Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1908

Introduced
9/30/25  

Caption

In protection from abuse, further providing for arrest for violation of order and for contempt for violation of order or agreement.

Impact

The proposed amendments under HB1908 would revise existing laws to require that upon arrest for violation of a protection order, defendants must be brought before a judicial authority without delay. This would enhance immediate legal recourse for victims and streamline the judicial process in addressing violations, potentially leading to quicker resolutions and a greater sense of safety for individuals under protection orders. Additionally, the bill escalates penalties for repeated violations of court orders, which proponents believe will serve as a deterrent against continued abusive behavior.

Summary

House Bill 1908 seeks to amend Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding protections from abuse, specifically enhancing the procedures related to the arrest for violations of abuse orders and establishing stricter penalties for contempt of such orders. The bill proposes changes that will enable law enforcement officials to act more decisively in cases of domestic abuse, particularly in the context of enforcing protection orders and handling subsequent violations. By providing clearer pathways for arrest and trial, the bill aims to strengthen the legal response to domestic violence cases.

Contention

While the bill aims to bolstering the protection for abuse victims, it could raise concerns regarding the rights of defendants, especially concerning the lack of a jury trial for indirect contempt charges. Critics may argue that such provisions could infringe on the due process rights of individuals accused of violations. Furthermore, the mandatory penalties outlined for repeated contempt convictions might be viewed as excessively punitive, raising debates about the proportionality of punishment within the context of domestic abuse cases.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB103

In protection from abuse, further providing for definitions, for responsibilities of law enforcement agencies, for hearings, for relief, for order to seal record from public view, for service of orders, for arrest for violation of order and for contempt for violation of order or agreement.

PA HB1419

In protection from abuse, further providing for contempt for violation of order or agreement.

PA SB1925

Protection from Domestic Abuse Act; modifying penalties for protective order violations. Effective date.

PA HB1148

Criminal Protection Order & Protection Order Violation

PA HB732

In protection from abuse, further providing for relief and providing for shared telephone plans.

PA H8056

Requires courts and bail commissioners to issue no contact orders against any person arrested for cruelty or neglect of a child, child abuse or child endangerment and to issue orders upon any finding of guilty. Violations of order would be a misdemeanor.

PA LB1000

Change penalties for violations of domestic abuse and sexual assault protection orders

PA S197

Permits pretrial detention for contempt violation of protective order issued under "Victim's Assistance and Survivor Protection Act."

PA A4835

Permits pretrial detention for contempt violation of protective order issued under "Victim's Assistance and Survivor Protection Act."

PA HB1859

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms and for abandonment of firearms, weapons or ammunition; in community and municipal courts, further providing for masters; adding provisions relating to extreme risk protection orders; imposing duties on the Office of Attorney General; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.