Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB387

Introduced
3/6/25  

Caption

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for sentence for murder, murder of unborn child and murder of law enforcement officer and for sentence of persons under the age of 18 for murder, murder of an unborn child and murder of a law enforcement officer; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole power.

Impact

The bill significantly affects Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. It not only establishes stricter minimum sentences for severe crimes but also alters the conditions under which parole may be granted. This reflects a legislative intent to ensure that serious crimes, particularly those against vulnerable parties, are met with appropriate punitive measures, potentially influencing sentences for similar crimes statewide. The amendments regarding juvenile offenders indicate a consideration for rehabilitative opportunities, albeit within a framework of substantial incarceration.

Summary

Senate Bill 387 aims to amend Pennsylvania's sentencing laws regarding murder, particularly for second-degree murder convictions, including those involving unborn children and law enforcement officers. The proposed changes dictate minimum sentencing terms for offenders convicted of second-degree murder, establishing a prison term of at least 25 years for adults and reducing the minimum for juvenile offenders based on their age at the time of the crime. This legislation seeks to align sentencing guidelines more strictly with the nature of the crime and the age of the offender, reflecting a shift in how juvenile offenses are treated in the legal system.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding SB387 appears to be mixed. Supporters of the bill advocate for tougher penalties for serious crimes to enhance public safety and deter future offenses, particularly elevating the protection of law enforcement officials. Conversely, critics may express concern that the rigidity of minimum sentences could overlook the complexities of individual cases, especially concerning juveniles. Discussions in legislative settings likely included debates about balancing public safety with justice and rehabilitation, particularly in the sensitive matter of juvenile justice.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the implications for juvenile sentencing, as the bill modifies existing standards which might be perceived as either too harsh or necessary for public safety. The stark provisions for lengthy minimum sentences, especially for young offenders, could trigger debates about the nature of morality in sentencing and the potential for rehabilitation. This bill also intersects with broader societal discussions regarding youth crime, the efficacy of incarceration versus rehabilitation, and the long-term effects on individuals and families involved.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2296

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for sentence for murder, murder of unborn child and murder of law enforcement officer and for sentence of persons under the age of 18 for murder, murder of an unborn child and murder of a law enforcement officer; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole power.

PA HB2135

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for sentence of persons under the age of 18 for murder, murder of an unborn child and murder of a law enforcement officer; in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second and subsequent offenses; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole power.

PA SB135

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for sentence of persons under the age of 18 for murder, murder of an unborn child and murder of a law enforcement officer; in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second and subsequent offenses; in miscellaneous provisions, establishing the Life with Parole Reinvestment Fund; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole power.

PA SB600

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for sentence for murder, murder of unborn child and murder of law enforcement officer; in arson, criminal mischief and other property destruction, further providing for the offense of arson and related offenses; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree.

PA HB999

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for sentence for murder, murder of unborn child and murder of law enforcement officer; in arson, criminal mischief and other property destruction, further providing for the offense of arson and related offenses; in jurisdiction of appellate courts, further providing for direct appeals from courts of common pleas; in post-trial matters, further providing for postconviction DNA testing and for disposition and appeal; in sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree; and, in execution procedure and method, repealing provisions relating to issuance of warrant.

PA HB751

In sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree.

PA SB449

In sentencing, further providing for definitions and for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree.

PA HB1678

In general administration, providing for earned vocational training and education credit; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole power and for short sentence parole; and, in powers and duties, further providing for consideration of criminal convictions.

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 HB1674

In Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole power.

Similar Bills

CA AB2657

Incarcerated person’s competence.

CA SB1139

Prisons: visitation.

CA AB2740

Incarcerated persons: prenatal and postpartum care.

CA AB1782

Jails: commissary.

CA AB732

County jails: prisons: incarcerated pregnant persons.

CA AB1177

Parole: hearing records.

CA AB2527

Incarceration: pregnant persons.

CA AB1225

The Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act.