Senate Democratic Policy Committee

Upcoming Policy Hearings

APRIL

2

 

Death in Custody: A Public Health Crisis

Tuesday, April 2, 2024 | 10:00 am

Policy Hearing - Death in Custody: A Public Health Crisis - April 2, 2024

On April 2nd, Senator Katie Muth, Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, and Senator Cappelletti will co-host a hearing on the Commonwealth’s absence of reliable information surrounding deaths in the custody of law enforcement and correctional institutions. To address the lack of reliable data, the federal Death in Custody Reporting Act (DCRA) mandates that these agencies notify the federal government of any fatalities that occur while a person is in custody. Currently, Pennsylvania ranks among the highest in the nation for death rates of individuals in custody, with state prison deaths increasing from 171 in 2019 to 239 in 2020. Disturbingly, county jails in the state reported 56 deaths in 2020, marking the highest death rate in two decades, with less than half of these cases being reported to the federal government. Comprehensive reporting is a crucial tool for public health and accountability, aiming to enhance transparency and maintain the integrity of the criminal justice system in the Commonwealth.

This hearing will be at the North Office Building Hearing Room 1, 401 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17120

If you would like to participate virtually, register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqcO-oqT8oHtZFRJxm91uXmAAPCIZD03FX

APRIL

15

 

On April 15th, Senator Katie Muth, Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, and Senator Haywood will host a hearing to address trends in pharmacy closures across Pennsylvania, which have a disproportionate impact on underserved communities. The purpose of this hearing is to learn from stakeholders why this is a problem in Pennsylvania and how the General Assembly can act to protect those impacted by pharmacy closures. The hearing will address a number of key concerns, including those affecting rural and urban communities, as well as independent and chain pharmacies.

This hearing will be fully virtual on Zoom. 

Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMscu-tpzgrGNd0jmrpN51OM0u9Y7UKWXLQ

APRIL

17

 

Road Spreading of Brine in Pennsylvania

Wednesday, April 17, 2024 | 11:00 am

On April 17, Senators Muth and Comitta will hold a hearing on the practice of spreading brine on Pennsylvania roads. This hearing aims to thoroughly examine the environmental and public health impacts associated with the practice of spreading oil and gas drilling waste, known as brine, on Pennsylvania’s roads for dust control and ice management. Despite a moratorium implemented in 2018, reports indicate continued use of conventional drilling waste for road applications, raising significant concerns over the potential release of harmful substances such as salts, metals, and radioactive materials into the environment.

This hearing will be at the Valley Township Building (1145 W Lincoln Hwy, Coatesville, PA 19320) with a virtual option.

Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckfumqqDMiHt0sA8UTe3Drfet3Lp0Qlf-y

Committee News