Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2359

Introduced

6/3/24

Refer

6/3/24

Caption

In theft and related offenses, further providing for the offense of theft of leased property.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2359 would have significant implications for state laws concerning property rights and theft. By refining the legal definitions associated with the theft of leased property, the bill may lead to increased accountability for individuals who wrongfully retain or damage property that is leased. This could provide landlords with greater legal recourse, ultimately affecting landlord-tenant relationships and encouraging adherence to leasing agreements.

Summary

House Bill 2359 addresses the offense of theft related to leased property, proposing specific provisions that aim to clarify and expand the legal framework surrounding such offenses. The bill seeks to define theft in the context of leased items more explicitly, providing guidance for enforcement and legal adjudication. This legislative initiative is designed to enhance protections for property owners by ensuring that theft of their leased property is adequately addressed under law, potentially serving to deter future offenses.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 2359 appears to lean towards support from property owners and some legislative members who advocate for stronger protections against theft. Proponents argue that clarifying the law will assist law enforcement and create a more uniform enforcement strategy. Conversely, concerns arise from tenant advocacy groups who fear that such legislation could increase tensions in landlord-tenant relationships, leading to conflicts over the definition of theft and potential misinterpretations of the law.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 2359 center around the balance of rights between landlords and tenants. Critics articulate worries that the bill may be misused by landlords to unjustly penalize tenants for minor infractions or misunderstandings regarding leased items. The discussions highlight a fundamental tension between protecting property rights and ensuring fair treatment of tenants, indicating a need for safeguards to prevent possible abuses of the new definitions proposed by the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB527

In theft and related offenses, further providing for the offense of theft of mail.

PA HB192

In theft and related offenses, further providing for the offense of retail theft.

PA HB696

In theft and related offenses, providing for the offense of theft of mail.

PA SB596

In theft and related offenses, further providing for the offense of organized retail theft; and establishing the Office of Deputy Attorney General for Organized Retail Crime Theft.

PA HB1189

In general provisions, providing for inflation adjustment; in theft and related offenses, further providing for the offenses of retail theft, of library theft and of theft of secondary metal; and, in trade and commerce, further providing for buying or exchanging Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit coupons, stamps, authorization cards or access devices.

PA SB75

Crimes and offenses, theft of property further provided for

PA HB305

Crimes and offenses, theft of property further provided for

PA SB8

Crimes & offenses, provides that theft of mail is theft of property

PA HB838

In theft and related offenses, further providing for the offense of financial exploitation of an older adult or care-dependent person and providing for the offense of financial exploitation of a family or household member and for civil causes of action in cases of financial exploitation; and imposing penalties.

PA SB600

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for sentence for murder, murder of unborn child and murder of law enforcement officer; in arson, criminal mischief and other property destruction, further providing for the offense of arson and related offenses; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.