Recently House Bill 36 was received by the Senate and referred to the State Government Committee after going through the House Judiciary and Appropriations Committees.
The bill seeks to provide state investigators working for the Office of the State Inspector General the ability to carry weapons to ensure their safety.
Over 120 law enforcement officers are employed by the office. They work closely with law enforcement agencies. The organization combats fraud, waste, misconduct, and abuse in government programs. Their jobs often place them in dangerous situations. However, unlike other law enforcement officers in the state, they are not permitted to carry weapons to ensure their safety, notes HB 36’s primary sponsor, Rep. Scott Conklin (D-Centre County).
Law enforcement officers working under the State Inspector General should be equipped with the latest technology to perform their duties safely, according to Conklin. In order to protect the state, he wants to ensure these officers are equipped with protection from harm.
The bill was introduced in early January of 2025 and weaved its way through the House committees as “An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, in Office of State Inspector General, further providing for definitions and for powers, purpose and duties.” It was passed by the Appropriations Committee and sent to the Senate.
On March 19, 2025, the State Government Committee in the Senate received the Bill.
The Judiciary Committee voted 25-1 in favor to commit the bill to the Appropriations Committee. The Appropriations Committee unanimously passed the motion to “Re-report Bill As Committed.
HB36 was co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Pielli (D-Chester), Rep. Carol Hill-Evans (D-York), Rep. Tim Brennan (D-Bucks), Rep. Patrick Harkins (D-Erie), Rep. Andrew Kuzma (R-Allegheny & Washington), Rep. David Delloso (D-Delaware), Rep. Keith Harris (D-Philadelphia) and Rep. Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia).
Recent Comments