HB 99
An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses), 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, 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 * * *
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends several sections of Pennsylvania’s legal codes, including those dealing with crimes, sentencing, appeals, and post-trial DNA testing. It modifies the penalties for murder, including murder of an unborn child and law enforcement officers, and arson. The bill also establishes procedures for direct appeals from courts of common pleas, allows for post-conviction DNA testing, and clarifies sentencing procedures, particularly regarding aggravating and mitigating circumstances in capital cases. Finally, it repeals provisions related to the issuance of execution warrants.
Key provisions
- Increases penalties for first-degree murder, murder of an unborn child, and murder of a law enforcement officer, potentially eliminating the death penalty for these offenses.
- Establishes procedures for direct appeals from courts of common pleas.
- Allows for post-conviction DNA testing under specific conditions.
- Clarifies sentencing procedures for capital cases, outlining aggravating and mitigating circumstances.
- Modifies the process for issuing execution warrants, repealing existing provisions.
- Updates sections related to jurisdiction of appellate courts.
- Addresses post-trial matters, including DNA testing and disposition appeals.
- Specifies the types of aggravating circumstances considered in capital sentencing.
Who is affected
- Defendants facing criminal charges
- Victims of violent crimes
- Law enforcement officers
- Families of murder victims
- The judicial system (courts and prosecutors)
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Christopher Rabb
Cosponsors
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