Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1562

Introduced
6/5/25  

Caption

In sports and amusements, repealing provisions relating to fortune telling.

Impact

The passage of HB 1562 would signify a shift in how the state approaches the regulation of fortune telling. By removing the associated criminal penalties, the bill could effectively legalize the practice and eliminate the stigma around it. This change could have implications not only for fortune tellers but also for clients seeking their services, offering a new level of protection for both parties under the legal system. Furthermore, the bill reflects a broader trend towards the decriminalization of certain practices that have faced longstanding societal stigma.

Summary

House Bill 1562 aims to amend Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by repealing the existing provisions related to fortune telling. The current statute classifies fortune telling as a third-degree misdemeanor if a person pretends to tell fortunes or predict future events for gain. This bill seeks to eradicate the legal penalties imposed on individuals practicing fortune telling, thereby amending the legal framework that has categorized such activities as criminal offenses under Pennsylvania law.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding bill HB 1562 appears to be mixed, as it fights against a traditional legal framework that some may view as outdated. Proponents argue that repealing these provisions could help modernize the legal code and reduce unnecessary enforcement against individuals seeking alternative methods for guidance. However, there may also be concerns from individuals who believe that fortune telling can propagate fraudulent practices or exploit vulnerable people, creating a divide in public perception regarding the ethics of such activities.

Contention

Key points of contention likely arise from differing views on the legitimacy of fortune telling as an industry. Opponents may express worries that legalizing fortune telling could invite fraudulent practices under the guise of legitimate business, while proponents might argue for individual freedom to engage in practices they believe bring value to their lives. The discussions around HB 1562 also highlight the tension between criminalization and personal choice, with advocates for repealing the law asserting that it is a matter of civil liberties.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1268

Repealing provisions relating to realty transfer tax; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1273

In unconventional gas well fee, repealing provisions relating to expiration; imposing a natural gas tax; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1685

In certification of teachers, repealing provisions relating to CPR instruction; and, in school health services, repealing provisions relating to automatic external defibrillators and providing for AED and CPR instruction and procedure, for Automated External Defibrillator Program and for availability and specifications of automated external defibrillators.

PA HB190

In enforcement, further providing for jurisdiction and penalties; in sentencing, further providing for sentencing generally, for fine, for collection of restitution, reparation, fees, costs, fines and penalties and for payment of court costs, restitution and fines, repealing provisions relating to fine and further providing for failure to pay fine; in licensing of drivers, repealing provisions relating to suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation, providing for fee for restoration of operating privilege and further providing for restoration of operating privilege, for occupational limited license and for probationary license; in financial responsibility, further providing for definitions; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, repealing provisions relating to inability to pay fine and costs.

PA HB2303

In preliminary provisions relating to divorce, further providing for legislative findings and intent, for definitions, for bases of jurisdiction, for effect of agreement between parties and for premarital agreements; in dissolution of marital status, further providing for grounds for divorce, repealing provisions relating to counseling, further providing for grounds for annulment of voidable marriages, repealing provisions relating to defenses, to action where defendant suffering from mental disorder and to general appearance and collusion, further providing for hearing by master, providing for general order of divorce proceedings, repealing provisions relating to jury trial, further providing for decree of court and repealing provisions relating to opening or vacating decrees; in property rights, further providing for definitions and for disposition of property to defeat obligations; in alimony and support, further providing for alimony and repealing provisions relating to bar to alimony; and repealing provisions relating to mediation.

PA HB2304

In provisions relating to abortion, repealing provisions relating to short title of chapter and to legislative intent, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to medical consultation and judgment, to informed consent, to parental consent, to abortion facilities, to printed information, to Commonwealth interference prohibited, to spousal notice, to determination of gestational age, to abortion on unborn child of 24 or more weeks gestational age, to infanticide, to prohibited acts and to reporting, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds and for fetal experimentation and repealing provisions relating to civil penalties, to criminal penalties, to State Board of Medicine and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and to construction; providing for reproductive rights; repealing provisions relating to compliance with Federal health care legislation as to regulation of insurers and related persons generally; imposing penalties; and making an editorial change.

PA HB136

Repealing provisions relating to inheritance tax; in procedure and administration, further providing for petition for reassessment; and, in governmental obligations, further providing for taxability of government obligations.

PA HB793

Repealing the act of July 13, 1953 (P.L.389, No.86), known as the Consumers Sales Tax Act.

PA SB84

In professional employees, repealing provisions relating to religious garb, insignia, etc., prohibited and penalty.

PA HB1192

Repealing provisions relating to family planning funding limitations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.