FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. John P. Sabatina, Jr. D-Philadelphia www.pahouse.com/Sabatina

Sabatina working to combat home invasion

HARRISBURG, July 16 – State Rep. John Sabatina, D-Phila., is introducing legislation that would institute harsh penalties for unlawfully entering a home with malicious intent.

The legislation was inspired by recent incidents in Sabatina’s legislative district where elderly constituents were severely harmed during burglary attempts.  

"Home invasion is a serious violation of one’s privacy and safety," Sabatina said. "The law should be expanded and criminals should be aware that invading someone’s home and causing harm to occupants will result in serious charges."

Sabatina’s bill would establish and define the crime of home invasion as when someone knowingly enters and remains in a home unlawfully with the intent to commit a violent felony or causes harm to an occupant of the home. The measure would establish harsh penalties of five years of imprisonment for first-time offenders and 10 years if the offense is against a person 62 or older or for a subsequent offense.

"No one should be victimized in their own home, especially seniors," Sabatina declared.

###