Senate of Pennsylvania
|
SENATE DEMOCRATIC WRAP-UP FOR THE WEEK |
|
HARRISBURG--A
controversial measure that would expand the list of aggravating
circumstances under which a prosecutor may seek the death penalty passed
the Senate this week by a vote of 39-8. Senate Bill 223 would allow a
prosecutor to seek the death penalty in case where the defendant
committed first-degree murder in order to collect life insurance
proceeds.
Currently, the maximum penalty for such a murder is life imprisonment. Under state law, in order to impose the death penalty, a jury unanimously must find at least one aggravating circumstance and no mitigating circumstances, or that the aggravating circumstances outweigh the mitigating circumstances. Contract killing, already one of 18 aggravating circumstances under which a person could receive the death penalty, is similar in nature to murder for life insurance proceeds. Different forms of the legislation passed the Senate and House respectively last session, but neither was approved by both chambers. Proponents of the bill cite two recent cases in the Philadelphia area in which murder was committed so that the perpetrators could collect life insurance proceeds and pay debts. The district attorney was unable to seek the death penalty under current law. The bill now goes to the House for consideration. **** The Senate this week unanimously approved legislation which provides certain rights to the manufacturer of molds, dies and forms. Senate Bill 419 would give a molder all rights and title to his product if it is not claimed by the purchaser within three years of its last use. The molder would be required to destroy the mold, form or die. Also, the proposal allows molders to place a lien on all dies, molds or forms in their possession and to retain the product until payment in full has been made. The bill has been sent to the House for consideration. **** The Senate passed, 47-0, Senate Bill 363, which adds goats to a law which imposes fines and penalties on the owners of animals that trespass on improved land. The bill now goes to the House for consideration. |