are paying 20 percent more at the pump than they did this time last year," said Gergely, D-Allegheny. "The law is too loose right now and for some people, the penalties they could face for stealing fuel make it seem worth the risk when compared to soaring gas prices."
Gergely said current state law imposes only financial penalties for the crime: $100 to $250 for a first offense, $250 to $500 for a second offense and at least $500 for a third or subsequent offense.
As an add-on to the current fines, his bill (H.B. 998) would impose a 30-day driver's-license suspension for a first offense and a 60-day license suspension for a second offense. Third and subsequent offenses would be punishable by a six-month loss of driving privileges.
"Economists have said that we are going to see fundamental changes in people's behavior in response to increased fuel costs," Gergely said. "The penalties established in 2002 for fuel theft are not a useful deterrent. They simply are not relevant anymore."
He said suspending driving privileges would put teeth in the penalties for fuel theft – and deter fuel theft – regardless of the fluctuation in gas prices.
First introduced in 2005, the legislation has 23 co-sponsors. Gergely said he plans to put pressure on his colleagues to move the bill through the House.
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