Bill > SB387

This bill amends Pennsylvania law regarding sentencing and parole for murder, specifically modifying provisions for second-degree murder and murders committed by individuals under 18 years old. For second-degree murder, the bill reduces the minimum imprisonment term from life to 25 years. For individuals under 18 at the time of the offense, the minimum sentence is reduced from 30 years to life to 20 years for those 15 and older, and from 20 years to life to 15 years for those under 15. The bill also changes parole guidelines, allowing the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole to consider parole for life sentences after 25 years, with specific provisions for juveniles who committed murder. When considering parole, the board must prioritize public protection and victim safety, and evaluate the offender's level of culpability, including whether they directly caused or intended to cause death. These changes aim to provide more flexibility in sentencing and parole for murder cases involving younger offenders while still maintaining public safety considerations. The bill will take effect 60 days after its enactment.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=387