Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB975

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/31/23
• Refer: 10/31/23
• Refer: 3/20/24
• Report Pass: 4/8/24
• Engrossed: 4/10/24
• Refer: 4/10/24

Caption

In assault, further providing for the offense of terroristic threats.

Impact

If enacted, SB 975 would have significant implications for state laws regarding public safety and the penalization of threatening behaviors. The new provisions would enable law enforcement agencies to recover costs incurred from responses to incidents involving terroristic threats, which include expenses related to evacuations and the mobilization of emergency services. This represents a shift towards ensuring that those who create such disruptions bear some financial responsibility for the societal impacts of their actions, thereby potentially deterring future offenses.

Summary

Senate Bill 975 seeks to amend the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically Title 18, which deals with Crimes and Offenses, by addressing the offense of terroristic threats. The bill expands the definition of terroristic threats to include not only direct threats of violence but also those that cause serious public inconvenience or evoke terror, as well as threats affecting schools and educational facilities. It emphasizes the accountability of individuals who make terroristic threats by imposing costs associated with emergency responses, such as police and fire services, resulting from their actions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 975 appears to be largely supportive among legislators who prioritize public safety and seek stringent measures against threats that can cause panic or result in significant public inconvenience. However, concerns have been raised regarding the breadth of the definition of terroristic threats and the potential for misuse or overreach in enforcement. Opponents argue that the law could disproportionately affect individuals and communities, especially in scenarios involving miscommunication or false alarms, raising issues of justice and proportionality.

Contention

The discussion of SB 975 highlighted a notable contention regarding the balance between enhancing public safety and upholding individual rights. Critics have pointed out that the expanded definitions may lead to excessive penalties for behavior that may not warrant such measures, particularly in cases involving students or young individuals. Additionally, the financial burden imposed on offenders could be viewed as punitive, raising ethical questions about the justice system's treatment of those accused of such threats, especially in educational settings.