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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Thomas Caltagirone |
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Caltagirone supports bill ending parole for repeat violent offenders
HARRISBURG, June 1 – State Rep. Thomas Caltagirone, D-Berks, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, today joined lawmakers at a news conference in support of legislation to end early parole for repeat violent criminals in Pennsylvania.
"In recent months, several brutal deaths have occurred in Pennsylvania at the hands of repeat violent offenders," Caltagirone said. "These murders have ignited public outcry from victims' families and the public for tougher laws governing probation and parole of those offenders."
Introduced by state Rep. Brendan F. Boyle, D-Phila./Montgomery, H.B. 1567 would increase prison sentences for second- and third-strike offenses and eliminate the possibility of early parole for repeat violent offenders. The legislation would also impose stricter penalties for crimes in which repeat violent offenders use deadly weapons.
"The Judiciary Committee has been working since the beginning of the 2009-10 legislative session to draft legislation to keep these offenders behind bars for longer periods of time. Representative Boyle's bill would achieve that goal, strengthen the state's parole system and increase public safety," Caltagirone said.
The bill also would require violent criminals who have served their full prison sentences to be monitored and supervised by the parole board for 15 to 20 years, depending on their sentence. Police would be notified of the parolee's release and current place of residence. A significant violation of parole restrictions could result in further prison time, under the bill.
The Judiciary Committee will hold a voting meeting on Tuesday, June 16 to consider the bill.