Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2585

Introduced
10/9/24  

Caption

In protection of victims of sexual violence or intimidation, further providing for definitions.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 2585 would impact the legal framework surrounding sexual violence and intimidation in Pennsylvania. By providing clear definitions, the bill intends to strengthen the legal response to harassment and stalking incidents. This could lead to an increase in successful prosecutions against offenders and serve as a deterrent for potential violators, particularly in cases where minors are involved. The clarity provided by the amended definitions may assist law enforcement and judicial bodies in effectively dealing with such cases.

Summary

House Bill 2585 aims to amend Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically concerning the protection of victims of sexual violence and intimidation. The bill seeks to clarify and expand the definitions related to intimidation in the context of harassment and stalking, particularly focusing on the interactions between adults and minors. The primary goal of this amendment is to enhance legal protections for vulnerable populations, ensuring that acts of intimidation are more clearly defined and prosecutable under the law.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2585 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among advocates for victims' rights and child protection. Proponents view the bill as a necessary step toward ensuring greater safety for vulnerable individuals and improving the state's laws on sexual violence and intimidation. However, there may be concerns raised by critics regarding the implications of the expanded definitions and how they might affect individual rights or due process.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to HB 2585 could include debates on the adequacy of existing laws versus the need for new definitions. Discussions might focus on whether the bill effectively addresses the complexities of harassment and intimidation without infringing on individual rights. Furthermore, there may be differing opinions on how these changes could impact law enforcement practices and the judicial process in handling cases of sexual violence.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1024

In assault, further providing for ethnic intimidation; in particular rights and immunities, further providing for civil rights violations; and, in employees, further providing for definitions and providing for annual officer training on hate-based intimidation.

PA SB649

In assault, further providing for ethnic intimidation; in employees, further providing for definitions and providing for police officer training on hate-based intimidation; and making an editorial change.

PA SB1111

In sentencing, further providing for definitions and for sexual offenses and tier system.

PA SB44

In human trafficking, further providing for definitions, for the offense of trafficking in individuals and for the offense of patronizing a victim of sexual servitude; in minors, further providing for unlawful contact with minor; and, in domestic and sexual violence victim address confidentiality, further providing for definitions and for persons eligible to apply.

PA HB1027

In assault, further providing for the offense of ethnic intimidation; and, in particular rights and immunities, further prohibiting civil rights violations.

PA HB940

In child protective services, further providing for definitions.

PA HB835

In protection from abuse, further providing for definitions.

PA SB1299

In human trafficking, further providing for definitions, for victim protection during prosecution and for safe harbor for sexually exploited children; in sex trafficking and missing and abducted children, further providing for county responsibilities; in juvenile matters, further providing for dependency in lieu of delinquency; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1059

In child protective services, further providing for definitions.

PA HB1125

In child protective services, further providing for definitions; and, in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.