Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1118

Introduced
4/2/24  
Refer
4/2/24  
Refer
7/9/24  
Report Pass
7/11/24  
Engrossed
7/11/24  
Refer
7/11/24  
Refer
10/7/24  
Report Pass
10/8/24  
Refer
10/9/24  
Report Pass
10/9/24  
Enrolled
10/21/24  
Chaptered
10/31/24  

Caption

In magisterial district judges, further providing for adjudication alternative program; in licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege, for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation and for driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked, providing for driving while operating privilege is suspended for certain other offenses, for relief from administrative suspension and for relief from administrative suspension participation requirements; in fees, further providing for reinstatement of operating privilege or vehicle registration; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for inability to pay fine and costs.

Impact

This bill impacts state laws by amending how suspensions are handled, specifically addressing the circumstances under which a suspension can occur and offering alternatives for those who are unable to pay fines. It emphasizes fairness and judicial discretion, allowing judges to evaluate a person's ability to pay fines before imposing automatic penalties. Through these amendments, SB1118 seeks to alleviate the burdens on low-income individuals and reduce the state's reliance on punitive fines that can lead to further legal and financial troubles for affected individuals.

Summary

Senate Bill 1118 aims to amend various provisions in Titles 42 and 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning the suspension of driver's licenses and the related penalties for violations. A major component of this bill is the introduction of provisions that ensure individuals whose operating privileges have been suspended due to failure to respond to citations or similar offenses can be placed in court-approved community service programs rather than facing automatic suspension. This is intended to provide an alternative to punitive measures for individuals struggling to pay fines, thus reducing the cycle of poverty-related suspensions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1118 appears largely positive among proponents who view it as a much-needed reform of the current system that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Advocates argue that the bill promotes equity in the legal system and reduces unnecessary hardships by providing alternatives to financial penalties. However, there exists a layer of contention amongst critics who express concern regarding the potential for enabling repeat offenders and the practical implications of implementing community service as a viable alternative.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB1118 include debates over how effective community service as an alternative enforcement mechanism will be in deterring future offenses. Critics point out that without stricter enforcement of registration and licensing laws, the bill might inadvertently enable individuals to continue driving while suspended, complicating the legal landscape. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the administrative burden and resources needed to manage community service programs effectively.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

PA HB1521

In magisterial district judges, further providing for adjudication alternative program; in licensing of drivers, further providing for drivers required to be licensed, for suspension of operating privilege, for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation and for driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked, providing for driving while operating privilege is suspended for certain other offenses, for relief from administrative suspension and for relief from administrative suspension participation requirements; in fees, further providing for reinstatement of operating privilege or vehicle registration; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for inability to pay fine and costs.

PA HB190

In enforcement, further providing for jurisdiction and penalties; in sentencing, further providing for sentencing generally, for fine, for collection of restitution, reparation, fees, costs, fines and penalties and for payment of court costs, restitution and fines, repealing provisions relating to fine and further providing for failure to pay fine; in licensing of drivers, repealing provisions relating to suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation, providing for fee for restoration of operating privilege and further providing for restoration of operating privilege, for occupational limited license and for probationary license; in financial responsibility, further providing for definitions; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, repealing provisions relating to inability to pay fine and costs.

KY HB142

AN ACT relating to real property rights.

PA HB286

In licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation.

AL SB117

Driver's license, provide for the elimination of the suspension of an individual's driver license or driving privilege in certain circumstances

AL HB200

Driver's license, provide for the elimination of the suspension of an individual's driver license or driving privilege in certain circumstances

PA SB328

In sentencing, further providing for payment of court costs, restitution and fines, for fine and for failure to pay fine; in licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for inability to pay fine and costs.

PA SB334

In sentencing, further providing for payment of court costs, restitution and fines, for fine and for failure to pay fine; in licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for inability to pay fine and costs.