The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee has taken a step forward in addressing the issue of domestic abuse by advancing a bill that may mandate court-ordered ankle monitors for alleged abusers who are considered a danger to the public. This proposed measure aims to enhance public safety and provide additional safeguards for potential victims of domestic violence.
State representatives Anita Astorino Kulik and Natalie Mihalek, both from Allegheny County, have introduced House Bill 1150. This bill aims to enhance the safety of victims of abuse by mandating the use of electronic monitoring devices for defendants who pose a significant risk of violating a final protection from abuse order or committing a crime that could result in imprisonment against the victim.
The bill specifies that the court would be responsible for determining the distance that a defendant must maintain between themselves and the victims who are seeking protection from abuse, as well as the specific locations from which the defendant must stay away.
“Alina’s tragic death does not need to be repeated – survivors of abuse should not have to live in fear as they wait for a court date,” said the lawmakers last year. “Without this commonsense legislation, some survivors may never see their day in court.”
The bill was passed by the committee with a vote of 14-11, with all Democrats in favor and Republicans opposing the measure.
The bill still needs more votes in the House and Senate.
