|
For Immediate Release
September 2, 2010
Back
Legislation Introduced to Crack Down on Adults Who Leave
Children Unattended While Gambling
Legislation that would provide stronger penalties for people who leave
children alone in vehicles has been introduced by Senator Tommy Tomlinson and
Representative Gene DiGirolamo.
At a news conference today in Bensalem, the lawmakers said they will
introduce bills in the Senate and House to make it a third-degree felony to
leave a child under age 13 in a motor vehicle without adult supervision. A
third degree felony can result in a prison term of 3 ½ to 7 years and a fine of
up to $15,000. Under current law, leaving a child unattended is a misdemeanor
of the first degree.
They said the measure is needed to serve as a strong deterrent for gamblers
who visit casinos and leave children behind in the parking lot. During the past
summer, there have been several incidents when adults left children unattended
in the parking lot at Parx Casino.
"The public needs to understand that there are serious safety risks to
children who are left in unattended vehicles," Tomlinson said. "This bill will
send a message that irresponsible behavior will not be tolerated and that
offenders will face strong penalties."
Tomlinson and DiGirolamo noted that Parx Casino has been cooperative and
aggressive in combating these incidents. The casino has increased patrols,
worked with Bensalem police to step up police presence, and established
sanctions against offending customers.
The legislators said their legislation would provide casinos and law
enforcement officials with even more effective enforcement tools. They said
that apart from the role of law enforcement, monies are available for social
services, including issues related to gambling. Additional money was provided
in the latest legislation for drug, alcohol and gambling addiction treatment.
"It is unconscionable to me that parents will intentionally leave their
children alone in their cars in parking lots at a local casino," DiGirolamo
said. "While we cannot legislate proper parenting, we can put tough laws on the
books to provide serious punishments for those who are willing to put their
children in harm's way."
Contact:
Fran Cleaver
(717) 787-5072 |
