HARRISBURG – Tierne’s Law, legislation introduced by Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46) to help protect victims of domestic violence, was highlighted during a news conference at the Capitol Building in Harrisburg today.
Tierne’s Law, which has been introduced as Senate Bill 449, would clarify that Magisterial District Judges may use a risk assessment tool to determine whether a defendant poses a danger to a victim when setting bail in domestic violence cases. The bill was one of four measures that were discussed during the news conference.
“My bill is based on one simple premise – the more information we make available to judges, the better the chances they can protect victims who are still in danger,” Bartolotta said. “That adds up to more assaults prevented, and more lives saved.”
Bartolotta’s bill is named in honor of Tierne Ewing, a Washington County resident who was kidnapped and murdered by her estranged husband in August 2016.
“Tierne’s case was a senseless crime that left a trail of devastated family and friends in its wake,” Bartolotta said. “We must make it our mission to close loopholes in state laws that create an unnecessary danger to domestic violence victims so no family has to endure the same kind of pain and heartache as Tierne’s family.”
The news conference also included discussion of bills introduced by Senators Tom Killion (R-9), Randy Vulakovich (R-38) and Tom McGarrigle (R-26), as well as remarks from representatives of law enforcement and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Video of Bartolotta’s remarks during the press conference is available here.
Audio of Bartolotta’s remarks is available here.
CONTACT: Colleen Greer (717) 787-1463