Waugh's Bank Robbery Legislation Achieves Final Senate Passage

HARRISBURG – Sen. Mike Waugh's (R-York) Senate Bill 605, establishing robbery of a financial institution as a second degree felony, regardless of the method used to commit the robbery, garnered support of the Senate today with a vote of 49-1.

"There is great concern with the lack of uniformity of sentences for robbery of a financial institution," said Waugh.  "Considering our current law does not specifically define and classify such robberies, it has been left to the courts to make the determination on a case-by-case basis."

SB 605 amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, which only contains sections pertaining to "robbery" and "robbery of a motor vehicle."  Therefore, bank robberies have simply been grouped with other "robberies," and if no bodily harm was done but property was taken they have been classified as third degree felonies.

Waugh's legislation, however, addresses the specific action of taking or removing money of a financial institution, and now classifies such a robbery as a felony of the second degree.  Language is also included in SB 605 to ensure equal classification of all bank robberies, regardless of how the demand for money is made, whether it is done orally or in writing.

"Often individuals use notes and verbal threats to carry out bank robberies thinking their crime will be considered less severe without a weapon," said Waugh.  "But it is my hope these changes would serve as a deterrent for bank robberies in general, seeing as all such acts would be considered second degree felonies."

This is the third straight legislative session Waugh has introduced and achieved Senate passage for his bank robbery bill, but he is hopeful this will be the year it reaches the Governor's desk to be signed into law.  SB 605 now goes to the House for consideration.