After passing through a state Senate vote by a comfortable margin, a bill that would create an offense for fleeing arrest on foot is set to go before the House. But despite the bill’s bipartisan support in the legislature, many criminal defense attorneys see the proposed amendment as a redundant addition that will only serve to keep people in jail longer.

Senate Bill 814, sponsored by Sen. John T. Yudichak, I-Luzerne, passed 36-14. All 14 nays came from Democratic senators, but the bill’s sponsors include both Democrats (four) and Republicans (seven). The proposed amendment would add specific grading to Pennsylvania’s criminal code for instances when a public servant is harmed or killed in pursuit of someone who is evading arrest on foot. It also includes offenses for instances where a police animal is harmed.