Bill > SB543

This bill adds a new section to Pennsylvania's criminal code creating the offense of "masked intimidation," which makes it a third-degree misdemeanor for a person to intentionally harass, intimidate, or threaten another person or group while deliberately concealing their face with the primary purpose of causing fear for physical safety. The bill provides several important exceptions to this law, including wearing masks for holidays with costumes, occupational safety, protection from weather, artistic performances, emergency situations, health protection, and religious purposes. The bill carefully defines key terms like "harass" (engaging in a pattern of conduct intended to cause fear or emotional distress), "intimidate" (interfering with another's rights through threats based on personal characteristics), and "threaten" (communicating a clear intention to cause imminent bodily harm). Importantly, the bill includes a provision explicitly stating that nothing in the law should be construed as diminishing First Amendment rights, suggesting an intent to balance public safety concerns with constitutional protections. The new law would go into effect 60 days after passage, and is designed to address situations where individuals use masked appearances to create fear or intimidation in others.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=543