HARRISBURG – The Senate passed legislation sponsored by sponsored by Sens. Camera Bartolotta (R-46), Lisa Baker (R-20) and Anthony Williams (D-8) that would reform Pennsylvania’s probation system to give people a better pathway out of the criminal justice system.
“My bill would implement greater fairness, eliminate excessive incarceration, give individuals a more reliable second chance to get their lives right and offer taxpayers a break from ever-rising state correctional costs,” Bartolotta said.
Senate Bill 838 would establish a mandatory probation review conference for probationers, providing criteria for when they occur and a presumption that probation will be terminated unless the individual does not qualify.
The bill would also allow the review conference to occur earlier based on the good conduct of defendants by achieving certain educational, employment or other goals. A provision to allow for the waiving of the mandatory review conference in cases where all stakeholders agree it is unnecessary is also included.
Having received Senate support, Senate Bill 838 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Katrina Hanna, 717-787-1463