Pennsylvania House Bill HB165

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/16/25

Caption

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Impact

The implementation of this bill is anticipated to enhance transparency and data-driven decision-making within Pennsylvania's criminal justice system. By compiling thorough data from initial arrests through final case dispositions, stakeholders including law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and community organizations could better understand patterns and disparities within the criminal justice process. Furthermore, the annual reports required by the bill are expected to provide insights that could inform necessary reforms and enhance accountability in law enforcement practices.

Summary

House Bill 165 proposes the establishment of a Unified Criminal Justice Data Collection Program within Pennsylvania. The bill mandates the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, in collaboration with various state agencies, to collect, record, and analyze comprehensive data regarding individuals aged 18 and older who are involved in the criminal justice system. Key data points include details on arrests, charges, trial outcomes, and demographic information pertaining to both defendants and victims, ensuring compliance with federal standards on race and ethnicity classifications.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 165 appears to be favorable among those advocating for criminal justice reform and accountability. Supporters believe that a unified data collection initiative is a critical step towards addressing systemic issues, including racial disparities in arrest and incarceration rates. However, there may be concerns about the potential for misuse of the data collected and ensuring that the confidentiality of personal identifying information is strictly upheld. Balancing transparency while safeguarding individual privacy rights will be a central issue as the bill progresses.

Contention

Notable points of contention relate to how the data will be used and the implications for law enforcement practices. While supporters argue that such data collection could lead to improved policy and oversight, critics warn that the state must take measures to ensure the data is not used punitively or in ways that could infringe on individual rights. Furthermore, the potential costs associated with implementing the data collection program, as well as the required cooperation among multiple agencies, may also pose challenges that lawmakers will need to address.