Jun. 03, 2015
HARRISBURG – The state House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday in Harrisburg approved legislation introduced by state Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks) that would increase penalties on people convicted of trafficking infants in Pennsylvania.
“People who buy or sell a baby must know that the punishment will fit the crime,” Jozwiak said. “My bill would ensure these criminals face harsher penalties for their actions.”
Jozwiak’s
House Bill 185 would increase the penalty for buying, selling or trading an infant. The legislation defines an infant child as someone who is 1 year old or younger.
Criminals convicted of this activity currently face a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Under Jozwiak’s bill, they would face a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Jozwiak’s legislation would increase the penalty from a first-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree felony.
“Buying or selling a baby is a serious crime,” Jozwiak said. “My bill would ensure criminals who engage in this activity face more severe consequences.”
Jozwiak’s bill must be approved by the full House before it can be sent to the Senate for consideration.
Residents can learn more about Jozwiak at
RepJozwiak.com and can follow him on Facebook at
Facebook.com/RepJozwiak.
Representative Barry Jozwiak
5th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Dan Massing
717.772.9845
dmassing@pahousegop.com