Key legislators
Who's moving criminal justice in Pennsylvania
Showing 11–13 of 13
bills
All criminal justice bills
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.
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.
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.
