Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1399

Introduced
6/13/23  
Refer
6/13/23  
Refer
3/19/24  
Report Pass
3/20/24  
Engrossed
3/20/24  

Caption

In employees, providing for visible badges required.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1399 would standardize identification requirements across municipalities, impacting existing laws concerning police identification and visibility. Municipalities would need to ensure that their police officers comply with this new requirement, which may necessitate updates to uniforms or practices to align with the law. The intent behind this bill is to foster better public safety and clarity regarding law enforcement personnel, thereby potentially improving community relations and accountability.

Summary

House Bill 1399 aims to amend Title 53 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by requiring uniformed police officers in municipalities to visibly display a badge, tag, or label that clearly identifies them at all times. This legislation seeks to enhance accountability and transparency in law enforcement by ensuring that officers are easily identifiable to the public, which could potentially increase trust in police interactions. The bill explicitly provides exceptions for officers not in uniform who are authorized to make arrests, acknowledging the various scenarios in which police may operate.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1399 appears to be generally positive among proponents who advocate for stronger identification measures in law enforcement. Advocates argue that visible identification can deter misconduct and reinforce lawful conduct among officers. However, it may also face scrutiny and opposition from those concerned about the implications for officer safety and operational effectiveness, particularly regarding how visible badges could compromise undercover operations or certain law enforcement duties.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 1399 may arise from discussions about the practicality of requiring all uniformed officers to display identification and the potential burdens this may place on law enforcement agencies. Some critics could argue that the measure might not address deeper issues of police accountability and might distract from more comprehensive reforms needed in law enforcement practices. The debate will likely focus on balancing the necessity for officer visibility and the operational realities of police work.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1297

In employees, providing for ballistic armor for law enforcement officers.

PA HB462

Providing for actions by law enforcement; and, in employees, providing for use of force recordkeeping and reporting for law enforcement agencies.

PA HB482

In employees, providing for temporary police assistance in cities.

PA HB1579

In constables, further providing for townships, providing for bond, further providing for police officers, providing for bail bond enforcement agent, for professional bondsman, for debt collection, for other incompatible employment, for disqualification and for nepotism, further providing for conduct and insurance, for program established, for program contents, for restricted account and for general imposition of duties and grant of powers, providing for constabulary badge and uniform, repealing provisions relating to arrest of offenders against forest laws, further providing for executions, for arrest in boroughs, for fees and for specific fees, repealing provisions relating to impounding, selling and viewing fees, further providing for seizure fees, for election notice in certain areas, for incompetence and for compensation violation, repealing provisions relating to failure to serve in a township and providing for oversight; authorizing county constabulary review boards; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1604

In employees, providing for mandatory firearms training for certain officers.

PA HB2445

In transportation network service, further providing for transportation network company drivers and for personal vehicle requirements.

PA HB658

In employees, providing for temporary police assistance in certain cities and townships.

PA SB332

In employees, providing for use of force and deadly force policy for law enforcement agencies; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1368

In rules of the road in general, further providing for speed timing devices.

PA HB911

In employees, providing for law enforcement officer benefits for surviving family members.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.