Further providing for title and for definitions; and making editorial changes.
Impact
The implications of SB187 involve a comprehensive review and potential revision of various state laws to ensure that the updates and definitions align with contemporary legal practices. The bill seeks to eliminate outdated language and clarify definitions that have contributed to legal disputes or confusion in interpretation. Should the bill pass, it is expected to lead to a more uniform application of laws, making them easier for citizens and legal professionals to understand and comply with.
Summary
SB187 aims to provide further clarity for legal definitions related to specific titles within state law, and it includes several editorial changes intended to streamline and modernize the statute. This bill responds to feedback from legal practitioners and stakeholders who have identified areas of confusion or ambiguity within existing regulations, making the language more accessible and precise. The overall goal is to enhance the coherence of legal texts, which can significantly impact how laws are interpreted and enforced in the state.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around SB187 appears to be positive, with many stakeholders appreciating the efforts to make legal texts clearer and more relevant. There are signs of support from legislators who recognize the importance of legal clarity in facilitating better governance and compliance. However, there are also cautious voices that urge scrutiny of the editorial changes to prevent unintended consequences that might arise from altering established legal definitions.
Contention
Notable points of contention in the discussions surrounding SB187 may revolve around which specific definitions are being changed and the potential impact of those changes on existing laws. Critics may express concerns that some editorial changes could introduce ambiguity or confusion, especially if stakeholders are not adequately consulted during the revision process. This highlights the balance that must be maintained between simplifying legal language and preserving the integrity of established legal frameworks.
In human trafficking, further providing for civil causes of action; in minors, further providing for sexual abuse of children; in computer offenses, further providing for definitions, for duty of Internet service provider and for application for order to remove or disable items; in child protective services, further providing for Task Force on Child Pornography; in recidivism risk reduction incentive, further providing for definitions; in Nonnarcotic Medication Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Pilot Program, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for short sentence parole; and making an editorial change.
In sexual offenses, further providing for the offense of unlawful dissemination of intimate image; in minors, further providing for the offense of sexual abuse of children and for the offense of transmission of sexually explicit images by minor; and making editorial changes to replace references to the term "child pornography" with references to the term "child sexual abuse material."
In limitation of time, further providing for infancy, insanity or imprisonment; in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity and for exceptions to governmental immunity; making a repeal; and making editorial changes to replace references to the term "child pornography" with references to the term "child sexual abuse material."
Requires school governing authorities to provide parents with certain information relative to the health risks associated with pornography. (8/1/18) (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)
Requests school governing authorities to distribute information regarding the public health risks associated with pornography and to encourage parents to install Internet filters on home computers.