PACB Letter to Chairman Dennis O'Brien

June 13, 2006

The Honorable Dennis M. O'Brien
Chairman, House Judiciary Committee
Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

RE: Senate Bill 957 (Bank Robbery Legislation)

Dear Denny:

I am writing in follow up to a letter you received from Senator Mike Waugh, prime sponsor of Senate Bill 957 and an earlier conversation you had with Rick Cessar.

The Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Bankers Association, developed this legislation with Senator Waugh, to combat the growing trend of bank robberies occurring in this state. In the post 9/11 world we live in, the FBI which was once took the primary role in bank robbery investigations and prosecutions, has delegated this role to the states. As a result, we believe Pennsylvania must update and strengthen our laws to meet this new responsibility.

Senate Bill 957 will give our law enforcement authorities additional tools to combat this growing trend by making the robbery of a financial institution with a demand that does not contain a direct threat a felony of the second degree. This demand by the perpetrator can be in the form of either a spoken request or written note. It’s important to note that in 2004, 70% of bank robberies were committed with a note.

As indicated, Senate Bill 957 was developed in conjunction with the banking industry with heavy input and shaping by law enforcement officials. We would deeply appreciate your scheduling of Senate Bill 957 for action by the House Judiciary Committee prior to the summer recess. Please feel free to contact PACB if we can be of any assistance to you on this issue or any other matter related to community banks.

Sincerely,

Frank A. Pinto
President/CEO

Cc: Senator Mike Waugh
      Rick Cessar
      Larry Miller
      PACB Executive Committee
      PACB Legislative Committee