In the early hours of January 13, House Bill 3653, formerly House Bill 163, a dangerous criminal justice reform proposal passed out of the Senate.
State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) issued the following statement in opposition to the measure:
“In the early hours of the morning, Democrat lawmakers dumped a 700-page criminal justice reform proposal on our desks, leaving us no time to review the measure in its entirety, seek public input or gather law enforcement feedback.
“This bill is a dangerous proposal that makes it easier for offenders to commit violent crimes, eliminates cash bail and endangers the safety of our citizens.
“I stand with the men and women of our law enforcement who bravely serve each-and-every day. I am beyond disappointed that this is how such a vitally important proposal was rammed through the Senate chamber, without full consideration of the consequences this bill will have on our law enforcement profession and the wellbeing and safety of our communities.
“This is not how reform should be done and this is not a bill I support.”
House Bill 3563 passed the Senate by a vote of 32 to 23.