Action Needed on House Bill 221!

Training on disabilities is important. House Bill 221 would require judiciary and police training on identifying and interacting with people with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and autism. This training is important so that there is an understanding of disabilities and so that appropriate accommodations are made. Training leads to better interaction with the criminal justice system and better outcomes through diversion. Training for police officers is an effective diversion practice that also improves safety for citizens and officers and prevents tragedies.

The Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania supports House Bill 221. Help us get the bill passed!

House Bill 221 was introduced by Representative Thomas Caltagirone. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives in February. The bill was voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee in March, and the bill was recently voted out of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Click here to read the bill. Click here to read the co-sponsorship memo.

Contact your Senator today and ask him or her to support House Bill 221:

• Explain why House Bill 221 is important for people with disabilities. Include a personal story on how the training would be important to you.
• Ask your Senator to contact the Senate leadership and request that House Bill 221 be listed for a vote by the Senate as soon as possible.
• Ask your Senator to vote YES on House Bill 221 when it is voted on by the Senate.

You can find your Senator and his or her contact information here: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/.

If you have questions, please contact:

Chava Kintisch, Esquire
Director of Civic and Government Affairs
(215) 238-8070, extension 210 (voice)
(877) 375-7139 (TDD)
ckintisch@drnpa.org

Thank you,
Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania
Offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh
1-800-692-7443
www.drnpa.org