Criminal Justice (Corrections)

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 13, 2025

HB 908: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, providing for termination of long-term parole supervision.

This bill allows Pennsylvania courts to end long-term parole supervision for eligible individuals who have been under supervision for at least five consecutive years and are at least 40 years old. The process requires a formal petition filed by either the Department of Corrections or the parolee, which must be reviewed by the sentencing court. Courts must evaluate multiple factors including community safety risks, the individual's conduct history, financial hardship, and efficient use of department resources before deciding whether to terminate supervision. The law applies to all parole cases regardless of when the sentence was originally imposed and ensures victims, prosecutors, and relevant parties receive notice and an opportunity to be heard during the review process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill allows termination of long-term parole supervision for eligible individuals, promoting rehabilitation and reducing unnecessary supervision costs, which aligns with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jul 12, 2026

HB 2190: An Act amending the act of July 23, 1970 (P.L.563, No.195), known as the Public Employe Relations Act, in collective bargaining impasse, further providing for arbitration; and, in strikes, further providing for prohibited strikes.

HB 2190 amends Pennsylvania's Public Employe Relations Act to change how collective bargaining impasses are resolved for specific public safety and court staff. It requires binding arbitration for disputes involving prison guards, mental hospital staff, peace officers, and court employees when mediation fails - meaning the arbitrator's decision becomes final and enforceable. However, if an arbitration decision would require new legislation (e.g., changing pay rates or benefits), that part would only be advisory, not binding. The bill directly affects these public employee groups whose work is critical to security and court operations. This change streamlines dispute resolution while maintaining legislative oversight for policy changes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires binding arbitration for prison guards and court staff disputes, ensuring stable workforce in corrections and courts - key components of criminal justice system operations.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires binding arbitration for public safety/court staff collective bargaining impasses, strengthening resolution process without strikes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Collective Bargaining Public Employees

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SB 1184: An Act amending Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, establishing the Prison Industry Enhancement Authority; providing for employment of incarcerated individuals by private industry and for subcontracts with correctional agencies; establishing guidelines for incarcerated individual compensation; and providing for location of private sector prison industry.

SB 1184 establishes Pennsylvania's Prison Industry Enhancement Authority to create structured employment opportunities for incarcerated individuals in private-sector work programs within correctional facilities. The bill requires private companies to partner with prisons under specific guidelines, ensuring incarcerated individuals earn wages that can cover room/board, compensate victims, and support dependents, while prohibiting displacement of civilian jobs. It mandates that compensation rates be fair, prohibits private industry from creating competitive advantages for businesses, and ensures programs focus on developing job skills to aid post-release employment. The law applies directly to Pennsylvania correctional facilities, private employers participating in these programs, and incarcerated individuals working in them. It does not permit privatization of prison operations or affect civilian labor markets.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates prison industry jobs with fair wages for rehabilitation, reducing recidivism per criminal justice reform indicators; prohibits job displacement.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates fair compensation rates for incarcerated workers covering basic needs, aligning with labor protections and wage standards for a specific workforce.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jul 1, 2026

HB 2154: An Act amending Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, establishing the Prison Industry Enhancement Authority; providing for employment of incarcerated individuals by private industry and for subcontracts with correctional agencies; establishing guidelines for incarcerated individual compensation; and providing for location of private sector prison industry.

HB 2154 establishes Pennsylvania's Prison Industry Enhancement Authority to create job opportunities for incarcerated individuals in state correctional facilities through partnerships with private industry. The bill requires private companies to employ incarcerated people under specific guidelines, including setting fair wages (with deductions allowed for room/board, victim compensation, and family support), while explicitly prohibiting displacement of civilian jobs or privatization of prisons. It mandates that private sector prison industry programs must operate within the state's "open market" and cannot create competitive advantages for participating businesses. The law aims to develop work skills for post-release employment and strengthen family ties through structured compensation mechanisms.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes prison job programs with fair wages to reduce recidivism and support rehabilitation, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 17, 2026

HB 2136: An Act amending Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in medical services, providing for diagnoses prior to incarceration.

This bill requires Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections to recognize medical diagnoses made by healthcare providers before an individual is incarcerated. It prohibits the department from removing or ignoring such diagnoses, except when a healthcare provider (who made the diagnosis or has relevant expertise) submits a written recommendation for removal. The department may then choose to remove the diagnosis based on that recommendation. This change directly affects individuals entering state prisons by ensuring their pre-incarceration medical conditions are acknowledged in their records. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires DOC to recognize pre-incarceration medical diagnoses, protecting health rights and supporting rehabilitation in corrections, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires recognition of pre-incarceration medical diagnoses, ensuring continuity of care and protecting patient rights in correctional healthcare settings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2180: An Act imposing requirements when lands containing certain State correctional institutions are offered for sale; and further providing for duties of the Department of Corrections.

HB 2180 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections to notify counties when land containing a permanently closing state correctional facility is offered for sale. The bill mandates that 2% of the facility's total acreage (including road access) be reserved for transfer to the county at no cost, solely for developing affordable housing. Counties must accept this offer within 60 days by submitting a resolution and development plan, and must begin constructing affordable housing units within five years, with units available for lease within ten years of the land transfer. If counties fail to meet these deadlines, the land reverts to the Commonwealth. This bill directly affects counties where correctional facilities are closing, the Department of Corrections, and future affordable housing projects on former prison land.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill repurposes correctional land for affordable housing, aiding reentry programs and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates 2% land transfer to counties for affordable housing development, requiring counties to accept and construct units within 60 days.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Affordable Housing Property Development

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jan 20, 2026

SB 1144: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, providing for sentencing for certain aggravated cruelty to animal offenses.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's sentencing guidelines to require harsher penalties for aggravated animal cruelty when a deadly weapon is used. It directs the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to create specific guidelines that increase sentences for offenses under 18 Pa.C.S. § 5534(a)(2) (aggravated cruelty to animals) when a deadly weapon is involved. The bill defines "deadly weapon" broadly to include firearms, dangerous weapons, and any device capable of causing serious harm. This change directly affects individuals convicted of aggravated animal cruelty who used such weapons, potentially leading to longer prison terms under the updated sentencing framework.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases sentencing for animal cruelty offenses, directly aligning with 'increases mandatory sentences' indicator under OPPOSE stance.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 377: An Act amending the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, further providing for prohibited acts and penalties.

HB 377 adds tianeptine - a medication sometimes misused as an opioid substitute - to Pennsylvania's list of prohibited substances under the Controlled Substance Act. It makes it illegal for unregistered individuals or unlicensed practitioners to manufacture, deliver, or possess tianeptine with intent to distribute. Violators face felony charges punishable by up to five years in prison, a $15,000 fine, or both. The bill directly affects healthcare providers, pharmacies, and anyone handling tianeptine without proper authorization under state drug laws. This amendment updates existing penalties to address emerging misuse of tianeptine.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAdds tianeptine to prohibited list with felony penalties, expanding criminalization of drug distribution under sentencing provisions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

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signed · Pennsylvania · Senate Nov 24, 2025

SB 520: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses), 30 (Fish), 34 (Game), 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and repealing provisions relating to public access; in enforcement relating to fish, further providing for powers and duties of waterways conservation officers and deputies; in enforcement relating to game, further providing for powers and duties of enforcement officers; in recordings by law enforcement officers, further providing for definitions and for audio recording or video recording policies; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of Department of Corrections; and making transfers between the State Gaming Fund and certain restricted accounts.

SB 520 amends Pennsylvania law to clarify who can legally record communications during enforcement duties, directly affecting waterways conservation officers, game enforcement officers, and parole agents. It expands definitions to allow these officers to use body cameras or recording devices after approved training, while removing public access requirements under the Right-to-Know Law for such recordings. Key provisions include defining "law enforcement officer" to include specific conservation and game officers, requiring training for device use, and repealing prior rules about public access to recordings. The bill also updates enforcement officer powers related to fish and game regulations. This enacted law (Act No. 53 of 2025) focuses on operational clarity for law enforcement recording practices.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands body camera use for conservation/game officers, clarifying recording policies to enhance accountability under criminal justice enforcement, though removes public access under Right-to-Know Law.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 6, 2025

HR 280: A Resolution directing the Department of Corrections to conduct an environmental study of each State correctional institution to determine if individuals housed in each State correctional institution are being exposed to harmful, hazardous or unsanitary conditions and to ensure that individuals housed in each State correctional institution are receiving clean air and pure water.

HR 280 is a resolution requiring Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections to conduct environmental studies at all state correctional facilities. The studies must identify health hazards like poor air quality, mold, pests, or unsafe water, and assess their impact on both incarcerated individuals and staff. The resolution mandates the Department to collaborate with environmental and health agencies, estimate repair costs, and provide improvement recommendations. The Department must submit a final report to legislative leaders within 24 months. This resolution directly affects all individuals housed in Pennsylvania's state correctional institutions by addressing environmental conditions they currently face.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates environmental studies in prisons to address health hazards (air, water, sanitation), improving correctional facility conditions as part of criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates environmental studies to address air/water quality hazards in prisons, aligning with pollution control and environmental protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Air Quality

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