Pennsylvania House Bill HB104

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/14/25

Caption

In protection from abuse, further providing for definitions and for relief.

Impact

If enacted, HB 104 will significantly impact the enforcement of protection from abuse orders within Pennsylvania. The introduction of electronic monitoring empowers courts to track defendants' movements and enforce boundaries established in protection orders effectively. This may lead to increased confidence among victims that their safety is being prioritized and could reduce instances of reoffending. However, it also raises questions about the implementation logistics and the potential for privacy concerns related to continuous monitoring.

Summary

House Bill 104 aims to enhance protections for individuals affected by domestic abuse by amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The bill proposes the introduction of electronic monitoring devices for defendants who are deemed to pose a substantial risk of violating protection from abuse orders or committing further crimes against victims. This addition is intended to bolster the safety of victims and provide law enforcement with better tools to enforce protective measures effectively. The specific provisions include the requirement that the monitoring devices cannot be removed without proper notification to law enforcement, thereby ensuring added security for those seeking protection.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 104 appears generally supportive among advocacy groups focused on domestic violence prevention and victim rights who view electronic monitoring as a necessary tool for enhancing victim safety. Law enforcement agencies also express positive sentiment, seeing the monitoring as a means to improve compliance with protection orders. Nonetheless, there may be concerns among civil liberties advocates regarding the implications of increased surveillance and the impact on defendants’ rights, leading to some contention in discussions surrounding the bill.

Contention

Key points of contention may arise regarding the scope of electronic monitoring and the conditions under which it may be imposed. Critics of similar measures often argue the potential for misuse and the ethics of monitoring individuals continuously, suggesting that it could lead to broader issues of privacy and state overreach. Additionally, questions regarding the cost of implementing such technology and ensuring that it does not inadvertently penalize individuals who may not pose any real threat could fuel ongoing debates as the bill progresses through the legislative process.