Central Bucks Today

State Representatives Lindsay Powell and Shelby Labs have successfully advanced a bill through the Pennsylvania House that aims to enhance support for victims of violent crimes. The proposed legislation, known as the Victims of Violence Relocation Act, seeks to provide relocation assistance to eligible survivors and extends the period for requesting such aid from 90 days to 180 days following an incident.

Representative Powell expressed her gratitude towards her colleagues for their support, stating, "Partnering with Representative Labs on this bill exemplifies that the PA House stands united with survivors of violent crime by expanding housing assistance to them in their time of need." She emphasized the importance of giving survivors more time to access necessary resources and utilize federal documentation to substantiate their relocation needs.

Representative Labs echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Powell's collaboration: "I want to thank Representative Powell for her collaboration on this important piece of legislation that protects victims and empowers survivors." She highlighted the significance of House Bill 2162 as a step towards making Pennsylvania safer for victims and providing essential support during recovery.

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports alarming statistics indicating that one in three women, one in four men, and nearly half of LGBTQ+ individuals will face domestic violence at some point in their lives.

With its passage in the House, the bill now awaits consideration by the state Senate.

For further information or inquiries, Joseph Szymanski can be contacted at Jszymanski@pahousegop.com or 215-489-2126 regarding Representative Labs' involvement.