HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday is encouraged that the recently-passed $50.8 billion state budget — along with several bills passed during last weekend’s sessions — will advance the Office of Attorney General’s mission to protect Pennsylvanians.
Attorney General Sunday emphasized that the $170.8 million designated to the Office of Attorney General includes a $15.2 million line item, which makes up most of the office’s 12.9 percent funding increase and could have wide-ranging impact in a number of priority areas. This funding increase will also relieve pressure on a restricted account that is used to fund consumer protection investigations.
The state budget also includes funding increases to a pair of Attorney General Sunday’s focus areas: human trafficking and organized retail crime work. The office recently launched formalized sections committed to those crimes, increasing OAG caseloads and expanding the network of law enforcement and community collaborators across the Commonwealth and country.
“There is no duty more important for elected officials than to protect the public they serve, and I am grateful that the Legislature has entrusted my office to build on the progress we have made to combat present-day threats to Pennsylvania citizens, families, and communities,” Attorney General Sunday said. “I am very proud of that progress, yet, I hear a common sentiment almost across the board from my staff who are in the trenches every day: There is always more to be done.”
While in session for budget talks, the state Legislature also passed several bills that impact public safety.
“These bills reflect what can happen when lawmakers from both parties work together to address real challenges facing Pennsylvanians,” Attorney General Sunday said. “I appreciate the members of the General Assembly who worked with my office to move these measures to the Governor’s desk, where I look forward to seeing them signed into law.”
Senate Bill 45 (Dush) strengthens Pennsylvania’s ability to combat trafficking, and House Bill 1286 (Young) will better equip hotel, motel and short-term rental employees to recognize the warning signs of trafficking and report suspected activity. Increasing awareness and strengthening partnerships are critical to protecting victims and bringing traffickers to justice.
We are also pleased to see Senate Bill 992 (Brooks) advance. Caller ID spoofing and robocalls are not just an annoyance – they are tools criminals use to steal from seniors and other vulnerable Pennsylvanians. This legislation gives us another important tool to crack down on these scams and better protect consumers across the Commonwealth.
Senate Bill 779 (Picozzi) strengthens protections for consumers by expanding enforcement of Pennsylvania’s towing law to state and local enforcement. Pennsylvanians should never have to worry about being taken advantage of during an already stressful situation, and this legislation will help hold bad actors accountable.
“Public safety has always been, and will continue to be, my top priority. If our communities aren’t safe, nothing else matters,” Attorney General Sunday said. “Whether by protecting trafficking victims, safeguarding consumers from fraud or ensuring stronger enforcement of our laws, these bipartisan measures represent meaningful progress for the people of Pennsylvania.”
Along with those happenings, the Legislature also took a pair of notable fiscal code actions.
- Senate Bill 911, known as the VICTIM Act and prime sponsored by Sen. Joe Picozzi, was written into the fiscal code and will provide grant support for recruitment and retention of law enforcement, as well as funding for modern equipment. Rep. Tim Briggs led a similar effort in the House with House Bill 1511.
- House Speaker Joanna McClinton championed a fiscal code action mandating statewide law enforcement training — led by the Office of Attorney General — on A.I.-generated child sexual abuse material investigations. This follows recent partnerships the Attorney General and the Speaker have undertaken in this space, including a panel discussion in King of Prussia and an op-ed on the subject.
We thank the members of the General Assembly for their collaboration and look forward to continuing our work together to keep our communities safe.
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