Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1324

Introduced
4/28/25  

Caption

In assault, providing for the offense of bullying.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1324 will classify bullying-related offenses under criminal law and elevate the penalties for defined crimes driven by the intent to intimidate or harass. It introduces a grading system for offenses that would classify them as misdemeanors, reflecting the seriousness of bullying acts in the eyes of the law. This amendment is expected to enhance protections for individuals, particularly vulnerable groups, by addressing behaviors that may lead to fear of bodily injury or property damage. Furthermore, the bill allows for enhanced sentencing guidelines based on the classification of the defined crime, which underscores the gravity with which such offenses will be treated.

Summary

House Bill 1324, introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, aims to amend Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to include a specific offense for bullying. The bill defines bullying as the act of committing a defined crime with the intent to harass, annoy, alarm, or intimidate another individual or group. This legislation seeks to address the increasing concerns over bullying behavior and its potential to inflict emotional and psychological harm on victims. The proposed changes reflect a proactive approach to handle offenses that involve intimidation and harassment within the state's criminal code.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HB 1324 appears largely supportive among advocates for victims of bullying, who believe that formal recognition of bullying as a criminal offense will lead to greater accountability and prevention efforts. Proponents argue that the bill represents a significant step forward in protecting individuals, especially in schools and workplaces. However, some concerns have been raised regarding potential implications for free speech and the broad interpretation of what constitutes bullying. Opponents emphasize the need for a balanced approach that does not inadvertently criminalize ordinary social interactions while still finding effective ways to combat and address bullying behavior.

Contention

A notable point of contention revolves around the operational definitions of bullying and the scope of behaviors it encompasses. Critics argue that the bill might overreach by criminalizing certain expressions that could be interpreted as bullying, thereby stifling free speech. Additionally, there is concern regarding the practical enforcement of these new laws, including how incidents will be documented and prosecuted. The delineation of 'a defined crime' within the context of bullying and ensuring that it aligns with existing laws while effectively addressing the issue has been a significant focus in the discussions surrounding the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB975

In assault, further providing for the offense of terroristic threats.

PA HB1187

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition prohibited; in criminal homicide, further providing for the offense of murder; in assault, further providing for the offense of stalking and for the offense of unauthorized administration of intoxicant; in sexual offenses, further providing for definitions and for the offense of rape, repealing provisions relating to the offense of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and further providing for the offense of sexual assault, for the offense of institutional sexual assault, for the offense of sexual assault by sports official, volunteer or employee of nonprofit association, for the offense of aggravated indecent assault and for general rule relating to loss of property rights; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and for order authorizing interception of wire, electronic or oral communications; in public indecency, further providing for the offense of prostitution and related offenses; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms; in minors, further providing for transmission of sexually explicit images by minor; in criminal history record information, further providing for expungement and for juvenile records; in child custody, further providing for consideration of criminal conviction; in protection from abuse, further providing for definitions; in child protective services, further providing for definitions, for exclusions from child abuse and for employees having contact with children and adoptive and foster parents; in domestic and sexual violence victim address confidentiality, further providing for penalties; in limitation of time, further providing for infancy, insanity or imprisonment, for no limitation applicable and for other offenses; in depositions and witnesses, further providing for spouses as witnesses against each other and for hearsay; in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for inspection of court files and records, for law enforcement records, for conduct of hearings, for transfer to criminal proceedings and for assessment of delinquent children by the State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board; in court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain sexually violent persons, further providing for definitions and for court-ordered involuntary treatment; in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second or subsequent offenses, for sentences for offenses against elderly persons, for sentences for offenses against infant persons, for sentences for offenses committed while impersonating a law enforcement officer, for sentencing for trafficking of persons, for definitions, for sexual offenses and tier system, for termination of period of registration for juvenile offenders, for assessments, for registration and for assessments; in judicial change of name, further providing for change by order of court; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole procedure; and, in interstate compacts, further providing for supervision of persons paroled by other states.

PA HB736

In assault, further providing for the offense of ethnic intimidation; and making an editorial change.

PA SB113

In assault, providing for the offense of hate crimes against law enforcement officers and first responders.

PA HB1069

In assault, further providing for the offense of assault by prisoner, for the offense of aggravated harassment by prisoner and for the offense of assault by life prisoner.

PA HB416

In assault, further providing for the offense of stalking.

PA HB28

In assault, further providing for the offense of aggravated assault.

PA HB1326

In criminal homicide, repealing provisions relating to the offense of drug delivery resulting in death; in assault, providing for the offense of drug delivery resulting in death or serious bodily injury; in arson, criminal mischief and other property destruction, further providing for additional fine for arson committed for profit; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions; in limitation of time, further providing for no limitation applicable and for other offenses; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second and subsequent offenses.

PA HB2653

In assault, providing for the offense of masked intimidation; and imposing penalties.

PA HB2586

In assault, further providing for the offense of stalking.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.