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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 10, 2019 10:51 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mike Zabel |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Improving the Collection of Restitution for Victims |
| In 2011, the Office of Victim Advocate’s Restitution in Pennsylvania Task Force identified gaps in law and procedure that negatively affected crime victims’ likelihood of receiving the restitution due to them. In order to ensure that justice has been achieved for victims of crime, court ordered restitutions must be collected. Restitution helps the victim regain any financial losses they suffered due to the crime and work towards a sense of closure. My bill will work to implement some of the recommendations made by the Restitution in Pennsylvania Task Force, specifically the requirement of counties to establish a collection enforcement unit if they do not utilize a private collection agency. My legislation also establishes accountability for counties to ensure all requirements for restitution and other court costs are being met. This legislation will strengthen our judicial system and help those in our community who have suffered losses due to criminal activity. As public servants, we have a duty to ensure justice is fully achieved for anyone who is a victim of a crime. We cannot do so if there are gaps in the system and procedures. Please join me in strengthening the restitution collection system in Pennsylvania by ensuring that there are dedicated employees working to collect restitution for victims in every county. |
Memo Updated: April 10, 2019 10:52 AM