An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for the offense of masked intimidation; and imposing penalties.
SB 543 creates a new misdemeanor offense in Pennsylvania for "masked intimidation," defined as intentionally harassing, intimidating, or threatening someone while hiding one's face with a mask. It directly affects individuals who use face coverings to cause fear of physical harm, excluding common scenarios like holiday costumes, occupational safety, weather protection, artistic performances, or health-related mask-wearing during emergencies. The bill specifies that violating this provision carries a third-degree misdemeanor penalty but explicitly states it does not infringe on First Amendment rights. Key exceptions include masks worn for religious reasons, winter sports, medical safety, or emergency situations. The law would take effect 60 days after enactment.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Apr 4, 2025
Last action Apr 4, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Apr 4, 2025
Committee
Referred to Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 10 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Dave Argall
RRepublican
Co
Cris Dush
RRepublican
Co
Doug Mastriano
RRepublican
Co
Frank Farry
RRepublican
Co
Greg Rothman
RRepublican
Co
Joe Picozzi
RRepublican
Co
Judy Schwank
DDemocratic
Co
Judy Ward
RRepublican
Co
Kristin Phillips-Hill
RRepublican
Co
Lisa Boscola
DDemocratic
Co
Pat Stefano
RRepublican
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