Criminal Justice

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 20, 2026

HB 2232: An Act amending Title 44 (Law and Justice) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in law enforcement background investigations and employment information, further providing for maintenance of records.

HB 2232 amends Pennsylvania law to give law enforcement officers a formal process to challenge inaccurate background records maintained by their agencies. Specifically, it adds Section 7308(c)(1.1), allowing officers to appeal an agency's refusal to correct or remove disputed information under Pennsylvania's judicial review procedures (2 Pa.C.S. Ch. 7). This directly affects current and former law enforcement officers whose employment records contain errors. The bill does not change background investigation standards but establishes a new appeal pathway for record accuracy disputes. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides law enforcement officers a process to correct inaccurate background records, enhancing accuracy and fairness in employment, aligning with police accountability and protecting officer rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2243: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in human trafficking, further providing for safe harbor for sexually exploited children; and, in juvenile matters, repealing provisions relating to dependency in lieu of delinquency.

HB 2243 expands protections for minors exploited through human trafficking in Pennsylvania. It amends Title 18 to provide "safe harbor" immunity from prosecution for non-violent offenses (like minor drug possession or disorderly conduct) committed as a direct result of trafficking victimization, for children under 18. The bill repeals the previous "dependency in lieu of delinquency" process (Section 6328), replacing it with immediate access to specialized services instead of criminal or juvenile justice proceedings. Law enforcement must detain trafficked youth only briefly to connect them with support services, not for punishment. This directly affects minors in trafficking situations by preventing them from being charged for crimes stemming from their exploitation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides 'safe harbor' immunity for trafficking victims from non-violent offenses, replaces punitive 'dependency' process with services, aligning with reform indicators like victim protection and reduced criminalization.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Human Trafficking Juvenile Justice

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 2252: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sexual offenses, further providing for the offense of unlawful dissemination of intimate image; and, in minors, further providing for the offense of sexual abuse of children.

HB 2252 makes it a crime to share someone's intimate image without consent, including AI-generated images that falsely depict them in nudity or sexual conduct. It directly affects individuals whose intimate images are shared non-consensually, whether the images are real or artificially created using AI or photo editing. The law establishes misdemeanor penalties (from second to first degree) based on factors like the victim's age, the sharer's intent (e.g., to harass, profit, or cause harm), and whether multiple images were shared. This bill updates Pennsylvania's sexual offenses law to specifically address the growing threat of AI-generated intimate images, ensuring they face the same legal consequences as real non-consensual image sharing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates criminal penalties for non-consensual sharing of intimate images (including AI-generated), strengthening victim protections within criminal justice framework.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExplicitly addresses AI-generated intimate images in privacy protections, strengthening data privacy safeguards against non-consensual sharing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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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 Feb 9, 2026

HB 2200: An Act amending Title 44 (Law and Justice) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for enforcement of civil immigration law and for prohibited use of funds.

This bill prohibits Pennsylvania State Police from stopping, detaining, or questioning individuals based solely on immigration status, except when necessary for unrelated criminal investigations. It bans prolonging detention due to immigration status or conducting immigration checks without a prior criminal arrest. Police must share immigration detainer information with federal authorities only if discovered during lawful detention for unrelated matters. The law directly affects all individuals interacting with Pennsylvania State Police, limiting state involvement in federal immigration enforcement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts police from detaining based on immigration status, protecting civil rights and enhancing accountability - key criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill prohibits state police from detaining based on immigration status alone, limits cooperation with federal enforcement, and protects immigrant rights per statute.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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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 · House Feb 20, 2026

HB 2231: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for interference with aircraft operations.

HB 2231 (Pennsylvania House Bill 2231) creates a new misdemeanor offense for intentionally aiming laser pointers or other light-emitting devices at occupied aircraft when the person knows the aircraft is occupied. This directly affects individuals who point lasers at planes (e.g., during flights or takeoffs), while exempting authorized aircraft manufacturers, law enforcement during official duties, and emergency signaling devices. The bill defines key terms like "laser pointer" and "light-emitting device" to clarify what constitutes the offense. It becomes effective 60 days after enactment, adding specific criminal penalties for conduct that could endanger aircraft operations.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new misdemeanor offense for laser aiming at aircraft, expanding criminalization of specific behavior without reform or accountability measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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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 Jan 30, 2026

HB 2174: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in enforcement, providing for use of automated license plate reader information prohibited.

HB 2174 prohibits Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies from sharing automated license plate reader (ALPR) data with any federal, state, or local government agency if that data would be used to enforce laws interfering with access to medically accurate information or evidence-based medical services. Before sharing ALPR data, agencies must obtain a written declaration from the receiving agency confirming they will not use it in violation of this prohibition. The bill also requires ALPR information to be kept confidential and defines key terms like "medically accurate" (supported by peer-reviewed research or medical guidelines) and "evidence-based" (aligned with clinical standards and patient needs). This directly affects law enforcement agencies and government entities seeking to use ALPR data for medical-related enforcement actions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts law enforcement data sharing to protect medical access rights, aligning with civil rights protections in criminal justice reform.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits sharing ALPR data that could enforce laws restricting access to medically accurate care, protecting patient access to evidence-based services.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits sharing ALPR data to prevent misuse in enforcing laws affecting medical access, strengthening data privacy safeguards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2171: An Act amending the act of October 27, 1955 (P.L.744, No.222), known as the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, further providing for powers and duties of the commission.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to allow individuals who have been subject to or witnessed civil rights violations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents or cooperating federal/state/local law enforcement during immigration enforcement to file complaints with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. The Commission can then refer these complaints to the state Attorney General or the relevant county district attorney. It directly affects Pennsylvanians experiencing or witnessing such violations within the state. The change expands the Commission's authority to address immigration-related enforcement issues under state law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables complaints about ICE/local law enforcement civil rights violations, creating accountability mechanism under Human Relations Act. Directly enhances oversight in criminal justice enforcement.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationEnables complaints against ICE/local enforcement for civil rights violations during immigration enforcement, strengthening immigrant protections under state law.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Law Enforcement Enforcement

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