November 2 , 2007
SENATE BILL PROHIBITS EXECUTION OF PERSONS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Arc of Philadelphia Continues Legislative Action to Protect People with Developmental Disabilities from Execution
By an overwhelming margin of 45 to 3, the Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation that would prohibit the execution of people with developmental disabilities— establishing a pretrial procedure to determine if a defendant is a person with developmental disabilities in capital cases. This legislation, Senate Bill 751, was sponsored by Senator Mary Jo White (R) and now moves to the House of Representatives.
The Arc of Philadelphia, in collaboration with The Arc of Pennsylvania and other disability-rights groups, continues to fight for the passage of this critical legislation. “We thank the many Senators who voted for this thoughtful and important legislation,” said Ken Oakes, Vice President of the Arc of Philadelphia Board of Directors. “At the same time, we must recognize that the fight is not over until this bill has been signed into law by the Governor. Now the battle moves on to the House!”
In 2002, a United States Supreme Court ruling left it up to the states to decide how people with developmental disabilities should be treated in capital cases, forcing the Pennsylvania Legislature to grapple with the issue. Advocates of Senate Bill 751 believe this legislation is not only the most humane approach—but also represents the most efficient use of judicial resources. By establishing a pretrial determination of developmental disability, this legislation would save the courts from conducting an unnecessary and expensive capital trial. The bill would define “a person with mental retardation” based on guidelines published by the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
The Arc of Philadelphia urges individuals with disabilities, families, and members of the community to talk to their state Representatives about this important legislation.
Contact Information
Donna Szamotowicz Bouclier
Director of The Arc of Philadelphia
Advocacy@arcpddc.org
(215) 229-4550, ext. 112
About The Arc of Philadelphia
The Arc of Philadelphia has worked on behalf of individuals with intellectual disabilities since 1948. Founded as a parent-driven grassroots advocacy organization, The Arc of Philadelphia continues support people with developmental disabilities through legislative action, training, and family support and networking.
The Arc of Philadelphia/PDDC • 2350 W Westmoreland St • Philadelphia, PA 19140 • 215-229-4550