HB 2501
An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) 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; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second and subsequent offenses and for life imprisonment for homicides.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends Pennsylvania’s criminal laws to strengthen sentencing for certain violent crimes, particularly murder. It clarifies the definition of ‘active participant’ in murder cases, requiring a higher level of involvement for a defendant to be sentenced to life imprisonment. The bill also increases penalties for repeat offenders convicted of murder or voluntary manslaughter, mandating life imprisonment in such cases. Specifically, it addresses murder of the second and third degree, murder of an unborn child, and murder of a law enforcement officer.
Key provisions
- Clarifies the definition of ‘active participant’ in murder cases, requiring a substantial factor in the death or aiding another person in the killing.
- Mandates a minimum sentence of 35 years for second-degree murder of an unborn child or a law enforcement officer.
- Allows for life imprisonment without parole or a term of at least 40 years to life without parole for second-degree murder of an unborn child or a law enforcement officer if the finder of fact determines beyond a reasonable doubt the defendant caused the death or was an active participant.
- Increases penalties for repeat offenders convicted of murder or voluntary manslaughter, requiring life imprisonment.
- Requires the Commonwealth to provide reasonable notice to the defendant of a potential life imprisonment without parole sentence.
- Considers victim impact statements, community impact, and defendant’s criminal history when determining a sentence.
- Defines ‘crime of violence’ to include specific offenses like murder, manslaughter, and aggravated assault.
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