The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that Pennsylvania State Senator Kim Ward has preposed a law that would make the failure to report a violent crime a criminal offense. The bill is named “Jennifer’s Law” in honor of “a Westmoreland County woman who was tortured and murdered.” For more information, go to: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10172/1067209-100.stm?cmpid=latest.xml...
In the News: ACLU opposes PA sexting law
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the ACLU and the Juvenile Law Center are opposing a Pennsylvania bill that is intended to make sexting a lesser offense for minors. The ACLU argues that by criminalizing sexting, juveniles are left with a permanent mark that would harm their ability to get a job, be admitted to certain colleges, and join the military. For more information, go to:...
In The News: UPDATE: Pa House passes bill banning handheld cell phones while driving
The Pennsylvania General Assembly House of Representatives has passed a bill prohibiting drivers from operating a handheld cell phone or wireless device while operating a motor vehicle. Before the bill becomes law, it must be passed by the Pennsylvania Senate and signed by Governor Ed Rendell. For more information go to: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10026/1031203-100.stm...
In the News: Pa Legislature works to de-felonize sexting
After several cases where district attorneys have pursued felony charges against teens accused of sending sexually explicit photos of themselves, the Pennsylvania General Assembly House of Representatives is proposing a bill that would make “sexting” by teens a second-degree misdemeanor. The statute would amend the criminal code by adding 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 6321. The new statute would prohibit any minor over the age of 13 from sending...
In the News: PA House considers bill banning handheld cellphone while driving
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Pennsylvania General Assembly House of Representatives will be taking a final vote on a bill that would ban the use of handheld cellular phones and other wireless devices while operating a motor vehicle. The bill amends a proposed statute that would prohibit drivers from sending text messages while driving. The proposed statute would add a new section to the motor vehicle code. Under the proposed...