Criminal Justice (Probation & Parole)

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Aug 7, 2026

HR 594: A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study of Pennsylvania's parole process that identifies shortcomings and areas for improvement and issue a report with recommendations for reform.

House Resolution 594 directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on Pennsylvania's parole system and submit a report with reform recommendations within 18 months. The study is required to examine several specific areas, including the consistency of parole board decisions across different demographic groups and the current rules for recommitting individuals who commit technical violations rather than new crimes. Additionally, the commission must evaluate the feasibility of creating "geriatric parole" options for inmates over age 55 and streamlined administrative parole for low-risk offenders convicted of minor offenses. The resolution also calls for an assessment of how well current reentry planning programs work to help released individuals reintegrate into society and a review of policies used by other states to balance public safety with successful reintegration.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill directs a study on parole reform, focusing on reducing recommitment for technical violations and ensuring consistency, which aligns with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Aug 24, 2026

HB 2744: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, further providing for modification or revocation of order of probation.

Pennsylvania House Bill 2744 amends state sentencing laws to limit the length of jail time for individuals who violate probation rules without committing a new crime. The bill requires courts to consider a defendant's employment status before imposing total confinement for these technical violations. It establishes specific caps on jail sentences, limiting them to 14 days for a first violation and 30 days for a second violation. For third or subsequent technical violations, the law allows judges to use any sentencing alternatives that were available when the person was originally sentenced.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill limits jail time for probation violations and mandates consideration of employment, promoting rehabilitation over punitive incarceration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 26, 2026

SB 1400: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses), 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for sentence for murder, murder of unborn child and murder of law enforcement officer and providing for sentence for murder of the second degree; in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second and subsequent offenses and for life imprisonment for homicide; and, in motivational boot camp, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, providing for parole eligibility for offenders sentenced to life for murder of the second degree and further providing for parole procedure and for victim statements, testimony and participation in hearing.

SB 1400 modifies Pennsylvania's sentencing laws for murder to establish a mandatory life imprisonment term for second-degree murder involving unborn children or law enforcement officers. For other second-degree murder cases, the bill sets a standard minimum sentence of 35 years but allows for a reduced minimum of 10 years if the defendant proves they were not the primary actor, did not cause the death, and did not use a deadly weapon. The legislation also creates a specific pathway for courts to impose life imprisonment without parole for second-degree murder if the crime involved a child under 13, rape, a prior violent conviction, or serious injury to another victim. Additionally, the bill updates definitions for motivational boot camps and expands the role of victims in parole hearings for those sentenced to life for second-degree murder.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory sentences and expands criminal liability, restricting judicial discretion and reducing defendant rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 1369: An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in children and youth, providing for screening requirements.

This bill requires Pennsylvania county agencies and juvenile probation officers to use a specific screening process when interacting with children who may be dependent or delinquent. The goal is to identify whether these children are currently victims of human trafficking or are at risk of becoming victims, particularly those involved in sexual servitude. If a child is identified through this screening, the agency must immediately connect them with specialized support services designed for sexually exploited minors. The law takes effect 90 days after it is signed into action.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates screening for child trafficking victims to ensure they receive specialized support, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of protecting vulnerable populations and improving rehabilitation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole Tags Children

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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 2276: An Act amending Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general administration relating to correctional institutions, providing for boards of prison inspectors in State correctional institutions.

This bill establishes new Boards of Prison Inspectors at each Pennsylvania State correctional institution to oversee facility conditions and operations. The boards will consist of 18 members including medical professionals, educators, law enforcement officers, county officials, and community representatives, with at least one member being a former inmate or family member of an inmate. Each board will conduct unannounced inspections at least twice annually, review inmate complaints and officer misconduct records, and submit public reports on their findings. Board members serve three-year terms without pay but receive expense reimbursement, and they are prohibited from being current employees of the correctional system.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes oversight boards to improve prison conditions and operations, enhancing accountability and protecting inmate rights within the correctional system.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill includes medical professionals on prison inspector boards to oversee facility conditions, which supports healthcare oversight in correctional settings.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement Probation & Parole

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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 · 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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