Bill > SB96

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's law on terroristic threats by expanding the provisions for restitution and defining new terms related to educational institutions. Specifically, the bill broadens the definition of costs that can be recovered when someone is convicted of making a terroristic threat, including expenses for emergency response, unused food, and employee wages for time spent responding to the threat. The bill now explicitly applies to various types of educational institutions, including community colleges, state universities, and private colleges. The grading of the offense is also clarified, with most terroristic threats remaining a first-degree misdemeanor, but elevated to a third-degree felony if the threat causes a diversion of normal operations or is related to a school or higher education institution. The bill adds specific definitions for "communicates" and "institution of higher education," providing more precise legal language about what constitutes a terroristic threat and which educational entities are covered. The changes aim to provide more comprehensive legal protection and clearer guidelines for prosecuting and recovering costs associated with terroristic threats, particularly those targeting educational settings.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=96