Bill > HB1324

This bill amends Pennsylvania law by creating a new criminal offense of bullying, which occurs when a person commits a defined crime with the intent to harass, intimidate, or place another individual or group in fear of bodily injury or property damage. The bill establishes a graduated sentencing structure where bullying-related offenses are classified one degree higher than the underlying crime, with specific provisions for summary offenses and cases involving the highest degree of criminal classification. The law defines a specific set of underlying "defined crimes" that can trigger a bullying charge, including offenses related to assault, property destruction, burglary, forgery, disorderly conduct, and various technology-related crimes. The bill includes provisions for handling false reports about bullying, allows for flexible venue determination across jurisdictions, and explicitly excludes labor disputes and constitutionally protected activities from its scope. Notably, the bill does not apply to existing harassment or stalking statutes, and it will take effect 60 days after its passage. The legislation aims to provide a legal framework for addressing intentional, harmful behavior that goes beyond existing criminal statutes by focusing on the perpetrator's intent to cause fear or distress.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1324