Bill > SB68

This bill amends Pennsylvania's existing law on institutional vandalism by expanding and clarifying the offenses and penalties related to damaging or desecrating certain facilities and properties. The bill broadens the definition of facilities covered under institutional vandalism to include mosques and other religious facilities, and expands the list of protected locations to include government buildings, schools, cemeteries, and their adjacent grounds. The grading of offenses is significantly restructured, with new tiered penalties based on the severity of the act: a felony of the first degree if death results, a felony of the second degree if bodily injury occurs or if an instrument of crime, explosives, or fire are used, a felony of the third degree for acts causing bodily injury, desecration, or property damage exceeding $2,000, and a misdemeanor of the first degree for other violations. The bill also updates definitions of terms like "desecrate" and "instrument of crime" to provide more clarity and precision in interpreting the law. The changes aim to provide more comprehensive legal protection for religious, educational, governmental, and memorial facilities, with penalties that reflect the potential harm and intent of the vandalism.