Criminal Justice (Sentencing)

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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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 15, 2026

SB 1379: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in post-trial matters, further providing for scope of subchapter and for eligibility for relief, providing for postconviction resentencing relief for defendant survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence or human trafficking and further providing for jurisdiction and proceedings; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree and providing for criminal prosecutions involving defendant survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence or human trafficking.

This bill allows individuals in Pennsylvania who are currently serving prison sentences or awaiting execution to request a new sentencing hearing if they were survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, or human trafficking. To qualify, a person must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that their victimization was a significant factor that contributed to their criminal behavior. The law requires petitioners to submit specific documentation, such as medical records, police reports, or sworn statements from witnesses, to support their claim of survivor status and the link between the trauma and their crime. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for filing these petitions in the court where the original conviction occurred and establishes that survivor status can serve as a mitigating circumstance in capital cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides post-conviction resentencing relief for survivors of violence, aligning with criminal justice reform and rehabilitation goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Sentencing Victims' Rights

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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 · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 1311: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, providing for animal abuse registry.

This bill creates a public online registry in Pennsylvania to list individuals convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals, starting in January 2027. The Pennsylvania State Police will maintain this list, which includes photos and identifying details but excludes sensitive numbers like Social Security numbers, and courts will send conviction records to the police within 60 days. People convicted once will remain on the list for two years, while repeat offenders stay for five years or longer, with judges having the option to order a lifetime ban on animal ownership for severe cases. Additionally, anyone selling, transferring, or adopting an animal must check the registry to ensure the buyer is not listed, with penalties including fines and license revocation for those who fail to do so.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by creating a public registry for animal abuse convictions, enhancing accountability and aiding victim protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 2381: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in licensing of drivers, further providing for driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for subsequent convictions of certain offenses.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to increase penalties for driving after a license has been suspended or revoked. It establishes a $200 fine for a first offense, raises fines to between $500 and $2,500 for second or third violations, and mandates fines up to $2,500 plus 30 to 12 months in jail for fourth or subsequent offenses. Additionally, the legislation adjusts sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders of other traffic violations by increasing potential fines and jail time. These changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for driving with a suspended license, strengthening deterrence and public safety within the criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by increasing penalties for driving with suspended licenses, directly addressing public safety concerns.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing Driver Licensing Vehicle Registration

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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 2271: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sexual offenses, further providing for the offense of rape.

This Pennsylvania bill proposes changes to state rape sentencing laws by introducing mandatory hormonal or surgical treatment options for convicted offenders. The legislation would allow courts to order convicted rapists to undergo medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment or voluntarily elect surgical castration as part of their sentence. These measures apply to individuals convicted under specific subsections of the state's rape statute, with maximum sentences ranging from 40 years to life imprisonment depending on the offense severity. The Department of Corrections would administer any ordered treatment starting within one week before the offender's release from incarceration.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill introduces mandatory treatment options for convicted rapists, aiming to reduce recidivism and enhance public safety through rehabilitation measures.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

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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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signed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 27, 2025

HB 355: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in minors, further providing for the offense of corruption of minors and for the offense of unlawful contact with minor.

HB 355 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to strengthen protections for minors by updating the offenses of "corruption of minors" and "unlawful contact with minor." The bill specifically targets adults who exploit or sexually exploit minors through interactions like grooming or inappropriate contact, making these acts clearer and more severe under state law. It directly affects minors (ages 12-17) and adults who engage in prohibited conduct with them, including online interactions. The law increases penalties for these offenses by clarifying prohibited behaviors and strengthening sentencing guidelines, now effective as Act No. 5 of 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens protections for minors by clarifying and increasing penalties for exploitation, grooming, and unlawful contact, directly advancing criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 24, 2025

HB 1021: An Act amending Title 16 (Counties) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in grounds and buildings, repealing provisions relating to room or building for juvenile offenders awaiting trial and providing for rooms or buildings for juveniles; and repealing provisions relating to special provisions for temporary county buildings and for rooms in county buildings in counties of the second class A.

HB 1021 replaces Pennsylvania's current requirement for separate rooms for juvenile offenders awaiting trial with a new system mandating counties to provide dedicated rooms or buildings exclusively for juvenile confinement, detention, and care. It requires county commissioners to establish a board of managers for each facility, composed of county officials and six private citizens with expertise in juvenile development, mental health, and substance use disorders. The board oversees operations, appoints a superintendent, and reports annually to county officials, while counties fund all expenses through annual appropriations. This bill directly affects all Pennsylvania counties, particularly those previously governed by the repealed provisions for second-class A counties. The law focuses on structural changes to juvenile detention facilities rather than altering sentencing or legal procedures.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReplaces juvenile facility requirements with dedicated facilities overseen by experts in juvenile development/mental health, aligning with rehabilitation-focused reform indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Sentencing

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