HARRISBURG, FEB. 11, 2008: State Sen. Mike Stack today introduced three bills that would protect law enforcement officers and their loved ones across Pennsylvania.

“The surge in violent crime in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania over the past few years is cause for major concern. Now, in a disturbing trend, criminals are targeting our police officers,” Stack said. “I am introducing tough legislation that punishes these offenders, while providing protection to our cops and their families.”

Senate Bill 1237 would make it a crime to fire a gun at a police officer. The offense would be punishable by a 20-year minimum prison sentence.

“This bill sends the clear message to criminals that we will not tolerate violence against our officers,” Stack said. “If you aim your gun at a cop, you’re going away for a long time.”

Senate Bill 1238 would enhance the death benefit for all law enforcement officers. Specifically, it would provide a $250,000 death benefit to the family of a law enforcement officer who is killed in the line of duty. The death benefit would be adjusted annually for inflation. 

Senate Bill 1239 would create a $400,000 life insurance program for all law enforcement personnel. Pennsylvania would pay the life insurance policy premiums for all full-time law enforcement personnel in Pennsylvania. The life insurance would be payable to a law enforcement officer’s beneficiary if the officer dies in the line of duty.

“This program would be similar to the Service Members Group Life Insurance program that was created for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard,” Stack said. 

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