Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB741

Introduced
5/13/25  

Caption

In assault, providing for the offense of unauthorized use of electronic tracking device.

Impact

The impact of SB741 could be significant in terms of state laws surrounding electronic surveillance. If passed, the bill would offer more clarity regarding the legality of tracking individuals without consent, thereby establishing a stricter legal framework. It would protect citizens' rights against unauthorized surveillance, potentially leading to a decrease in misuse of tracking devices that infringe upon personal freedoms. Moreover, it could also have implications for law enforcement practices as they seek to balance investigative needs with civil liberties.

Summary

SB741 aims to define and create offenses related to the unauthorized use of electronic tracking devices. This bill is particularly relevant in the context of growing concerns over personal privacy and the ethical implications of surveillance technology. By specifically addressing the misuse of electronic tracking devices, SB741 seeks to delineate legal boundaries for law enforcement and private entities who might employ such technology. This legislative effort is part of a broader trend towards regulating technology that affects personal interactions and privacy rights.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB741 appears to be cautiously supportive, particularly among privacy advocates who view this bill as a necessary measure to safeguard individual rights. However, there are concerns from parties who feel that overly strict regulations might hinder legitimate law enforcement activities. The bill has sparked discussions about the appropriate balance between technology use in law enforcement and the protection of individual privacy rights, reflecting ongoing societal debates over surveillance and personal data security.

Contention

Notable points of contention include potential conflicts between law enforcement's need for surveillance tools and individuals' rights to privacy. The bill could face pushback from law enforcement agencies that argue it may impose unnecessary restrictions on their operations. Advocates for technology use in criminal investigations might challenge the bill, emphasizing the importance of using tracking devices for public safety. Thus, amendments to the bill might be proposed to ensure that while it addresses privacy concerns, it does not impede necessary law enforcement actions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB159

In assault, providing for the offense of unauthorized use of an electronic tracking device; and providing for penalties.

PA HB416

In assault, further providing for the offense of stalking.

PA SB37

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensing of drivers, further providing for learners' permits and for examination of applicant for driver's license; in rules of the road in general, further providing for prohibiting text-based communications and providing for prohibiting use of interactive mobile device; in miscellaneous provisions relating to serious traffic offenses, further providing for the offense of homicide by vehicle and for the offense of aggravated assault by vehicle; in enforcement, providing for data collection and reporting relating to traffic stops; and imposing penalties.

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 SB920

Further providing for definitions; providing for sexual assault evidence tracking system; further providing for rights of sexual assault victims and for report by Pennsylvania State Police; and providing for waiver for victim.

PA HB2587

In assault, further providing for the offense of stalking.

PA SB379

Providing for protection of State-owned electronic devices and networks from applications controlled by foreign adversaries.

PA SB975

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

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 HB1909

In sexual offenses, further providing for the offense of rape and for the offense of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; and, in sentencing, providing for sentencing procedure for rape of a child and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child and further providing for sentences for offenses against infant persons.

Similar Bills

TX HB3309

Relating to appointment of and performance of notarial acts by an electronic notary public; authorizing a fee and creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1217

Relating to appointment of and performance of notarial acts by an online notary public and online acknowledgment and proof of written instruments; authorizing a fee and creating a criminal offense.

NC S552

Modifications to Notary Public Act

CA AB1667

Electronic wills.

CA AB2961

Civil procedure: electronic filing and service.

CA AB2283

Civil actions: electronic service.

LA HB572

Provides for electronic notaries public and electronic notarial acts

CA SB666

Service of papers: electronic service by court.