Criminal Justice (Sentencing)

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 18, 2025

SB 464: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, further providing for definitions and for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree.

SB 464 amends Pennsylvania's sentencing laws for first-degree murder by adding new aggravating circumstances. Specifically, it expands the list of locations where a murder could trigger harsher penalties to include elementary/secondary schools, colleges, places of worship, professional sports facilities, and government offices. This change directly affects defendants convicted of first-degree murder committed in these specific locations, potentially leading to more severe sentences. The bill does not alter sentencing ranges but adds these locations as factors judges must consider during sentencing. The amendment becomes effective 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands aggravating circumstances for murder in specific locations, increasing mandatory penalties - directly aligns with OPPOSE indicators of strengthening punitive sentencing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 31, 2025

HB 436: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for prohibition of ownership of certain animals.

This bill requires judges to ban convicted individuals of riot or disorderly conduct offenses from owning, possessing, or caring for animals for at least two years. It mandates completion of violence prevention counseling as part of sentencing, with failure to comply considered a separate offense. Violating the animal ownership ban results in escalating misdemeanor charges: third-degree for the first violation (adding one year to the ban), second-degree for a second violation (adding five years), and first-degree for third or subsequent violations (adding ten years). The law applies only to those convicted under specific provisions of Title 18, directly affecting offenders in these cases.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill imposes mandatory animal ownership ban and escalating penalties for violations, increasing sentencing restrictions for riot/disorderly conduct offenses.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 14, 2025

HB 57: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in other offenses, further providing for drug trafficking sentencing and penalties.

HB 57 establishes mandatory minimum prison sentences and fines for individuals convicted of trafficking fentanyl or fentanyl derivatives in Pennsylvania. It directly affects people convicted under specific sections of the Controlled Substance Act involving fentanyl, with penalties based on the weight of the substance: 2 years (less than 1g) to 96 months (100g+), plus fines ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Repeat offenders face enhanced sentences (e.g., 36 months instead of 24 months for less than 1g). The bill requires courts to apply these mandatory penalties at sentencing, with the Commonwealth able to appeal if courts fail to impose them.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates minimum sentences for fentanyl trafficking, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization without rehabilitation focus, directly opposing reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 17, 2025

HB 1236: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses), 30 (Fish), 34 (Game) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in assault, further providing for the offense of assault of law enforcement officer; and making editorial changes.

HB 1236 strengthens penalties for assaulting law enforcement officers and hospital security officers in Pennsylvania. It creates three felony levels: a first-degree felony for discharging a firearm at such officers during duty, a third-degree felony for intentionally causing contact with bodily fluids (blood, seminal fluid, etc.), and a second-degree felony if the perpetrator knew the fluids came from someone with a reportable communicable disease that could be transmitted via the method used. These provisions apply when the perpetrator knows the victim is a law enforcement officer or hospital security officer on duty. The bill also updates sentencing guidelines to classify these assaults as "crimes of violence" under Pennsylvania law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeStrengthens penalties for assaulting officers, increasing criminalization and mandatory sentences per bill's felony-level enhancements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Sentencing Violent Crime

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 28, 2025

HB 1324: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in assault, providing for the offense of bullying.

HB 1324 creates a new criminal offense for bullying in Pennsylvania, defined as committing specific crimes (like assault or property damage) with the intent to harass, intimidate, or cause fear. It directly affects individuals who commit these acts with bullying intent, classifying the offense as a misdemeanor (typically third-degree for minor crimes, or one degree higher for more serious offenses). Sentencing enhancements for severe cases are directed to the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing. The bill excludes labor disputes and constitutionally protected activities from coverage. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new bullying offense with enhanced sentencing, expanding criminalization in criminal justice context85% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing Violent Crime

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 6, 2025

SB 387: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) 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 for sentence of persons under the age of 18 for murder, murder of an unborn child and murder of a law enforcement officer; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole power.

SB 387 modifies Pennsylvania sentencing for murder offenses. It sets a minimum 25-year prison term for adults convicted of second-degree murder, murder of an unborn child, or murder of a law enforcement officer. For minors under 18 convicted of these crimes, it establishes minimum terms: 20 years for those aged 15+ at the time of offense, and 15 years for those under 15. The bill also restricts parole eligibility, requiring the Board of Probation and Parole to wait at least 20 years for offenders aged 15+ and 15 years for younger minors before considering parole, prioritizing public safety and victim safety.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeImposes mandatory minimum sentences (25+ years) and restricts parole eligibility, increasing punitive measures without rehabilitation focus.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 25, 2025

SB 635: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, providing for sentencing for offenses committed near drug and alcohol recovery houses.

SB 635 amends Pennsylvania sentencing law to impose stricter penalties for certain drug-related offenses committed within 1,000 feet of a drug and alcohol recovery house. Specifically, it requires the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to create enhanced penalties for offenses under the Controlled Substance Act (sections 13(a)(12), (14), or (30)) when committed near these facilities. The bill defines "drug and alcohol recovery house" using existing law (Section 2311-A of the Administrative Code). This policy change directly affects individuals convicted of targeted drug offenses near recovery centers, increasing potential sentencing severity. The bill passed final passage on June 25, 2025.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeImposes stricter penalties for drug offenses near recovery houses, increasing mandatory sentencing rather than promoting rehabilitation or reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 20, 2025

HB 641: An Act amending Titles 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second and subsequent offenses; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole power.

HB 641 requires individuals convicted of a "crime of violence" (as defined in the bill) and sentenced under Pennsylvania's second or subsequent offense provisions to serve 70% of their maximum sentence before becoming eligible for parole. This applies to serious offenses including murder, aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery, and drug-related crimes resulting in death. The bill does not change the actual sentence length but modifies parole eligibility for repeat offenders in these categories. It affects only those convicted of specific violent crimes under the defined second or subsequent offense rules.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRequires 70% sentence served before parole for repeat violent offenders, increasing custody time without changing sentence length, aligning with restrictive sentencing policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing Violent Crime

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jul 3, 2025

HB 1698: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in assault, further providing for the offense of terrorism.

HB 1698 amends Pennsylvania's terrorism statute (Title 18, Section 2717) to increase sentencing for terrorism-related assaults. Specifically, it raises the maximum prison term for individuals convicted of terrorism when the underlying violent offense is a first-degree felony from 40 years to life imprisonment, while maintaining a $100,000 maximum fine. This change directly affects defendants convicted under this terrorism provision who commit first-degree felony assaults. The bill modifies existing sentencing guidelines without creating new offenses or expanding the definition of terrorism. It will take effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases terrorism assault sentencing to life imprisonment, directly expanding mandatory penalties per 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing Violent Crime

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 31, 2025

SB 913: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, providing for sentencing for offenses committed while engaged in riots.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's sentencing guidelines to increase penalties for specific offenses committed during riots. It requires the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to create enhanced penalties for crimes like simple assault, aggravated assault, burglary, and criminal trespass when these occur while violating riot laws (18 Pa.C.S. § 5501). The key mechanism is adding a sentencing enhancement factor for such circumstances, modifying the standard penalty ranges for these offenses. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of these specific crimes during riot-related incidents.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for riot-related offenses, expanding criminalization and harsher sentencing - opposes reform efforts by strengthening punitive measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing Violent Crime

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