Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2587

Introduced
10/9/24  

Caption

In assault, further providing for the offense of stalking.

Impact

If passed, HB 2587 will amend existing criminal law to provide a more robust response to stalking offenses, enhancing both the legal tools available to law enforcement and the protections offered to victims. With clearer definitions — possibly including vocal or technological harassment — the bill is seen as a crucial step toward addressing the complexities of stalking, especially in an era where digital interactions are commonplace. This change is anticipated to bolster community efforts in combatting stalking and protecting victims more effectively.

Summary

House Bill 2587 is focused on redefining the legal framework surrounding the offense of stalking in the state. The bill aims to provide clearer definitions and enhanced penalties for stalking, which is intended to strengthen the protections available for victims of this crime. By updating and refining the stalking statute, legislators express their intent to make it more effective in absolutely deterring such behaviors and ensuring that victims have recourse through law enforcement and the judicial system.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2587 is predominantly supportive among legislators and advocacy groups focused on victim rights. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary update to existing laws, highlighting a growing awareness and recognition of the serious impact that stalking can have on individuals. However, there may be some contention related to the definitions and penalties proposed, with concerns from certain stakeholders about how the law may be applied and its implications for personal freedoms.

Contention

Notable points of contention include debates surrounding the specifics of what constitutes stalking under the new definitions being proposed, as well as the potential impact of increased penalties. Opponents may raise concerns about the breadth of the definitions, fearing that they could lead to overreach in law enforcement or unintended consequences for individuals engaged in non-threatening behaviors. The discussions around these aspects emphasize the need for a careful balance between effective protection for victims and safeguarding individual liberties.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB416

In assault, further providing for the offense of stalking.

PA HB407

In assault, further providing for the offense of stalking.

PA HB2586

In assault, further providing for the offense of stalking.

PA HB2584

In assault, further providing for the offense of stalking.

PA HB1187

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition prohibited; in criminal homicide, further providing for the offense of murder; in assault, further providing for the offense of stalking and for the offense of unauthorized administration of intoxicant; in sexual offenses, further providing for definitions and for the offense of rape, repealing provisions relating to the offense of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and further providing for the offense of sexual assault, for the offense of institutional sexual assault, for the offense of sexual assault by sports official, volunteer or employee of nonprofit association, for the offense of aggravated indecent assault and for general rule relating to loss of property rights; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and for order authorizing interception of wire, electronic or oral communications; in public indecency, further providing for the offense of prostitution and related offenses; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms; in minors, further providing for transmission of sexually explicit images by minor; in criminal history record information, further providing for expungement and for juvenile records; in child custody, further providing for consideration of criminal conviction; in protection from abuse, further providing for definitions; in child protective services, further providing for definitions, for exclusions from child abuse and for employees having contact with children and adoptive and foster parents; in domestic and sexual violence victim address confidentiality, further providing for penalties; in limitation of time, further providing for infancy, insanity or imprisonment, for no limitation applicable and for other offenses; in depositions and witnesses, further providing for spouses as witnesses against each other and for hearsay; in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for inspection of court files and records, for law enforcement records, for conduct of hearings, for transfer to criminal proceedings and for assessment of delinquent children by the State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board; in court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain sexually violent persons, further providing for definitions and for court-ordered involuntary treatment; in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second or subsequent offenses, for sentences for offenses against elderly persons, for sentences for offenses against infant persons, for sentences for offenses committed while impersonating a law enforcement officer, for sentencing for trafficking of persons, for definitions, for sexual offenses and tier system, for termination of period of registration for juvenile offenders, for assessments, for registration and for assessments; in judicial change of name, further providing for change by order of court; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole procedure; and, in interstate compacts, further providing for supervision of persons paroled by other states.

PA HB28

In assault, further providing for the offense of aggravated assault.

PA HB116

In assault, further providing for the offense of aggravated assault.

PA SB494

In sexual offenses, further providing for the offense of statutory sexual assault.

PA SB975

In assault, further providing for the offense of terroristic threats.

PA HB1236

In assault, further providing for the offense of assault of law enforcement officer; and making editorial changes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.