Bill > SB319

This bill establishes new standards and regulations for law enforcement officers when executing warrants in Pennsylvania, aimed at increasing transparency and accountability during warrant service. The bill requires officers to physically knock and announce themselves before entering a home, waiting at least 15 seconds for occupants to respond, and mandates that officers wear body cameras and record video for at least five minutes before and after executing a warrant, as well as during any subsequent arrest or search. Officers must also be in uniform or clearly identifiable as law enforcement. The Attorney General and Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner are tasked with developing a comprehensive training program on warrant execution, including constitutional, legal, and technical aspects, and establishing certification standards. The bill introduces significant consequences for non-compliance: officers who fail to follow these requirements will face suspension and potential certification revocation, with penalties escalating from a six-month suspension for a first violation to complete certification revocation for a third violation. Additionally, the bill allows individuals who believe these requirements were intentionally violated to bring legal action in court, potentially receiving damages or injunctive relief. The legislation defines key terms like "body camera" and "law enforcement officer" and will take effect 60 days after passage.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=319