Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB835

Introduced
4/4/23  

Caption

In protection from abuse, further providing for definitions.

Impact

The introduction of HB 835 is expected to have significant implications for how abuse cases are handled in the Commonwealth. By refining the definition of abuse to encompass a broader range of actions and threats, the bill facilitates a more robust response from legal systems, thereby potentially decreasing the incidence of unreported or mishandled cases of domestic violence. Furthermore, legal practitioners may find it easier to advise clients and pursue protective measures under the updated definitions provided by the bill.

Summary

House Bill 835 aims to amend Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to provide a clearer definition of 'abuse' within the context of protection from abuse laws. The bill seeks to enhance protections for victims of domestic violence and ensure that the legal framework is appropriately aligned with contemporary understandings of abuse. This adjustment in definitions is crucial in providing better legal support and tools for victims seeking protection through the courts.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 835 indicate a general sentiment favoring the bill among advocates for domestic violence victims. Supporters believe that clearer definitions will lead to more effective protections and support for victims, thereby fostering a safer environment. However, there may also be concerns about how these definitions are applied in practice and the potential for overreach in terms of legal interpretations. This duality reflects a cautious optimism about the bill while keeping an eye on its implications for due process.

Contention

While HB 835 has wide support from advocacy groups and legal experts, some lawmakers have raised concerns regarding the operationalization of the expanded definitions. Critics may argue that such changes could result in an increase in frivolous claims or could complicate existing legal frameworks designed to protect accused individuals as well. The debate is likely to focus on striking a balance between robust protections for victims and fair legal standards for those accused.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB796

In protection from abuse, further providing for definitions and for relief.

PA HB1432

In protection from abuse, further providing for definitions.

PA HB1187

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition prohibited; in criminal homicide, further providing for the offense of murder; in assault, further providing for the offense of stalking and for the offense of unauthorized administration of intoxicant; in sexual offenses, further providing for definitions and for the offense of rape, repealing provisions relating to the offense of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and further providing for the offense of sexual assault, for the offense of institutional sexual assault, for the offense of sexual assault by sports official, volunteer or employee of nonprofit association, for the offense of aggravated indecent assault and for general rule relating to loss of property rights; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and for order authorizing interception of wire, electronic or oral communications; in public indecency, further providing for the offense of prostitution and related offenses; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms; in minors, further providing for transmission of sexually explicit images by minor; in criminal history record information, further providing for expungement and for juvenile records; in child custody, further providing for consideration of criminal conviction; in protection from abuse, further providing for definitions; in child protective services, further providing for definitions, for exclusions from child abuse and for employees having contact with children and adoptive and foster parents; in domestic and sexual violence victim address confidentiality, further providing for penalties; in limitation of time, further providing for infancy, insanity or imprisonment, for no limitation applicable and for other offenses; in depositions and witnesses, further providing for spouses as witnesses against each other and for hearsay; in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for inspection of court files and records, for law enforcement records, for conduct of hearings, for transfer to criminal proceedings and for assessment of delinquent children by the State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board; in court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain sexually violent persons, further providing for definitions and for court-ordered involuntary treatment; in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second or subsequent offenses, for sentences for offenses against elderly persons, for sentences for offenses against infant persons, for sentences for offenses committed while impersonating a law enforcement officer, for sentencing for trafficking of persons, for definitions, for sexual offenses and tier system, for termination of period of registration for juvenile offenders, for assessments, for registration and for assessments; in judicial change of name, further providing for change by order of court; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole procedure; and, in interstate compacts, further providing for supervision of persons paroled by other states.

PA SB221

In protection from abuse, further providing for definitions and for relief.

PA HB370

Further providing for definitions; providing for domestic abuse reporting by health care practitioners; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1059

In child protective services, further providing for definitions.

PA SB123

In protection from abuse, further providing for definitions and for relief.

PA HB104

In protection from abuse, further providing for definitions and for relief.

PA HB2621

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for duties of department and agencies; and providing for registration of abuse and neglect perpetrators.

PA HB940

In child protective services, further providing for definitions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.