Bill > HB627

This bill establishes the Public Safety Resident Communications Pilot Program within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to provide grants to law enforcement agencies for purchasing community engagement software. The software must supplement existing public safety notification systems, integrate with current dispatch and victims' notification systems, and help meet crime victims' notification responsibilities. Law enforcement agencies can apply for grants to implement digital communication tools that allow customizable public safety communications to victims and citizens, including survey functions to gather feedback and improve services. The program requires geographically diverse grant distribution across Pennsylvania, and grants must supplement rather than replace existing funding. The bill mandates that the software be used internally by law enforcement agencies solely to improve community safety, review policing services, and provide updates on personnel and case status. All records created through the program will be confidential and exempt from the Right-to-Know Law. The program defines key terms like "community engagement software" and "law enforcement agency" and will include performance metrics to measure grant program progress. The act will take effect 60 days after passage.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=627