Bill > HB599

This bill adds a new section to Pennsylvania's criminal code specifically addressing "masked intimidation," which is defined as intentionally harassing, intimidating, or threatening another individual or group while wearing a facial covering, with the purpose of causing reasonable fear for physical safety. The offense would be classified as a third-degree misdemeanor. The bill provides several important exceptions where wearing a facial covering would not constitute this offense, such as wearing a costume during a holiday, protecting personal safety, wearing protective gear for work, shielding from weather, participating in artistic productions, protecting from emergency situations, preventing illness transmission, or wearing religious garb. The bill carefully includes a provision ensuring that the law does not infringe on First Amendment rights and provides detailed definitions for key terms like "harass," "intimidate," and "threaten," which emphasize actions that substantially interfere with an individual's rights or cause emotional distress, particularly when motivated by bias related to personal characteristics like race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. The law would take effect 60 days after its passage, giving time for implementation and public awareness.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=599