Baker: Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Public Safety Package to Strengthen Criminal Justice Protections

HARRISBURG -- The Senate Judiciary Committee today advanced a package of four public safety reforms aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania's criminal justice system, according to committee chair Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), who sponsored three of the measures.

"This is a comprehensive, bipartisan effort to make Pennsylvania safer - for families, for communities and for those who serve on the front lines every day," said Baker.

Senate Bill 1235, sponsored by Baker, extends the period Pennsylvania Parole Board members may continue serving after term expiration from 90 days to six months to ensure continuity until successors are confirmed.

"The Parole Board plays a critical public safety role," said Baker. "Uninterrupted operations is essential to making thoughtful, consistent decisions about offender release."

Senate Bill 1259, sponsored by Baker and Sen. Amanda Cappelletti (D-17), designates which internal parole-decision documents are confidential and privileged while requiring feedback to inmates denied parole.

"Parole decisions must be based on candid, well-informed deliberation," said Baker. "This bill protects that process and ensures inmates receive meaningful guidance when parole is denied."

Senate Bill 1284, sponsored by Baker and Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40), increases penalties - including a new mandatory minimum and an increased maximum sentence of up to life - for attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder of a law-enforcement officer when serious bodily injury results.

"Anyone who intentionally tries to kill a police officer must face the full weight of the law," said Baker. "This bill ensures sentencing reflects the gravity of those crimes."

Senate Bill 45, sponsored by Sen. Cris Dush (R-25), reorganizes prostitution-related offenses into Chapter 30 (human trafficking chapter), increases penalties for repeat and minor-related offenses and elevates promoting prostitution of a minor to a felony of the first degree.

"Exploiting minors for commercial sex is among the most heinous crimes imaginable, and elevating these penalties underscores our absolute commitment to protecting children," said Baker.

The bills now head to the full Senate for consideration.

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