Requiring persons convicted of arson and related offenses to register with local authorities; providing for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Parole Board; and imposing a penalty.
Impact
The bill would have a substantial impact on state laws regarding criminal registration and the monitoring of offenders. Under this legislation, convicted arsonists would be required to provide personal information, such as residence and enrollment in educational institutions, within a strict timeline after release from incarceration. This registry would then be accessible to local authorities, contributing to more effective community safety monitoring and crime prevention efforts.
Summary
House Bill 1591, known as the Convicted Arsonist Registry Act, mandates individuals convicted of arson and related offenses to register with local authorities. This initiative arises from the recognition that individuals often re-offend after their first conviction for arson, with significant reported incidents in Pennsylvania. The proposed measure aims to maintain a database of convicted arsonists that would assist law enforcement with criminal investigations and potentially mitigate future arson crimes.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 1591 appears to align with a proactive approach to public safety. Supporters likely view the establishment of a registry as a necessary tool to protect communities from repeat offenders, while raising awareness of the risks associated with arson crimes. However, potential concerns may arise surrounding the implications of stigmatizing individuals and the effectiveness of such registries in actually deterring crime.
Contention
Notable points of contention could emerge regarding the fairness and implications of lifelong registration for arsonists, especially those convicted of lesser offenses or those who may have committed non-violent offenses. The challenges of balancing public safety with the rehabilitation of offenders may lead to debates on the efficacy and ethics of maintaining such registries, akin to those seen in discussions around sex offender registries.
Requiring persons convicted of arson and related offenses to register with local authorities; providing for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Parole Board; and imposing a penalty.
In falsification and intimidation, providing for the offense of failure to comply with child abuse offender registration requirements; in sentencing, providing for registration of child abuse offenders; and imposing penalties.
In firearms and other dangerous articles, providing for assault weapons and large capacity magazines and establishing the Firearms and Ammunition Buyback Program and the Pennsylvania State Police Buyback Fund; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania State Police; and imposing penalties.
Establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.
Establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.
Providing for individuals to voluntarily register for the Pennsylvania Do-Not-Sell List maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police, for firearms not to be in the possession of a registrant and for advertising by the Department of Health; and imposing penalties.
Providing for individuals to voluntarily register for the Pennsylvania Do-Not-Sell List maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police, for firearms not to be in the possession of a registrant and for advertising by the Department of Health; and imposing penalties.
Requiring persons convicted of arson and related offenses to register with local authorities; providing for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Parole Board; and imposing a penalty.
Adds failure to register as a convicted arsonist and violations of a fire marshal's orders to the list of offenses for which a fire marshal may conduct investigations and make arrests