Southwest Allegheny News

The Pennsylvania Senate has moved forward with a set of legislative measures aimed at combating violent crime and addressing the fentanyl crisis. Senator Devlin Robinson (R-37) has announced the passage of three critical bills this week, emphasizing their role in enhancing community safety.

"Pennsylvania families deserve to feel safe in their communities, and these votes send a clear message: violent offenders and drug traffickers will be held accountable," Robinson stated. "These bills provide law enforcement with the tools they need to protect the public and ensure that justice is served."

The legislation includes Senate Bill 490, sponsored by Robinson, which seeks to eliminate non-monetary bail options for those deemed the most dangerous, including individuals charged with possessing significant amounts of fentanyl, individuals with violent crime histories, or those who assault law enforcement officers. Robinson commented, "This is a significant step toward ensuring that individuals who pose a serious threat to our communities are not given the opportunity to re-offend while awaiting trial."

Another key piece of legislation, Senate Bill 92, known as Tyler's Law, targets drug dealers involved in fatal fentanyl overdoses. It stipulates a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years for those convicted in such cases. According to Robinson, the law "sends a strong message that those fueling the opioid crisis will face severe consequences."

Lastly, Senate Bill 471 mandates that prosecutors alert U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a defendant is found to be unlawfully present in the United States. It also seeks to ban sanctuary policies that hinder communication between local and federal law enforcement.

"These pieces of legislation reaffirm our commitment to law and order," Robinson added. "I am proud to stand with my colleagues in supporting these critical public safety reforms, and I look forward to working with the House to get them signed into law."

Robinson asserts that these bills highlight his dedication to addressing crime and bolstering support for law enforcement in Pennsylvania.