Search
Close this search box.

McGinty Endorses Fresh Start Bill for Low Level Crimes

-Katie McGinty
-Katie McGinty

Individuals convicted of low-level misdemeanors should have the option for a second chance, Katie McGinty said in a statement today.

McGinty, the former Dep’t of Environmental Protection Secretary who is running for Governor, urged the Pa. House of Representatives to pass the bill. It was originally sponsored by state Sen. Tim Solobay (D-Washington).

“We should be tough on crime. But we should be smart on crime, too,” McGinty said in the statement.  “Thousands of Pennsylvanians convicted of misdemeanors find it difficult to gain employment or housing. Because of their criminal record, they often can’t gain a fresh start in their lives and sometimes fall back into a life of crime. It’s time to give those individuals who turn around their lives and maintain a clean record a chance at a fresh start.”

“I appreciate her support,” Solobay said in an interview with PoliticsPA. “I’m sure she’s going to be a great gubernatorial candidate.”

The bill was introduced to the Senate Judiciary Committee in early February, which it cleared within a week.

SB 391 allows second and third degree misdemeanors to be expunged from an individual’s record if they were to stay out of trouble for seven or ten years, depending on the degree.

“One of the things we’re seeing is that background checks are standard for practically any job,” Solobay told PoliticsPA. “You don’t want people to lose out on an opportunity because of something stupid you did in college. So, I guess it’s also a jobs bill.”

After it went to the floor, the bill passed the state Senate unanimously, 49-0 on Oct. 16.

“This is good news for thousands of people who are trying to overcome past mistakes get their lives back on track,” Solobay said in an Oct. 16 statement. “It’s also a win for Pennsylvania taxpayers who will see reduced recidivism rates and lower prison costs.”

Now, the bill awaits a vote on the House floor.

McGinty was not the first gubernatorial candidate to come out in favor of an expungement bill.

In June, gubernatorial candidates John Hanger and Max Myers voiced support for House Bill 908, the House version of the bill sponsored by State Rep. Jordan Harris.

The House bill is currently in the Judiciary committee.

Solobay said that more support from other legislators or candidates is more than welcome.

“Any other support I can get, we’re always open,” Solobay said.

 

Email:
  • Do you agree that ByteDance should be forced to divest TikTok?


    • Yes. It's a national security risk. (60%)
    • No. It's an app used by millions and poses no threat. (40%)
    • What's ByteDance? (0%)

    Total Voters: 30

    Loading ... Loading ...
Continue to Browser

PoliticsPA

To install tap and choose
Add to Home Screen