The State Senate recently passed and sent to the House a bill limiting bail options for defendants with a violent crime history.
Senate Bill 490 also sets limitations for those who have injured or fled from authorities, or who possessed at least 10 grams of fentanyl.
This bill was proposed in response to the controversial release of three defendants charged with drug offenses or assault who went on to commit other offenses.
We agree with Senator Devlin Robinson, who sponsored the measure, that it is simply unacceptable that these dangerous criminals were released on a non-monetary condition despite their violent history of crime.
Activist judges, such as Allegheny County Magisterial District Judge Xander Orenstein, defy common sense and endanger public safety when they release such dangerous felons from prison. What message does this send to our young people when our most violent offenders are given a free pass?
This bill, which has bi-partisan support, would prevent these judges from releasing people who are clearly a danger to society.
We urge the State House to pass Senate Bill 490, which is simply a safeguard to keep our residents safe by ensuring that the most dangerous individuals in our society aren’t released without bail.
To not do so would reward those who refuse to abide by the law while endangering the lives of those who do.