Criminal Justice

LWVPA supports an effective, efficient, data-driven system that is fair to all and that treats everyone with dignity, guaranteeing constitutional rights to all regardless of community or economic status, and facilitating successful reentry to society of former inmates.

At the June 2015 LWV Convention, delegates approved “a study of the criminal justice system, with the intention of creating a Pennsylvania position on criminal justice, focusing on timely hearings and appropriate bonding, effective counsel from arraignment through sentencing, alternatives to incarceration, appropriate sentencing guidelines, the privatization of prisons, the use and misuse of prison labor, and conditions in our prisons.” View the two sections of this study here and here.

LWVPA adopted its official criminal justice policy in June 2016. The League also created consensus questions for further discussion and compiled a list of resources related to this issue. Please contact socialpolicy@palwv.org with any further questions.

Statement on SB 913, a bill further regulating probation supervision and sentencing

During the last session of the legislature, the PA Senate introduced SB 913, an Act amending Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, adding additional requirements and guidance for conditions of probation and for modification or revocation of order of probation and providing for authority regarding probation detainers.

The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania opposes SB 913. 

In contrast to almost all other states, Pennsylvania allows probation terms to run the full length of the statutory maximum for the offense committed. The result is abnormally long probation periods, which overburden and prevent probation officers from focusing more on the individuals with a high risk of reoffending.

The legislature should be focused on reducing the use of probation supervision.  Instead, SB 913 specifically sanctions revocation and incarceration of probationers for technical violations of probation – violations that are not based on conviction for a new offense.  The statute also creates complex requirements for probation review hearings and review of petitions to terminate probation early.

SB 913 will likely make circumstances worse for probationers and those tasked with supervising them.  It is likely to increase incarceration of non-violent offenders for technical violations of probation and increase the amount of time taken to process petitions to terminate probation. 

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS FOR SB 913? SB 913 was referred to the Judiciary committee during the 2021-2022 session.  In order for SB 913 to be implemented, it must be passed by the Judiciary Committee and sent to the full Senate for a vote. 

WHO SPONSORS THE BILL? Senator Lisa Baker, Senate District 20  Republican serving Luzerne (part), Pike, Susquehanna (part), Wayne and Wyoming Counties.

LEARN MORE: LWVPA adopted its official criminal justice policy in June 2016. The League also created consensus questions for further discussion and compiled a list of resources related to this issue. Please contact socialpolicy@palwv.org with any further questions or reach out to Reform Alliance at info@reformalliance.com for specific questions related to SB 913.