The start of the new year brings with it a batch of new state laws, including two that will have an effect on incarcerated individuals.
One of the new laws is a probation reform bill that shortens the time span for mandatory review of probationary terms and also requires judges to have a “presumption against confinement,” only sending people back to prison for “serious” violations.
Also taking effect in 2024 is the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act, limiting solitary confinement, restraints, and cavity searches on pregnant or postpartum inmates, and providing other care and materials for female prisoners.
Pennsylvania’s new dog law requires dogs to be licensed at the time they are bought or adopted, or by the time they are three months old, whichever comes first. There are also new fees for licenses.
Porch pirating will become a felony offense in some cases in 2024. A new law can classify the theft of mail, packages, bags, or letters as a summary, misdemeanor, or felony depending on factors such as whether or not it’s a repeat offense or the value of the stolen item.
Other new laws in Pennsylvania include a measure that removes racially discriminatory language from property deeds, another that allows all licensed growers of medical marijuana to sell their products directly to patients, and a bill that lessens physical fitness requirements for prospective police officers. There are new laws which increase penalties for retail theft, crack down more severely on violators of school bus safety laws, and provide new security protections for insurance data.
Comments