Southwest Allegheny News

HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37), joined by Sens. Wayne Langerholc (R-35) and Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), was approved in the Senate Judiciary Committee this week. Senate Bill 1120 ensures common-sense procedures are followed during the bail determination process for repeat violent offenders, drug dealers trafficking fentanyl, and those who assault law enforcement officers or evade arrest on foot. The legislation would specifically bar non-monetary forms of bail from being issued to those who pose a threat to public safety.

"Dangerous criminals should not freely roam our streets without assurance they will be held accountable for their actions," emphasized Sen. Devlin Robinson. "Our legislation will provide another tool to assist law enforcement in keeping my constituents and all residents of the Commonwealth safe from the most dangerous of individuals."

According to the US Drug Enforcement Agency, fentanyl is one hundred times more potent than morphine, and approximately fifty times more potent than heroin. Two milligrams of fentanyl – the amount that fits on the tip of a pencil – is enough to kill an average person.

"Every day I hear from constituents concerned about rising crime rates and deadly drugs, like fentanyl, flooding into our communities," shared Senator Pennycuick. "Senate Bill 1120 is designed to help protect our neighborhoods by ensuring that dangerous individuals with a history of violent crimes or caught dealing fentanyl will be kept off our streets. I want to thank my colleagues and co-prime sponsors, Sen. Robinson and Sen. Langerholc, for their hard work and dedication in crafting this important measure."

"This week, we took steps to ensure violent criminals are held accountable, placed further safeguards to protect our communities, and stood with law enforcement," added Sen. Wayne Langerholc.

The legislation now heads to the full Senate for consideration.