Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB369

Introduced
3/6/25  

Caption

In depositions and witnesses, providing for informant testimony.

Impact

The introduction of SB369 significantly impacts the admissibility of informant testimony in criminal cases. By delineating clear procedures and disclosure requirements, the bill seeks to enhance the reliability of such testimony and protect defendants' rights. Courts will be required to conduct hearings to assess the reliability of informant testimony before allowing it in trials, fundamentally altering how evidence is presented in criminal cases. This bill establishes a more rigorous framework for informant use, aiming at reducing wrongful convictions and ensuring a fair trial process.

Summary

Senate Bill 369 aims to amend Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by instituting new regulations regarding the use of informant testimony in criminal proceedings. The bill mandates that the prosecution disclose specific information about informants at least 30 days before a trial or evidentiary hearing. This includes the informant's identity, criminal history, cooperation agreements, and any statements made by the accused to the informant. The goal of these requirements is to ensure transparency in the introduction of such testimony and bolster the defense's ability to challenge its validity.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB369 appears to be generally supportive among legal advocates for criminal justice reform. Proponents argue that it would reduce the risks associated with informant testimony, which can often be unreliable or coerced, thus enhancing the integrity of the legal system. However, there may be concerns from some prosecutors that the stringent requirements could complicate cases and hinder effective prosecution, particularly in complex criminal investigations where informants are often key sources of information.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB369 stem from the balance between ensuring fair trials for defendants and maintaining effective prosecution of criminal cases. While the bill's supporters emphasize the need for transparency and the safeguarding of rights, some in the prosecutorial community might argue that these measures could impede their ability to secure convictions. Additionally, there are implications concerning how these changes might affect ongoing and future cases reliant on informant testimony, potentially leading to debates about the best practices in criminal detention and the role of informants.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB716

In depositions and witnesses, providing for informant testimony.

PA HB2543

In depositions and witnesses, further providing for confidential communications to news reporters; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1843

In depositions and witnesses, providing for sentencing considerations for child victim offenders.

PA SB1018

In practice and procedure, providing for child victims and witnesses.

PA HB883

In boards and offices, providing for information technology; establishing the Office of Information Technology and the Information Technology Fund; providing for administrative and procurement procedures and for the Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee; imposing duties on the Office of Information Technology; providing for administration of Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1470

In limitation of time, further providing for six months limitation; in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity, for limitations on damages and for exceptions to governmental immunity and providing for claims for compensation for wrongful conviction; in general administration, providing for services after wrongful conviction; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of department.

PA SB791

In limitation of time, further providing for six months limitation; in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity, for limitations on damages and for exceptions to governmental immunity and providing for claims for compensation for wrongful conviction; in general administration, providing for services after wrongful conviction; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of department.

PA HB99

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in access, further providing for open-records officer, for appeals officer, for regulations and policies, for uniform form, for requests and for retention of records and providing for inmate access; in procedure, further providing for written requests, for redaction, for production of certain records and for exceptions for public records; in agency response, further providing for extension of time and providing for relief from vexatious requesters; in appeal of agency determination, further providing for filing of appeal and for appeals officers; in judicial review, further providing for court costs and attorney fees, for civil penalty, for fee limitations and for Office of Open Records; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for relation to other laws.

PA SB657

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in requirements and prohibitions, providing for Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association; in access, further providing for open-records officer, for appeals officer, for regulations and policies, for requests and for retention of records; in procedure, further providing for requests, for written requests, for electronic access, for creation of record, for production of certain records and for exceptions for public records; in agency response, further providing for general rule and for extension of time; in appeal of agency determination, further providing for filing of appeal and for appeals officers; in judicial review, further providing for civil penalty and for Office of Open Records; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for relation to other laws.

PA SB284

In boards and offices, providing for information technology; establishing the Office of Information Technology and the Information Technology Fund; providing for administrative and procurement procedures and for the Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee; imposing duties on the Office of Information Technology; providing for administration of Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

CA AB679

Criminal trials: testimony of in-custody informants.

CA AB359

In-custody informants.

MI SB0914

Criminal procedure: other; certain requirements for the use of informants in criminal proceedings; provide for. Amends 1927 PA 175 (MCL 760.1 - 777.69) by adding secs. 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e, 36f & 36g to ch. VIII.

KS HB2293

Requiring prosecutors to disclose their intent to introduce testimony from a jailhouse witness and to forward related information to the Kansas bureau of investigation.

CA AB1927

Witness testimony in sexual assault cases: inadmissability in a separate prosecution.

CA SB421

Sex offenders: registration: criminal offender record information systems.

IA HSB36

A bill for an act relating to investigative procedure, including the preservation of biological evidence collected in relation to a criminal investigation, testimony by an incarcerated witness, and postconviction access to investigative files in a criminal case.

IA HF657

A bill for an act relating to the preservation of biological evidence collected in relation to a criminal investigation, testimony by an incarcerated witness, and postconviction access to investigative files in a criminal case. (Formerly HF 426.)