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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, Oct. 31 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Rosita Youngblood, D-Phila., that would strengthen existing law regarding counterfeit consumer goods and services passed the state House on Wednesday.
Youngblood said the proposal (H.B. 523) would specifically increase penalties for counterfeiting and expand the definition of the crime. She said some of the consumer products affected by the legislation include prescription drugs and other medicines, medical equipment, electrical products, airline and auto parts, beauty products, clothing, candy bars, and computer software.
“By passing this measure, we are one step closer to sending a strong, clear message that counterfeiting will not be tolerated in Pennsylvania,” Youngblood said. “Counterfeit products are not harmless; they have infiltrated markets for almost every consumer good imaginable, and they threaten our economy, health and safety.”
Youngblood said the issue of counterfeit goods has become a growing problem across the country. She 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 is fast becoming 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 health organizations. We have mechanical equipment for planes being counterfeited. We have food, perfume, cosmetics and even toothpaste being counterfeited, which can cause severe health problems. With my proposal, we are taking a step forward in preventing the growth of counterfeit activity.”
The state House Judiciary Committee held a hearing in September on Youngblood’s legislation and received support for the proposal from a cross-section of industries and businesses.
“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. I am hopeful that the state Senate will take up this legislation and send it to Governor Rendell for his signature.”
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CONTACT: Bill Thomas |