Bill > HB1475

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's stalking law by changing the legal standard for what constitutes stalking. Specifically, the bill replaces the previous language requiring that a person's actions "demonstrate an intent" to cause fear or emotional distress with a new standard that requires the person to act "knowingly or recklessly" when placing someone in reasonable fear of bodily injury or causing substantial emotional distress. The bill covers two primary scenarios of stalking: first, when a person follows another individual without proper authority, and second, when a person repeatedly communicates with another person in a manner that causes fear or emotional distress. By introducing the terms "knowingly" and "recklessly," the bill appears to lower the intent threshold for prosecuting stalking, potentially making it easier to pursue legal action against individuals engaging in threatening behaviors. The changes aim to provide clearer legal guidance and potentially broader protections for victims of stalking. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1475