Bill > SB79

This bill amends Pennsylvania's statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions, specifically updating Section 5552(b)(1) to clarify the timeframe for prosecuting certain serious offenses. The bill maintains the existing five-year statute of limitations for prosecuting major crimes, but notably adds "drug delivery resulting in death" to the list of offenses that must be prosecuted within five years of occurring. The expanded list includes a wide range of serious criminal offenses such as murder attempts, criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault, kidnapping, arson, burglary, robbery, theft, fraud, bribery, perjury, witness intimidation, and firearms-related violations. The bill aims to provide a consistent legal framework for prosecuting these significant criminal activities, ensuring that prosecutors have a reasonable but limited window of time to bring charges. The amendment will take effect 60 days after its enactment, giving legal systems time to prepare for the updated statute of limitations.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=79