Legislation to protect Pennsylvanians from violent offenders has made its way to Gov. Tom Wolf.

Markie’s Law, or House Bill 146, is sponsored by Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-10th. The law would postpone consideration of a violent prisoner's parole by 24 months after their minimum release date for each conviction of an incarcerated violent offense.

The bill would also suspend consideration of an inmate’s parole by 12 months more if the inmate attempts escape, smuggles contraband, or intimidates witnesses during incarceration.

“Markie’s Law must get over the finish line and (be) signed into law by the governor,” Bernstine stated in a news release. “This bill would keep the most dangerous inmates from a premature release in order to protect and serve our Commonwealth residents and would have saved Mark’s life.”

Bernstine said he’s been pursuing the bill since the death of Markie Mason, an 8-year-old boy who was stabbed and killed by Keith Burley on July 8, 2019, in Union Township, Lawrence County.

“I have been working with the family of Markie Mason since the tragedy occurred just over three years ago. The legislation has earned bi-partisan support, and I look forward to Gov. Wolf signing this legislation to protect Pennsylvanians from the most violent offenders,” he said.

According to a news release, Burley abducted Markie and his 7-year-old brother following a domestic dispute in July 2019, four months after Burley’s release from 20 years in prison as a convicted murderer.

The parole board had determined prior to his release that Burley, who was convicted of committing two assaults while in prison, was not a threat to the public once he finished his minimum sentence.

“Markie’s Law will hold inmates accountable for their actions while incarcerated,” Bernstine said in the news release. “Individuals such as Burley are a danger to society, and the death of Markie Mason is a clear and tragic example of that.”