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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Senate Passes Bill Strengthening Prosecution of Sex OffendersLegislation strengthening the prosecution of child sex offenders highlighted the Senate’s action the week of March 8th, according to Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40). Senate Bill 260 -- cosponsored by Senator Orie -- would give the Attorney General stronger tools to prosecute child sexual abuse cases that cross county or state lines. The bills aims to address a loophole in existing law that makes it difficult to prosecute sexual offenders who use the Internet to contact minors for sexual purposes. SB 260 would give the Attorney General concurrent jurisdiction with county district attorneys to investigate and institute criminal proceedings for the sexual abuse of children when involving more than one county or a county and another state. The bill -- unanimously passed by the Senate -- now awaits further consideration in the House. Senate cost study commission asks public for suggestionsA special bipartisan commission created to identify additional cost-saving measures in state government held its second meeting this week. Established by unanimous passage of Senate Resolution 161, the Government Management and Cost Study Commission is made up of 10 appointees from the private and public sectors to target and eliminate unnecessary government spending. To date, the Commission has received more than 100 emails from individuals from across the Commonwealth who responded to a call for suggestions to reduce the cost of state government. Pennsylvanians can submit suggestions to reduce costs in state government by emailing cuttingcosts@pasen.gov through June 30. Military family relief assistance program extendedOn Monday, March 8th, the Senate unanimously approved the extension and of the Military Family Relief Assistance Program. The Program provides grants to military members who have a direct and immediate financial need due to the sudden loss of income directly related to their service or an emergency need for child care, food, shelter or other necessities. The program also provides emergency funding for travel/lodging in the event of the death or illness of a spouse, parent, sibling or child. HB 1533 would extend the program until 2016; adds National Guard members to the list of service members who are eligible for the program; and allows military families to be eligible for assistance for up to a year following their return from active duty. House Bill 1533 has been approved by the House and Senate and was sent to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Senate supports science in motion programOn Tuesday, March 9th, the Senate approved Senate Bill 766, legislation which would formally enact the "Science in Motion" into state law. The program currently makes state funding available to higher education institutions to purchase high tech science equipment. This equipment is then shared with surrounding schools, who could not have afforded this equipment on their own. More than 300 public, private, and parochial schools were served throughout the state by 11 higher education institutions.
Nate Silcox |
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