HARRISBURG, Junio 23th, 2015 – Senator Vincent Hughes issued the following statement in response to the passage of Senate Bill 296 by Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee:
“Today, the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee voted to send Senate Bill 296 to the Senate for full consideration. I am thankful that both sides of the Committee came together to take a stand against swatting, which is a term used for making a fake 911 emergency call in order to draw a response from law enforcement, usually a SWAT team, or emergency service personnel.”
“I would especially like to thank Senator Stewart Greenleaf and Senator Daylin Leach, the chairs of the Judiciary Committee for their hard work on this critical issue. It is now time for the Senate to fully consider SB 296 and pass the bill.”
“Police, firefighters and other first responders are being needlessly put in danger by rushing to the scene and through potential altercations with unsuspecting residents who may try to defend themselves. I believe strengthening the provisions of our law will provide greater protection to our communities by creating a greater deterrent for those who may seek to engage in this activity.”
Senator Vincent Hughes represents the 7th Senatorial District, which includes parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County. He is also the Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.