Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB969

Introduced
11/16/23  

Caption

In riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc; and imposing penalties.

Impact

Should SB969 be enacted, it would significantly impact state laws regarding the regulation of gambling and related offenses. Enhancements in the penal system could lead to more severe punishments for individuals engaging in gambling or disorderly conduct that disrupts public peace. This legislative move is likely intended to deter such behaviors and promote a safer community environment. Law enforcement agencies would also be empowered with clearer guidelines when addressing these issues, potentially improving the efficiency of legal responses to related offenses.

Summary

SB969 addresses issues related to riot and disorderly conduct, focusing specifically on the offenses associated with gambling devices and gambling activities. The bill aims to further clarify the definitions of these offenses and to impose stricter penalties on violations. By expanding the scope of what constitutes disorderly behavior and the associated penalties for such conduct, the bill seeks to enhance public order and address the specific challenges arising from gambling-related offenses.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB969 appears to be supportive among legislative supporters who advocate for stricter regulations on gambling and disorderly conduct. Proponents argue that strengthening penalties will discourage public disturbances and promote community safety. However, there may also be concerns regarding the implications of stricter enforcement on individual rights and freedoms, particularly regarding the gambling penalties. Thus, while there is a sense of urgency to correct issues related to public order, the bill may face scrutiny from civil liberty advocates.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB969 may arise from concerns about the potential overreach in penalties related to gambling and disorderly conduct. Critics might argue that the defined scope of these offenses could lead to excessive punitive measures that disproportionately affect certain groups within society. As the bill proposes to impose stricter penalties, the debate may hinge on whether such measures are necessary or if they risk infringing upon personal freedoms and rights. The implications of increased law enforcement authority in this domain are likely to invoke significant discussion.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB521

In riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for gambling devices, gambling, etc.

PA HB1637

In riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for gambling devices, gambling, etc.

PA SB1142

In revenues, further providing for establishment of State Gaming Fund and net slot machine revenue distribution; adding provisions relating to local gaming terminals by providing for general provisions, for application and licensure, for operation, for enforcement and for revenue; imposing the local gaming terminal tax; establishing the Local Gaming Fund; providing for ethics; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; in Commonwealth services, establishing the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Programs Fund; prescribing penalties; and making appropriations.

PA HB1141

In revenues, further providing for taxes and assessments; adding provisions relating to local gaming terminals by providing for general provisions, for administration, for application and licensure, for operation, for enforcement and for revenue; imposing the local gaming terminal tax; establishing the Local Gaming Fund; providing for ethics; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; in Commonwealth services, establishing the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Programs Fund; prescribing penalties; and making appropriations.

PA HB41

Gambling offenses; revised to increase penalties for violations

PA SB517

Relating to gambling criminal offenses and a defense to prosecution for a gambling offense; increasing criminal penalties.

PA HB2042

In revenues, providing for audits of Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Trust Fund; in administration and enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for records and confidentiality of information; in application and licensure, further providing for establishment licenses, for license or permit prohibition, for issuance and renewal and for conditional licenses; in operation, further providing for testing and certification of terminals and for video gaming limitations, providing for hours of operation and further providing for terminal placement agreements and for compulsive and problem gambling; in enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in revenues, further providing for distribution of local share, for regulatory assessments and for transfers from Video Gaming Fund; in ethics, further providing for political influence; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; providing for implementation; and making a repeal.

PA HB152

Alabama Gaming Commission, established, duties provided for; casino-style games, sports wagering, and lottery games, regulated; gambling offenses, further provided

PA HB73

Relating to the criminal offenses applicable to gambling and gambling devices.

PA SB311

Relating to the criminal offenses applicable to gambling and gambling devices.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.