Criminal Justice (Sentencing)

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Aug 7, 2026

HB 2729: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for the offense of animal hoarding; and, in sentencing, providing for sentencing for animal hoarding.

Pennsylvania House Bill 2729 creates a new misdemeanor of the third degree for animal hoarding, defined as keeping animals in conditions that are unsanitary, unhealthful, malodorous, or dangerous to people, animals, or property. The bill specifies that each animal kept in violation constitutes a separate offense, but it excludes animals classified as agricultural commodities from this definition. For sentencing, the law requires a mental health evaluation of the defendant before any sentence is scheduled. If the court finds that the defendant suffered from a psychological or psychiatric disability at the time of the offense, it must order treatment and stay legal action pending a report on that treatment. Upon successful completion of treatment, the court must order the forfeiture of the animals, prohibit future ownership, reverse the conviction, and expunge the arrest record.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeThe bill expands criminalization by creating a new offense for animal hoarding and mandates separate counts per animal, which increases the scope of criminal justice enforcement.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Aug 24, 2026

HB 2744: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, further providing for modification or revocation of order of probation.

Pennsylvania House Bill 2744 amends state sentencing laws to limit the length of jail time for individuals who violate probation rules without committing a new crime. The bill requires courts to consider a defendant's employment status before imposing total confinement for these technical violations. It establishes specific caps on jail sentences, limiting them to 14 days for a first violation and 30 days for a second violation. For third or subsequent technical violations, the law allows judges to use any sentencing alternatives that were available when the person was originally sentenced.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill limits jail time for probation violations and mandates consideration of employment, promoting rehabilitation over punitive incarceration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 26, 2026

SB 1400: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses), 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for sentence for murder, murder of unborn child and murder of law enforcement officer and providing for sentence for murder of the second degree; in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second and subsequent offenses and for life imprisonment for homicide; and, in motivational boot camp, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, providing for parole eligibility for offenders sentenced to life for murder of the second degree and further providing for parole procedure and for victim statements, testimony and participation in hearing.

SB 1400 modifies Pennsylvania's sentencing laws for murder to establish a mandatory life imprisonment term for second-degree murder involving unborn children or law enforcement officers. For other second-degree murder cases, the bill sets a standard minimum sentence of 35 years but allows for a reduced minimum of 10 years if the defendant proves they were not the primary actor, did not cause the death, and did not use a deadly weapon. The legislation also creates a specific pathway for courts to impose life imprisonment without parole for second-degree murder if the crime involved a child under 13, rape, a prior violent conviction, or serious injury to another victim. Additionally, the bill updates definitions for motivational boot camps and expands the role of victims in parole hearings for those sentenced to life for second-degree murder.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory sentences and expands criminal liability, restricting judicial discretion and reducing defendant rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 15, 2026

SB 1379: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in post-trial matters, further providing for scope of subchapter and for eligibility for relief, providing for postconviction resentencing relief for defendant survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence or human trafficking and further providing for jurisdiction and proceedings; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree and providing for criminal prosecutions involving defendant survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence or human trafficking.

This bill allows individuals in Pennsylvania who are currently serving prison sentences or awaiting execution to request a new sentencing hearing if they were survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, or human trafficking. To qualify, a person must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that their victimization was a significant factor that contributed to their criminal behavior. The law requires petitioners to submit specific documentation, such as medical records, police reports, or sworn statements from witnesses, to support their claim of survivor status and the link between the trauma and their crime. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for filing these petitions in the court where the original conviction occurred and establishes that survivor status can serve as a mitigating circumstance in capital cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides post-conviction resentencing relief for survivors of violence, aligning with criminal justice reform and rehabilitation goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Sentencing Victims' Rights

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jul 1, 2026

HR 519: A Resolution directing the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to conduct a study of bail and pretrial release practices and to issue recommendations to the House of Representatives regarding the setting of bail and pretrial release conditions.

This bill directs the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to study current bail and pretrial release practices across the state. The study aims to identify inconsistencies in how bail amounts are set for similar defendants in different jurisdictions and to develop recommendations for more uniform procedures. The Commission must submit its findings and suggestions for reform to the House of Representatives within two years. This resolution does not change existing laws immediately but initiates a review process to potentially improve fairness in pretrial decision-making.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes criminal justice reform by studying bail practices to reduce inconsistencies and improve pretrial release conditions.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 1284: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for sentence for murder, murder of unborn child and murder of law enforcement officer; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentences for offenses committed against law enforcement officer.

This bill increases the maximum prison sentences for people convicted of attempting, conspiring, or soliciting murder, including the murder of unborn children and law enforcement officers. It establishes a 40-year maximum for these crimes when serious bodily injury occurs, and up to life imprisonment when serious bodily injury results specifically from attempts against law enforcement officers. Additionally, the law mandates a minimum 20-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of attempting, conspiring, or soliciting the murder of a law enforcement officer where serious bodily injury is caused, or for assaulting a law enforcement officer.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases maximum prison sentences and mandates minimum 20-year terms, expanding criminalization and restricting defendant rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 1262: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, further providing for penalties.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to introduce stricter sentencing enhancements for specific driving offenses involving alcohol or drugs. It directly affects drivers who refuse chemical testing under a warrant, repeat offenders with four or more prior violations, and school bus drivers convicted of operating their vehicles while impaired. The key mechanism requires the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to mandate harsher penalties for these three categories of cases. The changes would take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates harsher penalties and stricter sentencing enhancements for impaired driving offenses, which restricts defendant rights and expands criminalization.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by imposing stricter penalties for impaired driving and refusing chemical tests.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing Driver Licensing Public Transit Traffic Safety

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 1311: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, providing for animal abuse registry.

This bill creates a public online registry in Pennsylvania to list individuals convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals, starting in January 2027. The Pennsylvania State Police will maintain this list, which includes photos and identifying details but excludes sensitive numbers like Social Security numbers, and courts will send conviction records to the police within 60 days. People convicted once will remain on the list for two years, while repeat offenders stay for five years or longer, with judges having the option to order a lifetime ban on animal ownership for severe cases. Additionally, anyone selling, transferring, or adopting an animal must check the registry to ensure the buyer is not listed, with penalties including fines and license revocation for those who fail to do so.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by creating a public registry for animal abuse convictions, enhancing accountability and aiding victim protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 2381: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in licensing of drivers, further providing for driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for subsequent convictions of certain offenses.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to increase penalties for driving after a license has been suspended or revoked. It establishes a $200 fine for a first offense, raises fines to between $500 and $2,500 for second or third violations, and mandates fines up to $2,500 plus 30 to 12 months in jail for fourth or subsequent offenses. Additionally, the legislation adjusts sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders of other traffic violations by increasing potential fines and jail time. These changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for driving with a suspended license, strengthening deterrence and public safety within the criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by increasing penalties for driving with suspended licenses, directly addressing public safety concerns.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing Driver Licensing Vehicle Registration

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 8, 2026

HB 2501: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for sentence for murder, murder of unborn child and murder of law enforcement officer; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second and subsequent offenses and for life imprisonment for homicides.

This bill updates sentencing laws in Pennsylvania to impose stricter penalties for specific serious crimes, including second-degree murder, the murder of unborn children, and the murder of law enforcement officers. Under the new rules, defendants convicted of these offenses would face a minimum prison term of 35 years, with life imprisonment without parole becoming mandatory if a judge finds the person directly caused the death or was an active participant in the killing. The legislation also expands the definition of "crime of violence" to include these offenses, which could lead to harsher sentences for individuals with prior criminal records. Additionally, the bill requires courts to consider victim impact statements and various factors related to the crime and the defendant's history when deciding on life sentences.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory minimum sentences and expands life imprisonment, restricting judicial discretion and defendant rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Judges Sentencing

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