HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday reacted to a trio of bills that passed Pennsylvania House voting sessions this week:
- HB1286, which would implement mandatory training of hospitality-industry workers (e.g, motels, hotels) on the signs of human trafficking. Sponsored by Rep. Regina Young (D-Philadelphia), Rep. Robert Leadbetter (R-Columbia), Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland), and Rep. Tarik Kahn (D-Philadelphia), the bill now moves to the Pa. Senate.
The Office of Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Section testified in October before a House Committee about the bill. Chief Deputy Attorney General Heather Castellino, who oversees the section, testified that victims are unlikely to speak up or ask for help in public places, as they are under the control — and in fear — of their traffickers.
On HB1286, Attorney General Sunday said:
“This dehumanizing criminal conduct — human trafficking — often happens at hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments, so the more educated eyes we have in those places, the better chance victims have of being rescued.
“I thank the House for their votes and Representative Young for her leadership on this important issue. I encourage the Senate to give this legislation the quick attention it deserves, as trafficking happens in every part of our Commonwealth. This bill, if signed into law, will send a clear message to predatory traffickers — we are watching and ready to take action.”
- HB1425, which would establish a directory (similar to cigarettes) for electronic nicotine devices (vapes). Sponsored by Rep. Jeanne McNeill (D-Lehigh), Rep. Lee James (R-Venango), Rep. Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery) and Rep. Melissa Shusterman (D-Chester), the bill now moves to the Governor’s desk for signature.
On HB1425, Attorney General Sunday said:
“Unregulated vaping devices and other e-cigarettes are often manufactured to appear attractive to children, who are most susceptible to such marketing.
“The reality is that users of these unregulated products have no idea what they are actually consuming. The products often contain no reliable disclosures about contents or potential dangers attached to consumption.
“I commend the bipartisan work in the Senate and House that recognized a threat to our children and took action to protect all Pennsylvanians.”
- HB 1615, which would maintain DUI sentencing conditions that preserve treatment programs while holding repeat offenders accountable. Sponsored by House Judiciary Chairmen, Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin) and Rep. Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery), the bill now moves to the Governor’s desk for signature.
On HB1615, Attorney General Sunday said:
“This bill remedies a state court’s ruling that essentially disregards a first DUI offense resulting in ARD when a second DUI conviction occurs. While I am an advocate of second chances when appropriate, I have found in my career that many DUI offenders are at high risk to re-offend, so precautions must be in place to ensure accountability if they commit subsequent offenses.
“Every time someone makes the intentional decision to get behind the wheel intoxicated, they endanger every person they encounter on the roadway. I have seen far too many tragedies caused by completely avoidable vehicle crashes rooted to DUI.
“I will continue to advocate for ARD and other worthy diversion programs as positive resolutions to criminal charges for certain offenders, but there is no such thing as a freebie when it comes to driving while intoxicated.”
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