Criminal Justice

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jul 1, 2026

HR 519: A Resolution directing the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to conduct a study of bail and pretrial release practices and to issue recommendations to the House of Representatives regarding the setting of bail and pretrial release conditions.

This bill directs the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to study current bail and pretrial release practices across the state. The study aims to identify inconsistencies in how bail amounts are set for similar defendants in different jurisdictions and to develop recommendations for more uniform procedures. The Commission must submit its findings and suggestions for reform to the House of Representatives within two years. This resolution does not change existing laws immediately but initiates a review process to potentially improve fairness in pretrial decision-making.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes criminal justice reform by studying bail practices to reduce inconsistencies and improve pretrial release conditions.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 13, 2026

HB 2510: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in juvenile matters, further providing for release or delivery to court and for place of detention.

This bill updates Pennsylvania laws to restrict how juvenile suspects are held in police lockups and defines where they can be detained before a court hearing. It generally prohibits keeping children in adult police facilities, allowing it only for short periods under six hours for tasks like identification or processing, provided the child is separated from adults and under constant supervision. For longer-term detention, the law requires judges to confirm that no less restrictive option exists and mandates that children be placed in approved juvenile facilities rather than adult prisons. Additionally, the bill clarifies that children facing serious charges are entitled to an immediate bail hearing if they are held before trial.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts juvenile detention in adult facilities and prioritizes less restrictive options, aligning with criminal justice reform and protection of civil rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Policing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 1335: An Act amending the act of November 22, 1978 (P.L.1166, No.274), referred to as the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Law, providing for Investigation and Prosecution of Internet Crimes Against Children Program.

This bill creates a new program within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to fund the investigation and prosecution of internet crimes against children. It authorizes the commission to provide grants to law enforcement agencies for establishing task forces that specialize in investigating online sexual offenses and human trafficking involving minors. The funding can also be used to supplement existing federal grants and to train investigators and prosecutors in handling these specific cases. Additionally, the bill requires the commission to set guidelines for awarding these grants, ensuring they are distributed across different geographic areas.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds investigation and prosecution of internet crimes against children, strengthening law enforcement capabilities and protecting victims.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill funds investigation and prosecution of internet crimes against children, enhancing cybersecurity and protecting minors online.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 26, 2026

HB 2530: An Act amending Title 44 (Law and Justice) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in DNA data and testing, further providing for expungement.

HB 2530 updates Pennsylvania's DNA laws to allow for the automatic removal of DNA records from the State DNA Data Bank or Data Base in specific situations. The bill mandates that courts automatically expunge DNA profiles when a conviction is reversed with no pending appeals, when a person receives an unconditional pardon, or if the DNA was collected by mistake. However, the law excludes incarcerated individuals and those convicted of certain serious sex offenses or crimes committed before 1995 from using these automatic expungement provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill supports criminal justice reform by mandating automatic expungement of DNA records after reversals or pardons, protecting civil rights and reducing wrongful convictions.90% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 1351: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in enforcement, providing for racing and noise violations.

This bill authorizes police officers in Philadelphia to tow and impound vehicles involved in street racing, reckless driving, or excessive noise violations between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. It establishes a clear process for vehicle recovery, requiring owners to pay towing fees, storage costs, and a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. Owners also have the right to request an administrative hearing within 10 days to contest the impoundment, and any collected fines must be used to fund local traffic safety programs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens law enforcement capabilities to address street racing and noise violations, enhancing public safety and criminal justice enforcement.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances road safety by authorizing impoundment of vehicles involved in racing and reckless driving, protecting public transportation infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Traffic Safety Vehicle Registration

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 2376: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for civil immigration arrests in houses of worship.

This bill prohibits law enforcement officers from detaining or arresting individuals for civil immigration violations on the property of houses of worship. The only exception allows for arrests if the officer is acting in an official capacity and holds a valid judicial warrant. Additionally, the legislation bars state and local agencies from using taxpayer funds to conduct immigration enforcement and imposes a $10,000 civil penalty for any violations of these rules.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts immigration enforcement in religious spaces and bars taxpayer funding for such actions, enhancing police accountability and protecting civil rights.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill restricts state immigration enforcement and protects immigrant access to houses of worship.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 8, 2026

HR 480: A Resolution designating July 15, 2026, as "Court Appointed Special Advocates Day" in Pennsylvania.

This resolution designates July 15, 2026, as "Court Appointed Special Advocates Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the work of the state's Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. The bill directly affects CASA volunteers and staff who provide free advocacy for abused and neglected children within the court system. By officially recognizing the date of the program's incorporation, the measure aims to highlight the contributions of these trained volunteers who help ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable youth. The resolution serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new laws or funding requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill honors CASA volunteers who advocate for abused children in the court system, strengthening support within the juvenile justice framework.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 27, 2026

HB 2531: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in obstructing governmental operations, further providing for disarming law enforcement officer.

This bill introduces a new crime in Pennsylvania called disarming a law enforcement officer, which would apply to corrections officers and school security guards as well. It makes it a third-degree felony to take or try to take a firearm, rifle, shotgun, or other weapon from these officials when they are working, provided the person knows or has reason to know who they are. The law would take effect 60 days after it is signed into law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates a new felony for disarming law enforcement officers, enhancing protections for officials and strengthening public safety within the criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 2343: 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 sentencing, providing for electronic monitoring with victim notification.

This bill expands Pennsylvania's protection from abuse laws by allowing courts to establish specific geographic 'exclusion zones' that defendants cannot enter. It authorizes the use of GPS electronic monitoring devices for defendants in protection orders or sentencing, which would automatically alert law enforcement and, with the victim's consent, the victim if the defendant enters a prohibited area. The bill also clarifies that the defendant is responsible for paying all costs related to the monitoring equipment and services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens protection from abuse laws via exclusion zones and GPS monitoring, enhancing victim safety and law enforcement capabilities.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill utilizes GPS technology to enhance victim safety and law enforcement response, strengthening protective measures through digital monitoring.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Victims' Rights

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 2368: An Act providing for standardized human trafficking screening and intervention protocols in health care facilities; imposing duties on the Department of Health; and providing for training and enforcement.

This bill requires Pennsylvania health care facilities, including emergency departments and urgent care centers, to adopt standardized protocols for identifying and assisting patients who may be victims of human trafficking. The Department of Health is tasked with creating these guidelines within 180 days, which will include trauma-informed screening questions, private interview procedures, and specific steps for referring individuals to support services even if they do not wish to involve law enforcement. To ensure staff are prepared, the law mandates that all clinical and patient-facing employees complete initial training upon hiring and undergo continuing education every two years. Additionally, facilities must annually report de-identified data on screenings and referrals to the Department of Health, which will then submit a summary report to the General Assembly.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens victim protection and law enforcement response to human trafficking through standardized screening and support protocols.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates standardized screening and intervention protocols to protect vulnerable patients and improve access to support services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement

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