In general provisions relating to criminal proceedings, establishing the Adjunct Prosecutor Division within the Office of Attorney General; providing for its powers and duties; and establishing the Adjunct Prosecutor Division Restricted Account.
Impact
The introduction of the Adjunct Prosecutor Division is expected to have significant implications for state laws regarding criminal prosecutions. By allowing the Attorney General's office to step in and provide additional resources for district attorneys, the bill seeks to help ensure that criminal cases are handled more effectively, especially in jurisdictions that may be short-staffed. This could lead to quicker case resolutions and potentially higher conviction rates, addressing some current inefficiencies in the judicial process.
Summary
House Bill 1186 aims to enhance the ability of the Office of the Attorney General in Pennsylvania by establishing an Adjunct Prosecutor Division. This division will serve to support district attorneys in investigating and prosecuting criminal matters, thus potentially improving efficiency and outcomes in the state's criminal justice system. The legislation outlines the responsibilities and powers of adjunct prosecutors, providing a structure to facilitate legal proceedings by empowering them to engage in various prosecutorial activities under the supervision of district attorneys.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 1186 is generally supportive, primarily from law enforcement and legal professionals who view it as a necessary step towards improving the state's handling of criminal cases. Advocates argue that the bill addresses critical gaps in support for district attorneys and enhances collaborative efforts in prosecuting crime. However, there may be concerns regarding the balance of power between state and local prosecutorial authorities, as well as questions about the resource implications for the Attorney General's office.
Contention
One notable point of contention regarding HB 1186 could arise from concerns about the autonomy of district attorneys. By allowing adjunct prosecutors to assist or take over cases, there may be apprehensions about undermining the established roles and functions of local prosecutorial offices. Furthermore, the restricted account established by the bill raises questions about funding sources and long-term financial commitments from the state, which may need to be addressed to ensure the sustainability of the new division.
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.
In judicial administration, further providing for surcharge and fee and providing for investigation and prosecution of Internet crimes against children; and establishing the Internet Crimes Against Children Restricted Account.
In judicial administration, further providing for surcharge and fee and providing for investigation and prosecution of Internet crimes against children; and establishing the Internet Crimes Against Children Restricted Account.
Providing for transparency and disclosure of information collected by smart technology devices; establishing the Smart Technology Disclosure Fund; and providing for powers and duties of the Office of Attorney General.
In theft and related offenses, further providing for the offense of organized retail theft; and establishing the Office of Deputy Attorney General for Organized Retail Crime Theft.
Establishing the Landslide Insurance Program; establishing and providing for the powers and duties of the Landslide Insurance Board; providing for duties of the Auditor General; imposing a penalty; and making appropriations and transfers.
Relating to the state's continuing duty to disclose exculpatory, impeachment, or mitigating evidence in a criminal case and prohibited retaliation against local assistant prosecutors for discharging that duty.
Relating to the state's continuing duty to disclose exculpatory, impeachment, or mitigating evidence in a criminal case and prohibited retaliation against local assistant prosecutors for discharging that duty.
Relating to the establishment of the Public Integrity Prosecutions Committee and the Office of Public Integrity Prosecutions for the prosecution of offenses against public administration, including ethics offenses, offenses involving insurance fraud, and offenses involving motor fuels tax and to the appointment of committee members and the appointment and compensation of the prosecutor.
Relating to the state's continuing duty to disclose exculpatory, impeachment, or mitigating evidence in a criminal case and prohibited retaliation against local assistant prosecutors for discharging that duty.
Relating to the creation of a public integrity unit to prosecute offenses against public administration, including ethics offenses, offenses involving insurance fraud, and offenses involving motor fuels tax.