Bill > SB302

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's Protection from Abuse (PFA) law, specifically addressing the surcharges and service of protection orders. The bill adjusts how the $100 surcharge assessed against a defendant when a protection order is granted will be distributed: $25 will go to the Pennsylvania State Police to maintain a statewide protection order registry, $25 will be given to the law enforcement agency or sheriff that serves the order, $25 will be retained by the county court to support PFA proceedings, and $25 will be forwarded to the Department of Human Services for domestic violence victim support. The bill also clarifies the service requirements, mandating that the court must ensure prompt and effective service of the petition and order, with the sheriff or appropriate law enforcement agency being responsible for serving these documents. Additionally, the bill updates some terminology, such as changing "Department of Public Welfare" to "Department of Human Services". The changes aim to streamline the process of issuing and serving protection orders and ensure proper funding for related services. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=302