Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB653

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB647

Establishing the Safe Schools Partnership; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Attorney General and the Secretary of Education; providing for a bullying identification, prevention and intervention model plan; and imposing duties on schools and school districts.

PA HB895

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

PA HB1296

In other officers and officials, providing for law enforcement practices and policy; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Attorney General.

PA HB828

Providing for unfair trade practices and for protection of whistleblowers; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Attorney General; establishing the Price-Fixing Consumer Protection Fund; imposing penalties; and making an appropriation.

PA HB586

In firearms and other dangerous articles, providing for encoded ammunition, imposing duties on manufacturers, sellers and owners of ammunition, providing for the powers and duties of the Commissioner of Pennsylvania State Police and the Secretary of Revenue, establishing the encoded ammunition database and the Encoded Ammunition Database Fund, imposing an encoded ammunition database tax and imposing penalties.

PA SB371

Providing for medical debt collection protection; and imposing duties on the Attorney General and the Department of Health.

PA HB1489

Establishing the Lifeline Scholarship Program and the Lifeline Scholarship Fund; and conferring powers and imposing duties on the State Treasury and Auditor General.

PA HB2046

Firearms; establishing a firearm usage database within the Office of the Attorney General; codification; effective date.

PA HB2046

Firearms; establishing a firearm usage database within the Office of the Attorney General; codification; effective date.

PA HB2137

Establishing the Maternal and Newborn Supply Kit Program; and imposing powers and duties on the Department of Health.

Similar Bills

PA SR143

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee to conduct a study on the field of artificial intelligence and its impact and potential future impact in Pennsylvania.

VA HB747

Artificial Intelligence Developer Act; established, civil penalty.

VA HB747

Artificial Intelligence Developer Act; established, civil penalty.

PA HR170

PA HB1063

In sexual offenses, providing for the offense of unlawful dissemination of artificially generated depiction; and, in minors, further providing for the offense of sexual abuse of children and for the offense of transmission of sexually explicit images by minor.

VA HB2094

High-risk artificial intelligence; definitions, development, deployment, and use, civil penalties.

PA SB520

In wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and repealing provisions relating to public access; in enforcement relating to fish, further providing for powers and duties of waterways conservation officers and deputies; in enforcement relating to game, further providing for powers and duties of enforcement officers; in recordings by law enforcement officers, further providing for definitions and for audio recording or video recording policies; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of Department of Corrections; and making transfers between the State Gaming Fund and certain restricted accounts.

PA HB811

Providing for civil liability for fraudulent misrepresentation of candidates; and imposing penalties.