SB 302 creates a $100 fee for defendants when a protection order is granted without their agreement. The fee is distributed as follows: $25 to the Pennsylvania State Police for the protection order registry, $25 to the law enforcement agency that served the order, $25 to the county sheriff for related costs, and $25 to the Department of Human Services for domestic violence victim services. This bill directly affects individuals subject to protection orders and impacts how courts handle service of these orders. It became law on June 30, 2025 (Act No. 23 of 2025), modifying Pennsylvania’s domestic relations code to fund victim services and registry maintenance.
SB 255 classifies "sexual assault by sports official, volunteer or employee of nonprofit association" (18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.3) as a Tier II sexual offense under Pennsylvania sentencing law. This change directly affects individuals convicted of this specific type of sexual assault who work in sports organizations or nonprofit settings. Tier II classification requires longer mandatory registration periods and stricter supervision for offenders. The bill amends Title 42 of Pennsylvania law to add this offense to the existing Tier II list, effective immediately upon the Governor's approval on June 30, 2025.
HB 355 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to strengthen protections for minors by updating the offenses of "corruption of minors" and "unlawful contact with minor." The bill specifically targets adults who exploit or sexually exploit minors through interactions like grooming or inappropriate contact, making these acts clearer and more severe under state law. It directly affects minors (ages 12-17) and adults who engage in prohibited conduct with them, including online interactions. The law increases penalties for these offenses by clarifying prohibited behaviors and strengthening sentencing guidelines, now effective as Act No. 5 of 2025.
SB 635 amends Pennsylvania sentencing law to impose stricter penalties for certain drug-related offenses committed within 1,000 feet of a drug and alcohol recovery house. Specifically, it requires the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to create enhanced penalties for offenses under the Controlled Substance Act (sections 13(a)(12), (14), or (30)) when committed near these facilities. The bill defines "drug and alcohol recovery house" using existing law (Section 2311-A of the Administrative Code). This policy change directly affects individuals convicted of targeted drug offenses near recovery centers, increasing potential sentencing severity. The bill passed final passage on June 25, 2025.
Senate Resolution 94 directs the Joint State Government Commission to establish the Task Force on Recruitment and Retention of Law Enforcement. This task force will examine challenges in attracting and keeping law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and prosecutors across the Commonwealth. It will comprise various state officials and representatives from relevant associations and labor organizations. The task force is mandated to provide recommendations and identify necessary changes to state statutes, practices, policies, and procedures to improve staffing in these critical public safety roles. A report detailing its findings and recommendations must be submitted by April 30, 2026, to the Governor and legislative leaders.
SB 347 prohibits clinics or establishments from knowingly providing space for individuals to use controlled substances illegally under Pennsylvania law. It creates criminal penalties, including up to 20 years in prison or $500,000 in fines (up to $2 million for non-individuals), and civil penalties of up to $250,000 for violations. The law grants district attorneys and the Attorney General authority to investigate and prosecute these violations, with strict limits on challenging the Attorney General's role. It specifically exempts medical marijuana use under Pennsylvania’s existing Medical Marijuana Act (2016) and lawful prescription practices. The bill amends Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substance Act to clarify these prohibitions and penalties.
SB 92 amends Pennsylvania law to strengthen penalties for individuals whose drug distribution causes a death. It establishes a minimum 10-year prison sentence and a fine (equal to the value of illegal proceeds) for repeat drug distributors convicted under this law who had two prior drug-related convictions and received significant payment for distributing drugs. The bill does not apply if the victim was under 13 years old or if the distributor and victim used drugs together. This law directly affects drug distributors convicted of causing a death through their illegal activity, with stricter penalties for those with prior offenses.
SB 96 amends Pennsylvania's assault laws to clarify and strengthen penalties for "terroristic threats," specifically targeting threats that cause fear or disrupt public spaces. It directly affects schools, universities, and public facilities by requiring convicted offenders to pay restitution covering actual emergency response costs, including fire/police services, unused food, and staff wages during evacuations. The law specifies that threats causing school/university disruptions or targeting educational institutions carry felony penalties, while other threats are misdemeanors. This policy change shifts focus from solely punishing the threat to compensating communities for real costs incurred during responses.
SB 490 restricts unsecured bail or release on recognizance for defendants charged with specific offenses deemed a threat to public safety, including assaulting police, violent crimes within five years, or certain drug offenses involving fentanyl. It requires judges to detain such individuals before trial if they pose a community risk, while preserving the presumption of innocence and the right to request bail modifications. The bill applies directly to defendants facing charges under defined categories in Pennsylvania law, such as those involving violent crimes or fentanyl-related drug offenses exceeding 10 grams. It does not eliminate bail options but prohibits unsecured release in these specific cases. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.
SB 471 requires Pennsylvania prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if they learn during a criminal case that a defendant is not a U.S. citizen or is present in violation of immigration law (8 U.S.C. Ch. 12). This applies directly to criminal defendants whose citizenship status or immigration status is confirmed during proceedings. The key mechanism mandates that prosecutors must provide this notification "at any point during the course of a criminal proceeding" upon obtaining such information. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage, making it a procedural change for law enforcement coordination in criminal cases involving immigration status.
