SB 68 Pennsylvania Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in arson, criminal mischief and other property destruction, further providing for the offense of institutional vandalism.

SB 68 creates a new offense called "institutional vandalism" under Pennsylvania law, targeting deliberate damage to specific protected locations including places of worship (churches, synagogues, mosques), cemeteries, schools, government buildings, and community centers. The bill defines the offense as knowingly damaging, vandalizing, or desecrating these facilities or their adjacent property, with penalties graded based on severity: felony charges apply if death, serious injury, or property damage exceeding $2,000 occurs, while lesser damage is a misdemeanor. It directly affects individuals who commit such acts against these protected sites, imposing stricter penalties than general property damage laws. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 22, 2025 Last action Jan 22, 2025