The Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation on May 4 to increase penalties for individuals who attempt to murder a law enforcement officer and cause serious bodily injury, according to Sen. Devlin Robinson, who supported the measure.
The bill, known as Senate Bill 1284, sets a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and allows for a maximum penalty of life in prison for those convicted of attempting, conspiring, or soliciting the murder of a law enforcement officer when serious bodily injury results. The current statute already mandates a 20-year minimum sentence for assaulting an officer; this new bill aligns the penalty for attempted murder with that standard if serious injury occurs.
“Too often, we are reminded of the dangers law enforcement officers face every time they put on the uniform,” Robinson said. “For me, this issue is deeply personal. My own brother, a Pittsburgh police officer, was injured in the line of duty. Our families live with the reality that these risks are not hypothetical. This legislation helps ensure that those who attempt to take an officer’s life and cause serious harm are held fully accountable.” The recent shooting of Scranton Police Detective Kyle Gilmartin highlighted gaps in state sentencing laws; although his attackers received lengthy sentences after he survived being shot in the head in 2024, under current law attempted murder could result in as little as seven years’ imprisonment.
Robinson has supported initiatives benefiting veterans, first responders, law enforcement personnel, small businesses and healthcare access according to his official website. He maintains district offices in Pittsburgh and Wexford along with an office at the capitol in Harrisburg according to his official website. Robinson’s priorities include lowering taxes; supporting veterans and first responders; aiding small businesses; expanding manufacturing opportunities; and improving healthcare access according to his official website.
He currently chairs the Senate Labor and Industry Committee and serves as vice chair of the Transportation Committee according to his official website. Continuing a four-generation family tradition of military service according to his official website, Robinson represents parts of Allegheny County according to his official website.
The Senate also approved a resolution recognizing May 4 as Police Officers’ Memorial Day across Pennsylvania. “As we also recognize Police Officers’ Memorial Day, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities and reaffirm our responsibility to stand behind the families they left behind,” Robinson said.
Senate Bill 1284 now moves forward for consideration by the House of Representatives.
