HARRISBURG – Legislation 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 is set for enactment into law.
“As we prepare to spend time with our loved ones for the holidays, I am pleased my bill – passed with broad, bipartisan support – that will help families reconnect is about to become law,” Bartolotta said. “The legislation offers greater fairness, eliminates excessive incarceration and gives individuals a more reliable second chance to get their lives right. It also reduces ever-rising state correctional costs for taxpayers.”
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.
CONTACT: Katrina Hanna, 717-787-1463