Bill > SB513

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to require the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to prepare racial impact statements for certain proposed legislation related to criminal offenses and sentencing. When a legislator requests such a statement, the Commission must complete an impartial and understandable analysis that estimates how the proposed legislation might change the racial and ethnic composition of the criminal offender population or juvenile court system. The racial impact statement must include estimates of potential changes, the methodologies used to develop those estimates, and, if applicable, the potential racial and ethnic composition of crime victims who might be affected. If legislation involves criminal offenses or sentencing changes, it cannot proceed to second consideration or amendment consideration until the racial impact statement is attached, with a 10-day window for the Commission to complete the statement. If the Commission fails to attach the statement within 10 days, the legislation can still proceed. The goal of this bill is to provide lawmakers with information about potential racial disparities that might result from proposed criminal justice legislation, allowing for more informed decision-making. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=513