PennsylvaniaPennsylvania would set tougher sentencing guidance for threats against schools
Pennsylvania’s sentencing commission would provide a guideline for courts to consider increasing sentences for terroristic threats against public and private schools or covered colleges.
What it does
Courts would have a guideline for increasing sentences for terroristic threats against schools or colleges. An increased sentence would not be automatic.
People convicted of terroristic threats would have to repay evacuation costs. Courts could also require repayment for supplies, equipment, materials, and employee wages.
Argument forCourt-ordered repayment for supplies and staff time could help affected organizations and emergency responders recover costs tied to threats.
Argument againstThe sentencing guideline could lead to longer prison terms for threats against schools or colleges, alongside other penalties.
More detail
Pennsylvania’s sentencing commission would provide a guideline for courts to consider increasing sentences. The guideline would cover terroristic threats against Pennsylvania public and private schools, school service agencies, and covered colleges and career schools. Courts would consider the increase; the text does not require them to impose it. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment.
Courts would require repayment of evacuation costs and could order repayment of other listed costs. The repayment rules would apply to people convicted of terroristic threats, including threats involving places other than schools. Repayment would be in addition to other sentences or repayment orders. Optional repayment could include supplies, equipment, materials, and wages for affected employees and first responders. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 22Act No. 75 of 2026Latest
- Oct 22Approved by the Governor Josh ShapiroBecame Law
- Oct 21Presented to the GovernorTo Governor
- Oct 20Signed in Senate
- Oct 20Signed in House
- Oct 19Third consideration and final passagePassed Senate
- Vote recorded FINAL PASSAGE. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Appropriations): Re-Reported as Committed. Result: pass.Upper
- Oct 19Re-reported as committedMinor
- Oct 7Re-referred to AppropriationsMinor
- Oct 7Second considerationMinor
- Oct 6First considerationMinor
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Judiciary): Reported as Committed. Result: pass.Upper
- Oct 6Reported as committedMinor
- Feb 13Referred to JudiciaryMinor
- Feb 3Third consideration and final passagePassed House
- Vote recorded FINAL PASSAGE. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Appropriations): Re-report Bill As Committed. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 3Re-reported as committedMinor
- Feb 2Re-committed to AppropriationsMinor
- Feb 2Second considerationMinor
- Jan 28Removed from table
- 2025
- Nov 17Laid on the table
- Nov 17First considerationMinor
- Nov 17Reported as committedMinor
- Nov 12
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Judiciary): Report Bill As Committed. Result: pass.Lower
- Oct 8Referred to JudiciaryIntroduced
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