News Release
For Immediate Release
February 14, 2001
 

Greenleaf Bills Approved

HARRISBURG – Senate Bill 138, a measure sponsored by Sen. Stewart J. Greenleaf to increase compensation for jurors serving on multi-county investigating grand juries, was approved by the Senate.

Among other Greenleaf bills receiving consideration in the Senate recently is Senate Bill 280, a proposal to establish a criminal penalty for the sale of dog and cat fur products. This measure, which is supported by a number animal welfare groups, was approved by the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee and moved to the floor of the Senate for a vote. Also set for a floor vote is Senate Bill 215, legislation to update Pennsylvania’s statutory business law. It was approved this week by the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Another Greenleaf proposal, Senate Bill 223, was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. This measure would add murder for insurance proceeds to the list of aggravating circumstances considered for the death penalty. "If ever a crime demonstrated cold-blooded calculation, it is this one. Taking out a life insurance policy on a spouse or child with the intention of killing the person to collect the benefits is a grave offense and should be recognized as such in the law," Greenleaf said.

Under Senate Bill 138, which was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration, those serving on multi-county investigating grand juries would receive $40 per day in compensation. Currently, those who serve receive $9 for the first three days, and $25 for subsequent days. The state, not the counties, covers the costs of multi-county investigating grand juries. Greenleaf said that the measure, which is supported by the State Attorney General, represents an effort to address the hardship involved in being away from home for the duration of grand jury investigations.