Legislation put forward by a local lawmaker that would change the parole process for violent offenders in Pennsylvania has moved out of committee.
State Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-10th) was joined by the family of Mark Edward Mason in Harrisburg on Tuesday for a meeting with Governor Wolf and legislative leaders. 8-year-old Mason was allegedly stabbed and killed by Keith Burley in Lawrence County during a domestic dispute shortly after Burley had been released from prison.
Bernstine’s proposal would postpone consideration of a violent inmate’s parole an additional 24 months following the inmate’s minimum release date for each conviction for a violent offense while incarcerated. The legislation would also postpone consideration for parole an additional 12 months for an attempted escape, smuggling of contraband, or retaliation against a witness while incarcerated.
Bill 1855 also known as Markie’s Law has passed through the House Judiciary Committee.
