Criminal Justice

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 Mar 31, 2026

HB 2346: An Act amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in property rights, further providing for equitable division of marital property; and, in alimony and support, further providing for alimony.

This bill amends Pennsylvania laws to restrict financial support and asset division in divorce cases involving domestic violence. Specifically, it prevents a spouse convicted of a personal injury crime against their partner from receiving alimony or a share of marital property, unless the court determines that denying these benefits would cause a significant injustice. The legislation also clarifies that marital misconduct occurring after the final separation is generally not a factor in alimony decisions, with the notable exception of abuse. These changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts financial benefits for spouses convicted of domestic violence, aligning civil remedies with criminal justice outcomes to protect victims.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

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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 · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 1290: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in bonds and recognizances, providing for the restriction on use of cash bail for pregnant defendants.

Senate Bill 1290 would limit the use of cash bail for pregnant defendants in Pennsylvania, except in cases involving capital offenses or crimes with a maximum life sentence. The bill creates a rebuttable presumption against setting monetary bail for these individuals and requires courts to document specific reasons if cash bail is still imposed. It also mandates that jails provide free pregnancy tests within 24 hours of request and protects the confidentiality of related medical information.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts cash bail for pregnant defendants, protecting civil rights and advancing criminal justice reform by limiting punitive measures for vulnerable populations.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects pregnant defendants' access to healthcare by restricting cash bail and mandating free pregnancy tests.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 1338: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in governance of the system, further providing for fee increases and automation fee.

This bill allows Pennsylvania courts in specific counties to charge an additional $10 automation fee when starting a legal case. The collected money must be used exclusively to fund and maintain automated systems within the clerk of courts offices. The fee can be raised once every three years, but only by an amount matching the recent inflation rate as measured by the Consumer Price Index. This change aims to provide dedicated funding for court technology updates while limiting how often and how much the fee can increase.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases court automation fees to fund technology updates, directly supporting fiscal management and funding essential government services.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds court automation to improve efficiency and modernize judicial infrastructure, supporting the criminal justice system's operational capabilities.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly funds and maintains automated court systems, directly advancing technology infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 2443: An Act providing for Child Victim Recovery Fee; establishing the Child Victim Recovery Fund; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

This bill creates a new fee in Pennsylvania courts to help fund support services for children who are victims of specific sexual offenses and crimes against minors. When a person is convicted, pleads guilty, or enters a diversion program for these crimes, they must pay a fee ranging from $250 to $1,000 depending on the severity of the offense. The collected money goes into a state fund that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency uses to provide grants to children's advocacy centers. Courts are required to allow defendants who cannot afford the fee to pay it in installments, and the bill ensures that any restitution owed to victims is paid before this fee is collected.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds victim support services and strengthens the child victim recovery system, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Victims' Rights

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 2345: An Act amending Title 44 (Law and Justice) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, establishing the Domestic Violence Home Security Grant Program; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

This bill establishes the Domestic Violence Home Security Grant Program within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to provide financial assistance to victims of domestic violence. The program allows eligible individuals to purchase residential security measures such as reinforced locks, security cameras, alarm systems, and motion-detection lighting to enhance their home safety. Applicants must submit documentation proving they are victims of abuse, and the commission may prioritize funding for those facing elevated risks, such as recent separation from an abuser or the presence of children. All personal information provided by applicants will remain confidential, and the commission is responsible for reviewing applications, determining grant amounts, and notifying applicants of decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes a grant program to fund home security for domestic violence victims, enhancing victim safety and protection within the criminal justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Juvenile Justice

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 4, 2026

HB 2476: An Act amending the act of November 24, 1998 (P.L.882, No.111), known as the Crime Victims Act, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Crime Victims Act to update the definition of "out-of-pocket loss" for reimbursement purposes. It directly affects crime victims by expanding the list of eligible expenses to include costs for medical and nonmedical care, prosthetics, cleaning crime scenes, and temporary relocation for victims and their household pets. The legislation also clarifies that "common household pets" refers to domesticated animals kept for pleasure rather than commercial use. These changes ensure victims can receive financial support for a broader range of necessary costs incurred due to criminal incidents, while explicitly excluding property damage and pain and suffering from this specific reimbursement category.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpanding victim compensation for medical, cleaning, and relocation costs strengthens the Crime Victims Act and supports restorative justice.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands reimbursement for medical care and prosthetics for crime victims, directly increasing access to healthcare benefits.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 1326: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in preliminary provisions, further providing for criminal history of employees and prospective employees and conviction of certain offenses and for employment history review.

Senate Bill 1326 updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to strengthen background checks for school employees by expanding the scope of criminal history reviews to include those who work on school premises but do not have direct contact with children. Effective July 1, 2026, the bill requires schools and independent contractors to verify employment history and certification status for all applicants in positions involving children or on-site work. Additionally, independent contractors must disclose any past investigations or disciplinary actions related to abuse or sexual misconduct before assigning employees to schools, and schools may reject such assignments if they object to the disclosed history.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens background checks and employment history reviews for school staff, enhancing public safety and protecting vulnerable populations from potential criminal threats.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens student safety by expanding background checks, protecting the education environment.90% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SR 263: A Resolution recognizing the week of April 19 through 25, 2026, as "National Crime Victims' Rights Week" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate resolution designates the week of April 19 through 25, 2026, as "National Crime Victims' Rights Week" in Pennsylvania. The measure directly affects the state Senate by formally recognizing this observance period to honor crime victims and survivors. It includes a statement reaffirming the Senate's commitment to protecting victims' rights and supporting victim services throughout the year. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the importance of victim support.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill explicitly reaffirms commitment to protecting victims' rights and supporting victim services, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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