Conklin renews call to pass arson registry bill

HARRISBURG, Feb. 22 – Centre County state Rep. Scott Conklin said today that he is urging the passage of his bill aimed at preventing and curbing arson crimes in Pennsylvania.

Conklin said his legislation (H.B. 766) would create a statewide registry of convicted arsonists. Within 14 days of release from a correctional facility, convicted arsonists would be required to register their name, Social Security number and contact information with the Pennsylvania State Police.

"Arson is a crime of habit," Conklin said. "We have got to get a handle on this growing problem and creating this deterrent is one to tackle this crime."

Conklin has introduced similar legislation since 2008 and is renewing his call for its passage in response to the recent outbreak of arsons in Curwensville.

"Four arsons have been reported since the first of the year, and it's still February," said Conklin. "An unoccupied home and the Curwensville Feed store were targets in the recent rash of arsons. These are homes, these are businesses, these are lives being put in harm's way for absolutely no reason."

From 2001-07, there have been more than 20,000 reported arsons in Pennsylvania.

"This a crime with devastating effects," Conklin said. "Arson also puts an undue burden on local firefighters and police forces. And if a life is lost, that takes this crime to an entirely different level."

The legislation is currently under review by the House Judiciary Committee.