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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Nicole
Reigelman |
State Rep. Jim Wansacz |
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Wansacz wants to make witness intimidation illegal
HARRISBURG, April 24 – State Rep. Jim Wansacz wants to expand the application of witness intimidation prohibitions in Pennsylvania to include disciplinary proceedings or events stemming from a disciplinary hearing for licensing boards.
Wansacz, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Susquehanna/Wyoming, said his legislation (H.B. 1122) would make it unlawful to intimidate a victim or witness in a disciplinary proceeding. Further, it would make it a crime to retaliate against a witness in response to anything done as a result of the witness’ testimony at a disciplinary proceeding.
“We need to ensure that both witnesses and victims are protected from retribution from the person or company they bring a complaint against,” Wansacz said. “My bill closes a gap in existing state law that protects witnesses in court and other kinds of hearings.”
Wansacz said his bill would also add a prosecutor to licensing boards and protect the prosecutor and his or her property from retribution for any actions he or she has taken in his or her official capacity on the board.
Wansacz’s legislation, which has bipartisan support, was referred to the House Judiciary Committee for review.
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