Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB875

Introduced
6/23/25  
Refer
6/23/25  

Caption

In criminal history record information, further providing for clean slate limited access; in motivational boot camp, further providing for definitions, for selection of inmate participants, for motivational boot camp program, for procedure for selection of participant in motivational boot camp program, for completion of motivational boot camp program and for evaluation; in State drug treatment program, further providing for definitions; and, in miscellaneous provisions, providing for report on incarcerated individuals with certain health conditions.

Impact

The implementation of SB875 is expected to significantly influence state laws governing criminal justice, especially concerning the access and handling of criminal records. By facilitating a clean slate for individuals, the bill aims to reduce barriers to employment and other civic opportunities that often accompany criminal records. Furthermore, the enhancements to the motivational boot camp program suggest an increased focus on rehabilitation rather than mere punishment, proposing a shift in how the state addresses offender rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Summary

SB875 focuses on reforms related to criminal history record information, particularly with respect to providing limited access under a clean slate provision. This bill aims to improve the reintegration of individuals with criminal histories into society by allowing certain records to be more easily accessed or limited in visibility under specific conditions. Additionally, the bill outlines changes to the motivational boot camp program, particularly regarding the selection of participants and the procedures surrounding this selection, thus aiming to enhance rehabilitation efforts for eligible inmates. The legislation is positioned to promote positive change by providing alternatives to traditional punitive measures.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB875 appears to lean positively among proponents who advocate for criminal justice reform and the reduction of repeat offenses through rehabilitative measures. Supporters argue that the measures in SB875 would lead to better outcomes for individuals reentering society. Conversely, some critics remain cautious about the effectiveness of such programs and express concerns about the potential for inadequate oversight in policy implementation, reflecting a contentious but ultimately constructive dialogue.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB875 center around the effectiveness of the motivational boot camp program and the criteria used for participant selection. Detractors of the bill argue that without strict evaluation and follow-up processes, the program may not yield the intended outcomes. Furthermore, debates about the ethics and practicality of limiting access to criminal history records raise concerns about public safety, with conflicting opinions on how rehabilitation should be balanced with accountability in the justice system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB689

In criminal history record information, further providing for definitions, for general regulations, for expungement, for petition for limited access, for clean slate limited access, for exceptions, for effects of expunged records and records subject to limited access and for employer immunity from liability.

PA SB852

In criminal history record information, further providing for definitions, for general regulations, for expungement, for petition for limited access, for clean slate limited access, for exceptions, for effects of expunged records and records subject to limited access and for employer immunity from liability.

PA HB1779

In safe schools, further providing for definitions, for reporting, for policy relating to bullying and for maintenance of records; and, in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions and for Safe2Say Program and providing for reporting and remediating bullying.

PA HB982

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in program, further providing for program established.

PA HB1782

In human trafficking, further providing for civil causes of action; in minors, further providing for sexual abuse of children; in computer offenses, further providing for definitions, for duty of Internet service provider and for application for order to remove or disable items; in child protective services, further providing for Task Force on Child Pornography; in recidivism risk reduction incentive, further providing for definitions; in Nonnarcotic Medication Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Pilot Program, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for short sentence parole; and making an editorial change.

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 HB328

Further providing for definitions; and repealing provisions relating to booth rental prohibited.

PA SB830

Further providing for definitions; and repealing provisions relating to booth rental prohibited.

PA SB843

In preliminary provisions, further providing for Special Education Funding Commission, for Basic Education Funding Commission and for Commission on Education and Economic Competitiveness and providing for public job posting database, for instructional vacancy data and for data transparency; providing for Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact; in drug and alcohol recovery high school program, further providing for scope of program and selection of students, providing for enrollment of students and further providing for academic programs; in terms and courses of study, further providing for Economic Education and Personal Financial Literacy Programs; in early learning programs, providing for quarterly reporting; in high schools, further providing for attendance in other districts; in educational tax credits, further providing for definitions; in credit card marketing, further providing for regulation of on-campus credit card marketing; in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for assistance to school districts declared to be in financial recovery status or identified for financial watch status; and abrogating regulations.

PA HB2622

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for confidentiality of records; and providing for abuse and neglect registry.

Similar Bills

PA HB1515

In Nonnarcotic Medication-assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Pilot Program, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to establishment of pilot program, providing for establishment and further providing for county participation requirements, for use of grant funding, for powers and duties of department, for prior authorization, for report to General Assembly and for construction; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency; and making an editorial change.

PA SB872

In Nonnarcotic Medication Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Pilot Program, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to establishment of pilot program, providing for establishment and further providing for county participation requirements, for use of grant funding, for powers and duties of department, for report to General Assembly and for construction; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency; and making an editorial change.

PA HB561

In Nonnarcotic Medication Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Pilot Program, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to establishment of pilot program, providing for establishment and further providing for county participation requirements, for use of grant funding, for powers and duties of department, for report to General Assembly and for construction; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency; and making an editorial change.

PA HB191

In safe community reentry, further providing for definitions and for Safe Community Reentry Program.

PA HR47

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on voting patterns and knowledge about voting rights among formerly incarcerated qualified electors in Pennsylvania and submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives.

DC PR25-1047

Clemency Board Dominic Henry Confirmation Resolution of 2024

PA HB1550

In Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, providing for parole for reasons of age and for medical parole under certain circumstances.

DC PR26-0138

Maternal Mortality Review Committee Dr. JaNeen Cross Confirmation Resolution of 2025