PHILADELPHIA – Julio 10, 2019 − State Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) announced plans to introduce legislation that would repeal the recently granted concurrent jurisdiction given to the Pennsylvania Attorney General in gun-related crimes, such as illegal possession and sales.
Act 58 give the Attorney General’s office concurrent jurisdiction in such cases for two years. Other counties in the commonwealth are not subject to concurrent jurisdiction under the act.
“This law gives authority to the Attorney General, which he did not seek and will not use, out of respect for of the authority of District Attorney Larry Krasner, who was elected by the people of Philadelphia,” Sen. Hughes said. “Philadelphians want safe, peaceful communities, which is why our relentless focus should be on ending gun violence instead of playing the blame game.”
Sen. Hughes pointed to the fact that Attorney General Josh Shapiro has said his office will not use the authority to prosecute gun crimes in Philadelphia. Sen. Hughes added that Gov. Tom Wolf and Shapiro worked to secure $2.5 million for the Gun Violence Task force, which helps get guns off of the streets of the city.
“Hopefully, we can address this matter legislatively when we return to session in Septiembre,” Sen. Hughes said.
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