Bill > SB464

This bill amends Pennsylvania law by expanding definitions related to sentencing for first-degree murder and adding a new aggravating circumstance for sentencing. Specifically, the bill updates definitions for terms like "college" to include a broader range of educational institutions, including public schools, independent higher education institutions, state-owned and state-related institutions, and education enterprises. The bill also expands the definition of "elementary or secondary school" to encompass publicly funded, private, and parochial schools. Most significantly, the bill adds a new aggravating circumstance for first-degree murder sentencing: if the killing occurs on the premises of an elementary or secondary school, college, place of worship, professional sports facility, or government office. This means that if a murder is committed in one of these locations, it can be considered an additional factor that might influence the severity of sentencing. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law, with the intent of providing more comprehensive legal definitions and potentially creating stricter sentencing guidelines for murders committed in specific public and institutional spaces.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=464