Criminal Justice (Sentencing)

signed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 20, 2026

SB 45: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses), 23 (Domestic Relations), 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), 44 (Law and Justice), 61 (Prisons and Parole) and 63 (Professions and Occupations (State Licensed)) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in human trafficking, further providing for definitions, providing for the offense of promoting prostitution, for the offense of living off of prostituted persons and for the offense of patronizing prostitution and further providing for grants; in public indecency, further providing for prostitution and related offenses; establishing the Prevention of Human Trafficking Restricted Account; in child protective services, further providing for definitions; in sentencing, further providing for sexual offenses and tier system; in DNA data and testing, further providing for definitions; in interstate compacts, further providing for supervision of persons paroled by other states; and, in powers and duties relating to the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, further providing for consideration of criminal convictions.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's criminal statutes to strengthen laws against human trafficking and prostitution by creating new offenses and clarifying definitions. It directly affects individuals who promote, facilitate, or profit from prostitution, including those who own prostitution businesses, transport people for sexual exploitation, or live off the proceeds of prostitution. Key provisions establish specific crimes for promoting prostitution, living off prostituted persons, and patronizing prostitution, with enhanced penalties for offenses involving minors or repeat offenders. The bill also creates a Prevention of Human Trafficking Account to provide grants for related prevention and response efforts.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal statutes against human trafficking and prostitution, creating new offenses and clarifying definitions to enhance law enforcement capabilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Probation & Parole Sentencing

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 2271: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sexual offenses, further providing for the offense of rape.

This Pennsylvania bill proposes changes to state rape sentencing laws by introducing mandatory hormonal or surgical treatment options for convicted offenders. The legislation would allow courts to order convicted rapists to undergo medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment or voluntarily elect surgical castration as part of their sentence. These measures apply to individuals convicted under specific subsections of the state's rape statute, with maximum sentences ranging from 40 years to life imprisonment depending on the offense severity. The Department of Corrections would administer any ordered treatment starting within one week before the offender's release from incarceration.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill introduces mandatory treatment options for convicted rapists, aiming to reduce recidivism and enhance public safety through rehabilitation measures.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

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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 Feb 9, 2026

HB 2203: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in burglary and other criminal intrusion, further providing for burglary; in robbery, further providing for robbery; and, in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for inspection of court files and records, for conduct of hearings and for transfer to criminal proceedings.

HB 2203 amends Pennsylvania law to increase penalties for burglary and robbery involving controlled substances, designer drugs, or firearms, classifying these as first-degree felonies. It also revises juvenile court definitions by removing certain serious offenses - like first-degree robbery and burglary - from "delinquent act" status when committed by juveniles aged 15+ with prior adjudications. This means juveniles aged 15+ who commit these specific crimes (e.g., stealing drugs/firearms) will now face transfer to adult criminal court instead of juvenile proceedings. The bill directly affects juvenile offenders in cases involving these high-level offenses and alters sentencing classifications under Titles 18 and 42.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for burglary/robbery with drugs/firearms (first-degree felonies) and removes juvenile offenses from delinquent act status, treating repeat offenders as adults.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Sentencing Violent Crime

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 2, 2026

HB 2256: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in theft and related offenses, further providing for grading of theft offenses.

HB 2256 amends Pennsylvania's theft laws to clarify when a theft offense is classified as a felony of the third degree. It specifies that theft becomes a third-degree felony if the stolen property is valued over $2,000, involves certain vehicles (such as automobiles, motorcycles, or motorboats), includes human remains, or occurs when a person in the business of buying or selling stolen property receives the goods. The bill also defines "human remains" to include any part of a dead body or cremated remains. This change directly affects individuals convicted of theft and how courts categorize these offenses for sentencing.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAmends theft laws to elevate certain offenses (e.g., $2k+ property) to felony status, expanding criminalization and increasing penalties without reform elements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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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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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 5, 2026

HB 2112: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sexual offenses relating to sentencing enhancement, further providing for the offense of indecent exposure.

HB 2112 amends Pennsylvania law to require sentencing enhancements for indecent exposure cases where the act was committed "for the purpose of sexual arousal or sexual gratification." This change directly affects individuals convicted of indecent exposure who meet this specific motive criterion. The bill mandates that the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing develop a new sentencing guideline to increase penalties for these cases under existing sentencing framework rules. The law does not alter the definition of indecent exposure but adds a specific sentencing factor for offenses motivated by sexual intent. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for indecent exposure by mandating sentencing enhancements for specific motives, expanding criminalization under sexual offenses.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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signed · Pennsylvania · House Dec 22, 2025

HB 1615: An Act amending Titles 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, further providing for sentence of total confinement; in licensing of drivers, further providing for notice of acceptance of Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, for the offense of driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked and for ignition interlock limited license; in miscellaneous provisions relating to serious traffic offenses, further providing for homicide by vehicle while driving under influence; and, in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, further providing for the offense of driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance, for grading, for penalties, for ignition interlock, for prior offenses and for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition.

HB 1615 amends Pennsylvania laws related to sentencing, driver licensing, and traffic offenses. It requires notice to drivers when their Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for a traffic offense is accepted, and updates penalties for driving under the influence (DUI), including stricter grading for repeat offenses and enhanced penalties for homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence. The bill also revises procedures for licensing when a driver's privilege is suspended or revoked. These changes directly affect drivers facing traffic-related charges, courts processing these cases, and prosecutors seeking appropriate penalties. The bill is currently under review in the Transportation committee.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for DUI, repeat offenses, and homicide by vehicle while driving under influence, with stricter grading and enhanced penalties, indicating a punitive stance against these offenses.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationStrengthened DUI penalties, stricter repeat offense grading, and enhanced homicide by vehicle penalties directly enhance transportation safety standards per bill's focus on traffic offense regulations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Sentencing Violent Crime Traffic Safety

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 3, 2025

HB 752: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in falsification and intimidation, further providing for failure to comply with 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 97 Subch. I registration requirements; and, in sentencing, further providing for registration.

HB 752 amends Pennsylvania law to strengthen sex offender registration requirements for individuals classified as "sexually violent predators" under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.55(b)(3). It creates a new felony offense (second degree) for knowingly violating registration rules, and adds strict residency restrictions requiring these individuals to live at least 2,500 feet from schools or day-care centers. The bill mandates relocation within six months if they currently live too close to such facilities, or if new schools open nearby, with exceptions for lease expiration. This directly affects individuals subject to lifetime registration under Pennsylvania's sex offender laws.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeStrengthens registration penalties with new felony charges and strict residency restrictions, increasing punitive measures rather than promoting reform or rehabilitation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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signed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 27, 2025

HB 355: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in minors, further providing for the offense of corruption of minors and for the offense of unlawful contact with minor.

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens protections for minors by clarifying and increasing penalties for exploitation, grooming, and unlawful contact, directly advancing criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing