Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB652

Introduced
5/8/23  

Caption

In Office of Attorney General, further providing for legal advice and civil matters and for criminal prosecutions.

Impact

If enacted, SB652 would significantly empower the Attorney General's Office by allowing it to intervene in various legal actions involving the Commonwealth. This includes representing the Commonwealth in cases of civil litigation and criminal prosecutions, which are crucial for maintaining order and upholding the rights of citizens. The bill would also allow for the Attorney General to collaborate with district attorneys, particularly in cases where resources may be limited, ensuring that justice is served effectively and efficiently.

Summary

Senate Bill 652 aims to amend the Commonwealth Attorneys Act to enhance the powers and responsibilities of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania. The bill focuses on providing comprehensive legal representation for the Commonwealth and its agencies in both civil matters and criminal prosecutions, particularly emphasizing cases related to ethnic intimidation. By expanding the Attorney General's jurisdiction and authority, this bill seeks to ensure the effective enforcement of Pennsylvania's laws while addressing issues of civil rights and statewide importance.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB652 appears to be supportive among those who view it as a necessary step to bolster the state's legal framework, particularly in protecting civil rights and addressing ethnic intimidation. However, some concerns may arise regarding the implications of expanding the Attorney General's powers and the potential for overreach in prosecutorial jurisdictions, which could be viewed critically by certain groups advocating for limitations on centralized power.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance of power between the state and local authorities, particularly in terms of who has the jurisdiction over specific criminal cases. Critics might argue that expanding the Attorney General's authority could lead to conflicts with district attorneys and could potentially undermine local governance. The aspect of ethnic intimidation prosecutions is especially sensitive, as it raises questions of resource allocation and the effectiveness of handling such delicate matters at a state level.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB177

In Office of Attorney General, further providing for criminal prosecutions.

PA HB895

In Office of Attorney General, providing for citizens' intervention in conspiracies; and imposing duties on the Office of Attorney General.

PA SB657

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in requirements and prohibitions, providing for Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association; in access, further providing for open-records officer, for appeals officer, for regulations and policies, for requests and for retention of records; in procedure, further providing for requests, for written requests, for electronic access, for creation of record, for production of certain records and for exceptions for public records; in agency response, further providing for general rule and for extension of time; in appeal of agency determination, further providing for filing of appeal and for appeals officers; in judicial review, further providing for civil penalty and for Office of Open Records; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for relation to other laws.

PA HB99

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in access, further providing for open-records officer, for appeals officer, for regulations and policies, for uniform form, for requests and for retention of records and providing for inmate access; in procedure, further providing for written requests, for redaction, for production of certain records and for exceptions for public records; in agency response, further providing for extension of time and providing for relief from vexatious requesters; in appeal of agency determination, further providing for filing of appeal and for appeals officers; in judicial review, further providing for court costs and attorney fees, for civil penalty, for fee limitations and for Office of Open Records; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for relation to other laws.

PA SB386

Further prohibiting certain entities from acquiring an interest in agricultural land; providing for investigation by Attorney General and for responsibilities of purchaser and Attorney General; further providing for forfeiture of lands; providing for real estate auction; and further providing for definitions.

PA HB1995

Further prohibiting certain entities from acquiring an interest in agricultural land; providing for investigation by Attorney General and for responsibilities of purchaser and Attorney General; further providing for forfeiture of lands; providing for real estate auction; and further providing for definitions.

PA HB163

Further prohibiting certain entities from acquiring an interest in agricultural land; providing for investigation by Attorney General and for responsibilities of purchaser and Attorney General; further providing for forfeiture of lands; providing for real estate auction; and further providing for definitions.

PA SB38

Providing for liability for false claims, for adoption of congressional intent of the Federal False Claims Act, for damages, costs and civil penalties, for powers of Attorney General, for qui tam actions and for civil investigative demands.

PA HB798

In powers and duties in general, further providing for departmental reports.

PA HB1437

Providing for liability for false claims, for adoption of congressional intent of the Federal False Claims Act, for damages, costs and civil penalties, for powers of Attorney General, for qui tam actions and for civil investigative demands.

Similar Bills

VA SB1259

Criminal appeals; duties of the Attorney General and attorney for the Commonwealth.

VA HB1157

Attorneys for the Commonwealth; compensation and collection of fees.

VA HB1157

Attorneys for the Commonwealth; compensation and collection of fees.

VA HB2165

Criminal appeals; duties of the Attorney General and attorney for the Commonwealth.

VA HB167

Special grand juries; circuit court to impanel when an unarmed person is killed by law enforcement.

VA HB672

Assistant attorneys for the Commonwealth; Compensation Board to provide for every county and city.

VA SB197

Attorney General; instituting or conducting criminal prosecutions.

VA HB290

Attorney General; instituting or conducting criminal prosecutions.