Criminal Justice (Corrections)

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 22, 2026

SB 1386: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in miscellaneous provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for the offense of off-road vehicles in urban municipalities, for the offense of fleeing or attempting to elude police officer and for the offense of reckless driving.

This bill amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to specifically address the operation of off-road vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes, within urban municipalities. It establishes new offenses for driving these vehicles in cities and counties that are not currently covered by existing regulations, as well as for fleeing police officers on such vehicles. The legislation sets specific fines and potential jail time for violations, including a misdemeanor charge if three or more people operate these vehicles recklessly in an urban area. Additionally, the bill clarifies that reckless driving on all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes in these designated areas will be treated with the same penalties as reckless driving on standard road vehicles.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating new offenses for off-road vehicles and fleeing police, increasing penalties and restricting lawful use.90% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationBill restricts off-road vehicle use in urban areas and imposes penalties, limiting transportation options.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing Roads & Highways Vehicle Registration

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 5, 2026

HB 2603: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and providing for wearable recording devices; and imposing penalties.

This Pennsylvania bill regulates wearable recording devices, such as smartwatches and glasses, by requiring them to have a visible light that indicates when they are recording audio or video. It mandates that retailers provide customers with clear written notices about how these devices must be operated and prohibits the sale or use of devices that lack this visual indicator or have it disabled. Under the new rules, individuals must obtain explicit consent from anyone they record in private areas, and they cannot record others without their knowledge if the device's visual indicator is missing or turned off. Manufacturers face escalating financial penalties for selling non-compliant devices, while retailers who fail to provide proper notices may incur fines after repeated violations. Law enforcement officers and correctional facility personnel are exempt from these requirements when conducting investigations or ensuring security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances police accountability and protects civil rights by regulating wearable recording devices and requiring consent, reducing covert surveillance risks.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates visual indicators on recording devices and requires explicit consent, directly protecting consumer privacy and data rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 1284: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) 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, in sentencing, further providing for sentences for offenses committed against law enforcement officer.

This bill increases the maximum prison sentences for people convicted of attempting, conspiring, or soliciting murder, including the murder of unborn children and law enforcement officers. It establishes a 40-year maximum for these crimes when serious bodily injury occurs, and up to life imprisonment when serious bodily injury results specifically from attempts against law enforcement officers. Additionally, the law mandates a minimum 20-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of attempting, conspiring, or soliciting the murder of a law enforcement officer where serious bodily injury is caused, or for assaulting a law enforcement officer.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases maximum prison sentences and mandates minimum 20-year terms, expanding criminalization and restricting defendant rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement 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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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 8, 2026

HB 2501: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) 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, in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second and subsequent offenses and for life imprisonment for homicides.

This bill updates sentencing laws in Pennsylvania to impose stricter penalties for specific serious crimes, including second-degree murder, the murder of unborn children, and the murder of law enforcement officers. Under the new rules, defendants convicted of these offenses would face a minimum prison term of 35 years, with life imprisonment without parole becoming mandatory if a judge finds the person directly caused the death or was an active participant in the killing. The legislation also expands the definition of "crime of violence" to include these offenses, which could lead to harsher sentences for individuals with prior criminal records. Additionally, the bill requires courts to consider victim impact statements and various factors related to the crime and the defendant's history when deciding on life sentences.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory minimum sentences and expands life imprisonment, restricting judicial discretion and defendant rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Judges Sentencing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 8, 2026

HB 2495: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in miscellaneous provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for the offense of homicide by vehicle while driving under influence.

This bill creates a new criminal offense in Pennsylvania for unintentionally causing death while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It directly affects drivers who kill someone while impaired, raising the penalty from a second-degree felony to a mandatory first-degree felony. The law also sets specific minimum prison terms, such as five years for a first offense and longer sentences for repeat offenders or those with prior DUI convictions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory prison sentences and expands criminal liability for DUI fatalities, restricting judicial discretion and enhancing punishment severity.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by increasing penalties for DUI-related fatalities, thereby protecting public welfare on roads.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Violent Crime Traffic Safety Vehicle Registration

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 17, 2026

HB 2281: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in juries and jurors, further providing for qualifications of jurors.

This bill proposes to change how Pennsylvania determines who is eligible to serve on juries by removing a specific disqualification for people currently serving prison sentences. Under the current law, individuals convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year in prison are barred from jury service, but this bill would allow them to serve while they are incarcerated. The change would apply to all citizens who meet the basic age and residency requirements for voting, regardless of their criminal conviction status. The legislation would become effective 60 days after being signed into law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands jury eligibility to incarcerated individuals, promoting criminal justice reform and reducing barriers to civic participation for people with criminal records.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 2276: An Act amending Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general administration relating to correctional institutions, providing for boards of prison inspectors in State correctional institutions.

This bill establishes new Boards of Prison Inspectors at each Pennsylvania State correctional institution to oversee facility conditions and operations. The boards will consist of 18 members including medical professionals, educators, law enforcement officers, county officials, and community representatives, with at least one member being a former inmate or family member of an inmate. Each board will conduct unannounced inspections at least twice annually, review inmate complaints and officer misconduct records, and submit public reports on their findings. Board members serve three-year terms without pay but receive expense reimbursement, and they are prohibited from being current employees of the correctional system.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes oversight boards to improve prison conditions and operations, enhancing accountability and protecting inmate rights within the correctional system.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill includes medical professionals on prison inspector boards to oversee facility conditions, which supports healthcare oversight in correctional settings.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement Probation & Parole

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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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