Bill > HB1419

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's existing protection from abuse law regarding contempt penalties, specifically establishing a graduated penalty system for repeated violations of protection orders. Under the new provisions, the penalties increase with each subsequent contempt finding: a first contempt finding is a misdemeanor with standard penalties, a second contempt finding becomes a third-degree misdemeanor with a mandatory minimum $500 fine, a third contempt finding becomes a second-degree misdemeanor with another mandatory $500 fine, and a fourth or subsequent contempt finding becomes a first-degree misdemeanor with another mandatory $500 fine. The bill also clarifies procedural rights, specifying that for a first contempt charge, defendants will not have a right to a jury trial but will be entitled to counsel. Additionally, the bill stipulates that any minimum fines collected must be used to supplement, not replace, existing funding for protection from abuse programs. The changes aim to create a more structured approach to enforcing protection orders by introducing escalating consequences for repeated violations. The bill will take effect 60 days after its enactment.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1419