Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB653

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/8/23
• Refer: 5/8/23

Caption

Establishing a hate group database; and imposing powers and duties on the Attorney General.

Impact

The introduction of SB 653 seeks to amend existing Pennsylvania law to improve the state's response to hate crimes. By centralizing information about hate groups, the database will assist law enforcement in identifying, preventing, and prosecuting related crimes more efficiently. This legislation aims to provide law enforcement agencies with crucial intelligence, thereby improving community safety and potentially reducing incidents of hate crimes across the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 653 aims to establish a Statewide hate group database that would be administered by the Pennsylvania Attorney General. This database is intended to track hate crimes and monitor activities of designated hate groups, enhancing the state's law enforcement capabilities. The bill outlines the definitions of 'hate groups' and 'hate crimes' and sets forth the operational framework for collecting, maintaining, and disseminating intelligence information about such groups. It includes provisions for a dedicated hate group unit within the Attorney General's office to investigate and prosecute hate crimes effectively.

Sentiment

The reception of Senate Bill 653 has been mixed, reflecting a significant divide among various stakeholders. Proponents of the bill, including certain lawmakers and community advocates, argue that it is a necessary tool to combat rising hate crimes and ensure that law enforcement is equipped with the necessary information to address such issues. Conversely, opponents raise concerns about privacy and civil liberties, arguing that the creation of a hate group database could infringe on individuals' rights and lead to potential misuse of sensitive information.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding SB 653 include concerns about the criteria for designating groups as hate groups and the implications of maintaining personal intelligence information. Critics argue that the bill could lead to overreach and complicate the balance between security and civil rights. Further debate is expected over the regulations governing access to the database and the protection of individual privacy rights, particularly regarding the handling of intelligence information that is not intended for public disclosure.