Panel advances pepper spray bill for corrections officers
The House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday unanimously approved legislation sponsored by state Reps. Pam Snyder and Timothy S. Mahoney said that would ensure all state corrections officers are equipped with oleoresin capsicum, better known as pepper spray, to deter prison assaults.
“Next up for House Bill 2084 is consideration by the full House of Representatives,” said Snyder, D-Jefferson.
During a May 6 tour of the 2,000-inmate state prison in Luzerne Township, the lawmakers were apprised of multiple assaults and a spate of drug busts and weapon seizures at the facility this year.
“The pepper spray can incapacitate an assailant within 20 seconds and needs to be an integral part of a safe and effective detention system in the state,” Snyder said.