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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. John Sabatina |
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Sabatina bill strengthening penalties for police assaults
and illegal firearm possession goes to governor
HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – State Rep. John Sabatina, D-Phila., said legislation he sponsored (H.B. 1845) that would strengthen penalties for causing death or injury to police officers and for possessing a firearm with an altered serial number will go to the governor for his signature.
Sabatina said he authored the legislation in response to the murders and assaults of several Philadelphia police officers and other law enforcement personnel throughout the state.
"It's an ongoing problem that threatens police and public safety," Sabatina said. "This legislation will give police and citizens more protections and act as a major deterrent for criminals."
Under H.B. 1845, first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer would result in a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment or the death penalty. Other penalties for crimes against law enforcement officers would be as follows:
- second-degree murder – life in prison;
- first-degree manslaughter – up to 20 years;
- second-degree manslaughter – up to 10 years;
- attempt, solicitation or conspiracy to commit murder – up to 40 years if serious bodily injury occurs;
- assault resulting in bodily injury – 20 years mandatory, up to 40 years.
"Such serious crimes deserve serious penalties," Sabatina said. "We need to let criminals know that their deliberate actions to harm police officers will not go unchecked."
The legislation also would strengthen penalties for straw purchasers and criminals who file serial numbers from guns so they cannot be traced when a crime is committed. The penalty for possessing a gun with an altered serial number would increase from a first-degree misdemeanor to a second-degree felony, which carries a maximum fine of $25,000 and up to 10 years in prison. Police would be required to trace all illegally possessed handguns they recover.
"One of the problems we have in prosecuting defendants is the use of untraceable firearms during the crime. By tightening the loophole that lets criminals slip through, we have a better chance of prosecuting them and getting them off the streets," Sabatina said.
Making false statements on federal paperwork when buying or selling a gun, and making a false report of a stolen gun, would also result in penalties and loss of the right to own a gun. Additionally, an emergency firearm permit process would be instituted for people with protection-from-abuse orders or with other justifiable cause.
"I'm proud to be a part of making our police protection laws stronger. Officers should be able to do their duty of protecting the public without living in fear of their own safety," Sabatina said.
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