Criminal Justice (Sentencing)

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Nov 17, 2025

HB 384: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in burglary and other criminal intrusion, further providing for the offense of criminal trespass.

HB 384 adds a new requirement for Pennsylvania courts: when someone is convicted of criminal trespass at a licensed gambling facility (like a casino) or video gaming area while on a self-exclusion list, the court may order an evaluation to assess if they have a gambling disorder and need treatment. This applies specifically to individuals who violated self-exclusion rules at gambling venues, as defined by Pennsylvania law. The evaluation, conducted by a court-appointed clinician, must determine the need for counseling or treatment as part of sentencing or pretrial diversion. The bill does not change the trespass offense itself but adds this assessment step for a specific subset of cases involving gambling venues.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds court-ordered gambling disorder evaluations for trespass at casinos on self-exclusion lists, promoting rehabilitation over punishment for a specific offense.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 4, 2025

HB 166: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree.

HB 166 amends Pennsylvania's sentencing rules for first-degree murder cases by changing jury instructions. It requires juries to unanimously find either: (1) at least one aggravating circumstance with no mitigating circumstances, or (2) that aggravating circumstances outweigh mitigating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt, to impose the death penalty. If these conditions aren't met, the sentence must be life imprisonment. The bill directly affects defendants convicted of first-degree murder in Pennsylvania courts and modifies the procedural steps for jury sentencing decisions under Title 42. This is a procedural change to existing sentencing law, not a policy shift altering what constitutes murder or aggravating factors.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRestricts death penalty application by requiring unanimous jury findings for aggravating circumstances, shifting outcomes to life imprisonment instead.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 20, 2025

SB 274: An Act amending Titles 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, providing for alternative sentencing for primary caretakers and further providing for contents of presentence report; and, in medical services, establishing the Maternity Medical Services Program; and making editorial changes.

SB 274 creates two key programs in Pennsylvania law. First, it requires courts to offer non-prison sentencing options for individuals convicted of nonviolent offenses who are primary caretakers of dependent children (including pregnant women or new mothers), mandating community-based rehabilitation programs like parenting classes, job training, or mental health services instead of incarceration. Second, it establishes a Maternity Medical Services Program within correctional facilities, providing pregnancy and postpartum care for eligible incarcerated women at a reduced fee (with no denial of care due to inability to pay). The bill directly affects incarcerated parents, particularly mothers, by prioritizing family unity and maternal health. It amends sentencing procedures and medical services statutes to implement these changes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates non-prison sentencing for primary caretakers of nonviolent offenses, replacing incarceration with community rehabilitation programs, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareSB 274 establishes a Maternity Medical Services Program in correctional facilities, directly providing medical services for pregnant women and new mothers, improving healthcare access within prisons.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing Women's Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 13, 2025

HB 896: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree.

HB 896 requires Pennsylvania courts to impose the death penalty on defendants convicted of first-degree murder who are documented as undocumented migrants under U.S. immigration law (defined as violating 8 U.S.C. Ch. 12). The bill amends sentencing procedures to mandate this specific penalty after the court records the defendant's undocumented status, replacing standard sentencing considerations. It directly affects individuals facing first-degree murder charges who lack legal immigration status in the U.S.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates death penalty for first-degree murder by undocumented migrants, replacing judicial discretion with mandatory sentence - increasing severity and expanding criminalization.95% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationMandates death penalty for undocumented migrants in murder cases, restricting legal protections based on immigration status per 8 U.S.C. Ch. 12.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing Enforcement

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 18, 2025

SB 464: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, further providing for definitions and for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree.

SB 464 amends Pennsylvania's sentencing laws for first-degree murder by adding new aggravating circumstances. Specifically, it expands the list of locations where a murder could trigger harsher penalties to include elementary/secondary schools, colleges, places of worship, professional sports facilities, and government offices. This change directly affects defendants convicted of first-degree murder committed in these specific locations, potentially leading to more severe sentences. The bill does not alter sentencing ranges but adds these locations as factors judges must consider during sentencing. The amendment becomes effective 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands aggravating circumstances for murder in specific locations, increasing mandatory penalties - directly aligns with OPPOSE indicators of strengthening punitive sentencing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 31, 2025

HB 436: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for prohibition of ownership of certain animals.

This bill requires judges to ban convicted individuals of riot or disorderly conduct offenses from owning, possessing, or caring for animals for at least two years. It mandates completion of violence prevention counseling as part of sentencing, with failure to comply considered a separate offense. Violating the animal ownership ban results in escalating misdemeanor charges: third-degree for the first violation (adding one year to the ban), second-degree for a second violation (adding five years), and first-degree for third or subsequent violations (adding ten years). The law applies only to those convicted under specific provisions of Title 18, directly affecting offenders in these cases.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill imposes mandatory animal ownership ban and escalating penalties for violations, increasing sentencing restrictions for riot/disorderly conduct offenses.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 25, 2025

SB 513: An Act amending Title 46 (Legislature) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for racial impact statements in consideration of legislation.

SB 513 requires Pennsylvania's Commission on Sentencing to create racial impact statements when legislators request them for bills affecting criminal justice laws. These statements must analyze how proposed legislation might change racial and ethnic demographics in the criminal offender population, juvenile court system, and among crime victims, using clear methodology. The bill mandates that such statements be attached before certain legislative actions (like second consideration or amendments) can proceed, with a 10-day deadline for the Commission. If the Commission misses the deadline, the legislation moves forward as if the statement existed. This applies specifically to bills creating new criminal offenses, changing existing ones, or modifying sentencing laws under 18 Pa.C.S. or 42 Pa.C.S. Chapter 97.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates racial impact statements for criminal justice legislation to analyze racial disparities, promoting equitable policy-making and civil rights protections in sentencing and corrections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 25, 2025

HB 731: 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 probation without verdict.

HB 731 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to allow courts to grant probation without a conviction for nonviolent drug offenses. This applies when a person pleads guilty or no-contest to a nonviolent drug offense and proves drug dependency through testimony from a physician or psychologist. The bill caps the total fines and court costs for such probation at $300, setting a clear financial limit. It directly affects low-level drug offenders who qualify for this treatment-focused sentencing option.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows treatment-focused probation without conviction for nonviolent drug offenses, reducing incarceration and promoting rehabilitation per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequiring medical evaluation for drug dependency treatment shifts focus from punishment to healthcare, aligning with treatment-focused healthcare support.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Probation & Parole Sentencing Substance Abuse

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 14, 2025

HB 57: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in other offenses, further providing for drug trafficking sentencing and penalties.

HB 57 establishes mandatory minimum prison sentences and fines for individuals convicted of trafficking fentanyl or fentanyl derivatives in Pennsylvania. It directly affects people convicted under specific sections of the Controlled Substance Act involving fentanyl, with penalties based on the weight of the substance: 2 years (less than 1g) to 96 months (100g+), plus fines ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Repeat offenders face enhanced sentences (e.g., 36 months instead of 24 months for less than 1g). The bill requires courts to apply these mandatory penalties at sentencing, with the Commonwealth able to appeal if courts fail to impose them.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates minimum sentences for fentanyl trafficking, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization without rehabilitation focus, directly opposing reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 17, 2025

HB 1236: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses), 30 (Fish), 34 (Game) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in assault, further providing for the offense of assault of law enforcement officer; and making editorial changes.

HB 1236 strengthens penalties for assaulting law enforcement officers and hospital security officers in Pennsylvania. It creates three felony levels: a first-degree felony for discharging a firearm at such officers during duty, a third-degree felony for intentionally causing contact with bodily fluids (blood, seminal fluid, etc.), and a second-degree felony if the perpetrator knew the fluids came from someone with a reportable communicable disease that could be transmitted via the method used. These provisions apply when the perpetrator knows the victim is a law enforcement officer or hospital security officer on duty. The bill also updates sentencing guidelines to classify these assaults as "crimes of violence" under Pennsylvania law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeStrengthens penalties for assaulting officers, increasing criminalization and mandatory sentences per bill's felony-level enhancements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Sentencing Violent Crime

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