Robbins: Senate Acts to Protect Rights of Grieving Military Families

Bills targeting bank robbers, boosting safety of emergency responders also approved.

Harrisburg – Responding to protests at military funerals, the Senate approved legislation this week to limit the scope of such activity and protect the rights of grieving military families, according to Senator Bob Robbins (R-50), a co-sponsor of the measure. The Senate also approved measures to strengthen the state law covering bank robberies and improve roadside safety for emergency responders.

A Kansas-based group is organizing protests at funerals of deceased soldiers. The pickets, which have turned up across Pennsylvania and the nation, target grieving family members with vulgar language and other harassment to protest social and political issues. Senate Bill 1150 would require protesters to remain 500 feet from any funeral, memorial service or memorial procession one hour before and one hour after the event. Violators would be charged with a third-degree misdemeanor.

"As a Vietnam veteran, this issue brings back painful memories," said Robbins. "These brave men and women -- and their families -- deserve nothing less than our full respect. Hopefully this measure will have an effect. If not, I will be back looking for tougher penalties that will put an end to this despicable behavior."

Senate Bill 1150 was sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Robbins said the Senate also approved legislation to update and strengthen the state law covering bank robberies. Since 2001, Pennsylvania has experienced a steady annual increase in the number of bank robberies. At the same time, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has delegated the primary investigatory and prosecutorial responsibilities of such crimes to states.

Senate Bill 957, cosponsored by Robbins, clarifies that a defendant who does not use a weapon during a bank robbery commits a serious crime -- a second-degree felony -- if it is done by making a demand orally or in writing. This is important, as nearly 70 percent of bank robberies in 2004 were committed by using a note. The bill was also sent to the House of Representatives.

"Bank robberies do not usually occur like the movies, with guns waving and demands shouted," said Robbins. "It's usually pretty quiet, with a note. As such, we need to update our law to reflect that, so serious punishment can be applied."

Robbins said the Senate also approved legislation this week aimed at improving police officer safety on vehicle stops and at other times when officers perform official duties along highways.

Senate Bill 703 would require motorists to slow down and, when possible, move to another lane when approaching police and other emergency vehicles stopped along roadways. The measure includes a provision directing the state Department of Transportation to provide educational awareness to the public and to post signs along highways informing motorists of the new law.

"Police and other responders have a tough enough job without facing the threat of a roadside accident. As motorists, we should give them room to do their job as safely as possible," said Robbins.

Senate Bill 703 was sent to the House of Representatives for its consideration.

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Nate Silcox
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