A Concurrent Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish a bipartisan task force to study any consolidated or unconsolidated State statutes in the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Judicial Code, Sentencing Code or elsewhere under which a term of imprisonment and other collateral consequences may be imposed in order to identify redundant, overlapping and inconsistent offenses, improper grading and gaps in criminal liability, out-of-date, antiquated, offensive or unenforceable language and to make recommendations to the General Assembly.
Impact
The bill emphasizes the necessity of reforming Pennsylvania's criminal statutes to ensure they reflect contemporary societal values and legal standards. With the expansion of the Crimes Code leading to over 1,500 offenses from a mere 282 at its inception in 1972, HR99 advocates for a systematic evaluation to eliminate irrational inconsistencies and make the legal language more comprehensible to the general public. This could foster improved public trust in the legal system and provide clearer guidelines for both citizens and law enforcement agencies.
Summary
House Resolution 99 (HR99) directs the Joint State Government Commission to establish a bipartisan task force aimed at reviewing and improving the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Judicial Code, and Sentencing Code. This initiative is proposed to address various issues such as redundant and overlapping offenses, improper grading of offenses, and outdated language within the statutory frameworks. The task force will also explore gaps in criminal liability and suggest legislative changes to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of these laws.
Sentiment
Sentiment surrounding HR99 appears generally favorable as it seeks to tackle long-standing issues within the state’s legal framework. Legislators and stakeholders involved in criminal justice reform seem supportive of the idea that a cohesive and rational legal code will benefit communities by reducing confusion and improving compliance with laws. However, potential concerns may arise regarding how effectively the task force can navigate the complexities associated with such an extensive legal overhaul.
Contention
Notable points of contention may center around the potential resistance from various stakeholders, including those who might find the existing laws adequate or those concerned about the implications of sweeping changes on ongoing legal interpretations. The task force must balance the diverse views on criminal offenses while ensuring that the necessary reforms do not hinder justice or create unforeseen complications in law enforcement practices.
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish a task force and advisory committee on increasing access to drug and alcohol treatment for substance use disorders; and directing the task force to make recommendations to the General Assembly.
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish a legislative task force with an advisory committee of stakeholders to review, update and codify Pennsylvania's emergency management services law.
Resolve, to Create an Advisory Council to Oversee the Review and Technical Revision of the Maine Criminal Code and Other Statutes Establishing Criminal Offenses
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of the viability, benefits and costs of establishing consolidated, county-led busing of all private and public school students.
Relating to the creation of a commission to review and make recommendations regarding certain penal laws of this state and to certain criminal offenses previously compiled in statutes outside the Penal Code; increasing criminal penalties; imposing a civil penalty.
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to study diversion programs and make recommendations for improving existing diversion programs and establishing new diversion programs.
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a thorough and comprehensive study on the feasibility of the establishment by the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Pennsylvania State Police of a joint police and tactical unit training facility at Fort Indiantown Gap and issue a report containing findings and recommendations.
A bill for an act relating to statutory corrections which may adjust language to reflect current practices, insert earlier omissions, delete redundancies and inaccuracies, resolve inconsistencies and conflicts, remove ambiguities, and provide for Code editor directives.(Formerly SSB 1126.)