Bill > HB1908

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Protection from Abuse (PFA) law by modifying procedures and penalties related to violations of protection orders. The bill requires law enforcement to forward notice of an arrest for indirect criminal contempt to both the National Crime Information Center and the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network within 24 hours of arrest. It also establishes escalating penalties for subsequent convictions of violating protection orders, including mandatory fines and potential imprisonment: a second conviction could result in a fine of at least $300 and up to six months in jail, a third conviction could lead to a fine of at least $500 and up to one year in jail, and a fourth or subsequent conviction could result in a fine of at least $1,000 and up to two years in jail. Additionally, the bill clarifies that defendants do not have the right to a jury trial for indirect criminal contempt (except in certain subsequent violation cases) but are entitled to legal counsel. The changes are designed to strengthen enforcement of protection orders and provide more substantial consequences for repeated violations. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

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https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1908