This house bill in Pennsylvania was inspired by Rachel Hoffman’s murder while serving as a confidential informant. Her name is specifically mentioned in the memo recruiting bill co-sponsors by Representative Mark Rozzi.
Memo dated February 13, 2015 from Representative Mark Rozzi to encourage co-sponsors for the HB 793:
My measure will enhance, clarify and strengthen protection for confidential informants. The genesis of the bill was the tragic murder of Rachel Hoffman, an 18-year-old student in Florida who, after her arrest on minor charges agreed, under police pressure, to become a confidential informant targeting illegal gun-running. Upon discovery of her status by the criminals, she was murdered.
While many law enforcement agencies have guidelines in place concerning such persons, the specific and express protection of confidential informants is not clear and in fact, the term is not defined in Pennsylvania statute.
My bill would create the definition of a “Confidential Informant” and would add it to Title 18, Sections 4952 and 4953, dealing with the Intimidation of Witnesses and Retaliation against Witnesses.
The bill would put in place disclosures and protections for the safety and well-being of a person who agrees to become a confidential informant. Additionally, it specifies that a proposed confidential informant under the age of 18 would be required to have parental/guardian consent so that a minor may not unwittingly be coerced into potentially dangerous situations.
BILL SPONSORS/CO-SPONSORS
INTRODUCED BY ROZZI, MURT, MILLARD, THOMAS, KINSEY, BISHOP, COHEN, YOUNGBLOOD, SABATINA, McNEILL AND TOOHIL
HB 793 REFERRED TO PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY on MARCH 13, 2015
SUMMARY
An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 44 (Law and Justice) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in falsification and intimidation, further providing for definitions and for intimidation of witnesses or victims and for retaliation against witness, victim or party; and providing for confidential informants.
