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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Rosita Youngblood |
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Youngblood proposal strengthening counterfeiting laws passes House
HARRISBURG, April 1 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Rosita Youngblood, D-Phila., that would strengthen existing law regarding counterfeit consumer goods and services recently passed the state House 192-0.
The proposal (H.B. 727) would increase penalties for counterfeiting, particularly when counterfeit goods result in injury or death, and expand the definition of the crime. Some of the consumer products affected by the legislation would include prescription drugs and other medicines, medical equipment, electrical products, airline and auto parts, beauty products, clothing, candy bars, and computer software.
"Companies across the state lose millions of dollars a year due to counterfeiting," Youngblood said. "My bill would protect public safety and maintain the integrity of the products on store shelves, and I am pleased my colleagues in the House recognize the importance of this issue."
Youngblood said the proposal has also received support from a cross-section of industries and businesses.
The issue of counterfeit goods has become a growing problem across the country. Youngblood said she learned more about the epidemic as a member of the National Foundation for Women Legislators’ Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force and chairperson of NFWL’s National Policy Committee on Business and Economic Development. She said NFWL partnered with the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition in 2006 to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit goods and she has been working with both IACC and NFWL to curb the sale of counterfeit goods in Pennsylvania.
"Counterfeiting has become one of the world’s most profitable criminal activities," Youngblood said. "We have individuals counterfeiting health products that have not been tested or approved by the government or health organizations, and mechanical equipment for planes being counterfeited. We have food, perfume, cosmetics and even toothpaste being counterfeited, which can cause severe health problems. By passing my bill, we are taking a step forward in preventing the growth of counterfeit activity in Pennsylvania."
Youngblood said similar legislation she introduced in the 2007-08 legislative session was also passed unanimously by the House following a hearing held by the House Judiciary Committee in September 2007.
The legislation now awaits consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
"I urge the Senate to act on this legislation so that we can curb the sale and use of counterfeit products in Pennsylvania," Youngblood said.
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