Kaufer's crime victims access legislation signed into law

Nov. 7—WILKES-BARRE — Rep. Aaron Kaufer this week announced that his legislation, which focuses on the rights of crime victims and the blatant inequities between offenders and their victims, has been signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf.

"While offenders have access to relevant criminal history investigative information due to their status in the criminal case, the crime victim had no legal right to access that very same information about the crime," said Kaufer, R-Kingston. "At a time in our nation and state history where crime is up, it's high time that the scales of justice balance to the rights of crime victims."

The new law, Act 134 of 2022, makes it easier for crime victims to obtain relevant information learned by law enforcement during the investigation of a crime to possibly use that information in subsequent civil legal actions to recover damages for their injuries.

It creates a simple process by which crime victims can request dissemination of criminal history investigative information which is relevant to a civil action arising out of the crime, provided the victim swears under penalty of law that the information is material and necessary to the civil action.

The information can then only be used for the civil lawsuit — any harassing, intimidating or threatening use of the information would be punishable as a crime.

The law takes effect in 180 days.

Sen. Baker: New law supports

Pennsylvania's military families

Deployments present military families with a number of challenges, however a loophole preventing spouses from collecting unemployment is no longer one of them, as a result of a new law advanced by Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township.

Baker said Act 156 of 2022 clarifies that a spouse's move to follow their active duty husband or wife will not be considered voluntary if it is determined that continued employment would be impractical or unreasonably difficult.

Previously, the resignation could have been considered voluntary, and they may not have qualified for benefits.

"Supporting the brave men and women in uniform who serve our country must also include addressing the issues that arise for their families," Baker said. "While the cost is not high, this meaningful change is an important way in which we acknowledge the sacrifices of those who defend our freedom."

Pennsylvania was one of only four states without a specific military spouse clause. According to data from the Defense Manpower Data Center, there are nearly 2,000 military spouses in Pennsylvania.

"This needed change will help to ensure that Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation law is fair to military spouses, who must relinquish their job to follow their spouse to a new duty station," Senator Lisa Baker said. "I'm pleased that Pennsylvania now joins the vast majority of other states by enacting this sensible protection."

Signed earlier this week by Gov. Tom Wolf, Act 156 takes effect immediately.

Rep. Schnee: Over $1M on way to

116th District to support communities

Rep. Robert Schnee, R-Drums, this week announced more than $1 million in Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) funding for the 116th Legislative District.

"This grant program allows necessary projects to be completed within our most vulnerable communities," Schnee said. "These funds may go to local community centers, revitalization projects of vacant buildings, affordable housing, support of food banks, cleanup projects and much more."

The following funds have been awarded:

—The Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA received over $800,000 for improvements to the YMCA. Funds will be used for renovating a vacant, blighted building and construction- related activities to produce approximately 15 classrooms, as well as the commercial kitchen.

—The Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress received $80,000 for several projects to support the ongoing revitalization of downtown Hazleton. Funds will be used for education and entrepreneurship assistance, expanded arts and cultural programming, Hispanic business integration, community leadership development, and marketing and business recruitment.

—The Commission on Economic Opportunity Weinberg Regional Food Bank received over $141,000. The funds granted will be used to assist the organization to recruit new partners, increase the number of food distributions by partners, provide increased training to partners, and develop new ways to ensure food is reaching those in need in the community.

Funds will also be used to leverage additional resources from new and existing donors.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.