Criminal Justice (Courts)

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 5, 2025

HB 498: An Act amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in protection from abuse, further providing for emergency relief by minor judiciary.

HB 498 updates Pennsylvania's emergency protection order process for domestic abuse cases. It clarifies that temporary orders expire after one business day unless local court rules specify a 10-day limit or until a court hearing occurs. Hearing officers must now provide victims with information about local domestic violence resources, free legal aid, and how to report order violations. The bill also requires these orders to be entered into the statewide registry for tracking and mandates courts to schedule hearings to review orders until a final decision is made.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeClarifies emergency protection orders, mandates victim resource info and registry entry to enhance domestic violence case handling within criminal justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Feb 13, 2026

HB 144: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in juvenile matters, further providing for informal adjustment; and making an editorial change.

HB 144 amends Pennsylvania's juvenile justice laws to adjust the process for "informal adjustment" in court cases involving minors. It directly affects youth and families involved in juvenile court by changing how cases can be resolved without formal court proceedings. The bill modifies specific provisions related to informal adjustment procedures within juvenile matters, while also making minor editorial corrections to the statute. This is a procedural change focused on streamlining court handling of certain juvenile cases, not a major policy shift.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAmends juvenile justice laws to streamline informal adjustments, reducing formal court involvement for minors - aligns with reform goals to lower recidivism and improve youth outcomes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 28, 2025

HB 1383: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for scope of chapter, for inspection of court files and records, for transfer from criminal proceedings, for place of detention and for conduct of hearings and repealing provisions relating to transfer to criminal proceedings; and making editorial changes.

HB 1383 amends Pennsylvania's juvenile justice laws to clarify definitions, expand access to court records for certain parties, and adjust rules for transferring youth from juvenile to criminal court. It specifically removes outdated provisions about transferring cases to criminal proceedings and updates procedures for detention locations and court hearings. The bill directly affects juvenile courts, youth involved in juvenile cases, and legal representatives navigating these proceedings. These changes aim to modernize court processes while maintaining procedural safeguards for minors.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves outdated transfer provisions to criminal court for juveniles, clarifies juvenile justice procedures, and expands access to records - aligning with reform goals to reduce unnecessary criminalization of youth.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Nov 17, 2025

HB 1479: An Act amending Titles 23 (Domestic Relations) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in protection from abuse, further providing for definitions and for relief; and, in protection of victims of sexual violence or intimidation, further providing for definitions and for relief.

HB 1479 amends Pennsylvania laws related to protection from abuse and victim support for sexual violence or intimidation. It updates definitions and expands available legal relief options for two specific groups: individuals seeking protection from domestic abuse and victims of sexual violence or intimidation. The bill focuses on clarifying statutory language and strengthening procedural pathways for obtaining court-ordered protections. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania residents who are victims of these specific harms and seek legal remedies through the state's judicial system. The bill is currently pending in committee after being referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands legal relief options for domestic abuse and sexual violence victims, strengthening victim protections within criminal justice system90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

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failed · Pennsylvania · House Sep 30, 2025

HB 1859: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms and for abandonment of firearms, weapons or ammunition; in community and municipal courts, further providing for masters; adding provisions relating to extreme risk protection orders; imposing duties on the Office of Attorney General; and imposing penalties.

HB 1859 proposed changes to Pennsylvania's firearm laws, targeting individuals prohibited from possessing firearms (such as those under extreme risk protection orders) and establishing rules for safely surrendering firearms. It added provisions for "extreme risk protection orders" (court orders to temporarily remove firearms from high-risk individuals), clarified restrictions on firearm possession, and required the Attorney General to create a system for reporting firearm abandonment. The bill also updated procedures for community courts and imposed penalties for violations, but it was defeated in final passage on September 30, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) to prevent firearm access for high-risk individuals, aligning with criminal justice reform to reduce gun violence through court-ordered temporary removal.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 13, 2025

SB 741: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in assault, providing for the offense of unauthorized use of electronic tracking device.

SB 741 creates a new criminal offense in Pennsylvania for the unauthorized use of electronic tracking devices. It makes it illegal to install or place an electronic tracking device on another person or their property without their consent to track their location or movement. The bill includes exceptions for situations like parents tracking their minor children, legal guardians tracking incapacitated persons, and law enforcement in official duties or with court orders. Businesses are also exempt when tracking fleet vehicles or if they have obtained informed consent, and penalties range from a second-degree to a first-degree misdemeanor.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects civil rights by prohibiting unauthorized tracking, aligning with privacy protections in criminal justice. Exceptions for law enforcement with court orders strengthen oversight, not weaken it.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCriminalizes unauthorized tracking devices without consent, directly protecting data privacy and location data from misuse per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Violent Crime

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 22, 2025

SB 774: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in miscellaneous provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for homicide by vehicle while driving under influence.

SB 774, known as the Legacy Law, requires courts to order drivers convicted of vehicular homicide while driving under the influence to pay financial support to minor children or dependents whose parent or legal guardian died in the incident. The law mandates that restitution covers the child’s needs until age 18 (or 19 if pursuing a high school diploma), considering factors like the child’s living standard, custody arrangements, and educational needs. Payments must be made directly to the surviving parent or guardian or through the court, with special provisions for incarcerated offenders who have one year after release to begin payments. This applies specifically to cases where the victim was a parent or legal guardian of a minor under 18.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates restitution payments to victims' dependents for vehicular homicide under DUI, strengthening victim support within criminal justice reform framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Victims' Rights Violent Crime

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 9, 2025

HB 1186: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions relating to criminal proceedings, establishing the Adjunct Prosecutor Division within the Office of Attorney General; providing for its powers and duties; and establishing the Adjunct Prosecutor Division Restricted Account.

This bill creates the Adjunct Prosecutor Division within Pennsylvania's Office of Attorney General to assist district attorneys with criminal investigations and prosecutions. District attorneys can request adjunct prosecutors (qualified bar members) to work under their direction on specific cases, including grand jury proceedings, court litigation, and evidence review. The division is funded through a new "Adjunct Prosecutor Division Restricted Account" in the State Treasury, which receives annual appropriations from the General Assembly. The bill establishes clear procedures for requesting assistance, assigning prosecutors, and defines their scope of authority while requiring district attorney oversight.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates Adjunct Prosecutor Division to assist district attorneys with investigations/prosecutions, funded via new Restricted Account, strengthening prosecution capacity in criminal proceedings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 20, 2025

SB 262: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in actions, proceedings and other matters generally, providing for extreme risk protection orders.

Pennsylvania's SB 262 creates a legal process for courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a significant risk of harming themselves or others with a firearm. Family members, household members, or law enforcement can petition a court if they reasonably believe a person has firearms and is at risk of violence, requiring specific evidence like recent threats or acts. The court must hold a hearing within 14 days, and if it finds the risk is "more likely than not," it issues a one-year order requiring the person to surrender all firearms. The bill prohibits fees or bonds for petitioners and mandates law enforcement to enforce firearm surrender, with clear procedures for service, notice, and reporting.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates court-ordered firearm removal for high-risk individuals, preventing violence and aligning with gun safety reform efforts to reduce gun-related harm.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jan 29, 2025

SB 136: An Act amending Titles 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, repealing provisions relating to transfer of inmates in need of medical treatment; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, providing for parole for reasons of age or illness and for medical parole due to public or disaster emergency related to health or contagious disease outbreak.

SB 136 replaces Pennsylvania's current process for temporarily transferring terminally ill inmates to hospitals or hospices with two new parole options. It eliminates the existing requirement for courts to approve transfers based on "clear and convincing proof" of terminal illness, risk factors, and facility agreements. Instead, the bill creates parole eligibility for inmates due to age or chronic illness, and establishes medical parole during public health emergencies like disease outbreaks. This change directly affects incarcerated individuals facing serious health conditions or age-related frailty, streamlining their release without requiring court petitions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReplaces restrictive transfer process with expanded parole options for age/illness/emergencies, reducing unnecessary incarceration and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Probation & Parole Sentencing

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