4/30/01

Bard ’ s Bill Toughening Sentences for Drug Dealer Gun Use Passes House

 

HARRISBURG — Montgomery County lawmaker Rep. Ellen M. Bard’s (R-153) legislation cracking down on illegal gun use today passed the House overwhelmingly.

Under Bard’s House Bill 417, a person who is convicted of drug trafficking while in possession of a firearm, as well as an accomplice of such a person, would be sentenced to a mandatory minimum prison term of five years.

" My bill deters drug traffickers from carrying weapons and therefore would reduce the violence associated with illegal drug activity, " Bard said. " Too often, we read of children and innocent people who are gunned down in the cross-fire of drug transactions.

" This legislation will put those who deal drugs on notice: if drug offenders carry a weapon while conducting criminal activities, they will face substantial jail time - no exceptions. "

The Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Association supports the legislation, as does Attorney General Mike Fisher, who has made a priority of getting guns out of the hands of criminals.

Bard’s bill now awaits a Senate vote.