Bill > HB1397

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to generally allow people to use media devices to capture, record, transmit, or broadcast images, videos, or audio of judicial proceedings without prior court approval, with several important exceptions. These exceptions include proceedings related to sexual abuse, domestic violence, protection from abuse cases, protection from sexual violence, testimony from child witnesses, and testimony from confidential informants. The bill provides detailed definitions for key terms such as "domestic violence" (a personal injury crime against a family or household member), "sexual abuse" (which includes various sexual offenses under Pennsylvania law), and "confidential informant". By creating this new section of law, the bill aims to increase transparency in judicial proceedings while still protecting the privacy and safety of vulnerable witnesses and participants in sensitive types of legal cases. The legislation will take effect 60 days after its enactment, giving courts and legal professionals time to prepare for the new media device rules.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1397