Senate Passes Langerholc’s Denise Williams Act to establish Safe Exchange Zones

HARRISBURG - The Senate today passed the Denise Williams Act, sponsored by Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35), which would create a grant program to be used to establish Safe Exchange Zones throughout Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 173 is named in memory of Denise Williams, a Cambria County resident who went to purchase an item on Facebook Marketplace and was brutally murdered during the exchange.

This legislation would help establish safe areas in public view and close proximity of law enforcement for individuals to exchange goods purchased through an online marketplace, carry out child custody exchanges, and conduct similar interactions.

"Safe Exchange Zones have been created in Johnstown and other areas to ensure the safety of individuals during transactions and exchanges, protecting them from potential threats or assaults," Langerholc said. "This legislation codifies the work of District Attorney Greg Neugebauer and various law enforcement agencies in Cambria County. It will strengthen the safety of communities across the commonwealth by providing the necessary assistance to establish more of these zones."

The establishment of Safe Exchange Zones will be voluntary and contingent upon approval of the participating law enforcement agencies. These zones will be equipped with video surveillance and be located either within 100 feet of a law enforcement office or near a public area with an active public presence.

The bill will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

CONTACT: Gwenn Dando