SB 1400
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 and providing for sentence for murder of the second degree; in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second and subsequent offenses and for life imprisonment for homicide; and, in motivational boot camp, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, providing for parole eligibility for offenders sentenced to life for murder of the second degree and * * *
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends Pennsylvania’s criminal laws to revise sentencing guidelines for murder, including murder of an unborn child and law enforcement officers. It establishes stricter penalties for second-degree murder, particularly when the victim is a law enforcement officer or a child, and allows for life imprisonment in such cases. The bill also addresses parole eligibility for offenders convicted of second-degree murder, outlining specific criteria for release and requiring consideration of victim statements. Finally, it clarifies definitions related to ‘crime of violence’ and ‘deadly weapon’ within the context of sentencing.
Key provisions
- Increases penalties for second-degree murder, especially when the victim is a law enforcement officer or an unborn child, potentially leading to life imprisonment.
- Establishes criteria for life imprisonment without parole for second-degree murder defendants, including cases involving law enforcement officers or children.
- Provides for parole eligibility for offenders convicted of second-degree murder who have served at least 35 years of their sentence.
- Defines key terms such as ‘crime of violence’ and ‘deadly weapon’ for sentencing purposes.
- Modifies the definition of ‘eligible inmate’ in the Department of Corrections’ parole system.
- Requires the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole to consider victim statements and testimony during parole hearings for offenders convicted of second-degree murder.
- Specifies procedures for notifying victims and their families regarding parole hearings.
- Addresses parole procedures for offenders sentenced under specific sections of the law.
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