Criminal Justice (Judges)

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.