Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB917

Introduced
7/31/25  

Caption

In serious traffic offenses, further providing for the offense of homicide by vehicle while driving under influence.

Impact

By implementing a sentencing enhancement specific to those charged with homicide by vehicle due to DUI, SB917 will notably affect state laws regarding traffic offenses. This change will cause standard legal repercussions to escalate in cases involving substances that impair driving ability, as juries and judges will be mandated to impose stricter sentences under defined circumstances. Such amendments are projected to deter reckless driving behaviors, particularly among repeat offenders and individuals who mix alcohol with drugs.

Summary

Senate Bill 917 seeks to amend Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically addressing serious traffic offenses related to homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence (DUI). The bill introduces a new sentencing enhancement that would apply when an individual's blood or breath contains multiple controlled substances or both alcohol and a controlled substance, thereby increasing the severity of the penalties imposed on such offenders. This legislative move aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding DUI-related fatalities and holds individuals accountable for their actions in a more stringent manner.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding SB917 appears to be supportive among lawmakers who view it as a necessary measure for improving road safety and reducing DUI-related fatalities. Advocates believe enhancing penalties for offenders will send a strong message about the dangers of driving under the influence, particularly in cases that could lead to the loss of life. However, concerns have been raised regarding the fairness and implications of mandatory minimum sentences, as they may further burden defendants and the judicial system without addressing underlying issues of substance abuse.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential impact of this bill on judges' discretion in sentencing. Opponents fear that the mandatory nature of the enhancements might result in unjust rulings in cases where the context of the offense might warrant leniency. The debate surrounding the balance between public safety and fair judicial practices is expected to be a focal point in the discussions leading to the bill’s potential enactment into law.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB408

In miscellaneous provisions, further providing for the offenses of homicide by vehicle while driving under influence and aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence.

PA SB1116

In miscellaneous provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for homicide by vehicle while driving under influence.

PA HB2620

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensing of drivers, further providing for drivers required to be licensed, providing for undocumented immigrant driver's license invalid and further providing for persons exempt from licensing and for carrying and exhibiting driver's license on demand; in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for the offense of homicide by vehicle, for the offense of aggravated assault by vehicle, for the offense of homicide by vehicle while driving under influence and for the offense of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under influence; in enforcement, further providing for impoundment for nonpayment of fines and vehicles or combinations with a gross vehicle weight rating of 17,000 pounds or less; in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for subsequent convictions of certain offenses; and imposing penalties.

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 SB533

In other offenses, further providing for drug trafficking sentencing and penalties.

PA HB2163

In other offenses, further providing for drug trafficking sentencing and penalties.

PA SB363

In driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, further providing for driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance and for authorized use not a defense.

PA HB1712

In sentencing, further providing for sentence of total confinement; in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensing of drivers, further providing for the offense of driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked and for ignition interlock limited license; and, in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, further providing for ignition interlock, for prior offenses, for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, for drug and alcohol assessments and for mandatory sentencing and providing for substance monitoring program.

PA HB983

In driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, further providing for definitions, for driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance and for authorized use not a defense.

PA SB983

In general provisions, further providing for classes of offenses; in authorized disposition of offenders, providing for sentence for trafficking in minors to sexual servitude; in human trafficking, further providing for trafficking in individuals; and, in sentencing authority, providing for sentencing procedure for trafficking in minors to sexual servitude.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.