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HB 2531

An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in obstructing governmental operations, further providing for disarming law enforcement officer.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marc Anderson and 6 co-sponsors

The bill tightens penalties and clarifies what constitutes disarming a law enforcement officer in Pennsylvania, increasing penalties for interfering with an officer’s weapon.

Referred to Judiciary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2531

Bill overview

  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Short title: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in obstructing governmental operations, further providing for disarming a law enforcement officer
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsors Wendy Fink, Marc Anderson, Jamie Walsh, Joe Hamm, David Rowe, Dane Watro, Jeanne McNeill

Purpose and intent

  • The bill proposes amendments within the chapter on obstructing governmental operations, specifically addressing the disarming of a law enforcement officer. The central aim appears to tighten or modify penalties, definitions, or procedures related to taking a weapon from a police officer or interfering with an officer’s ability to use or retain a weapon in the course of duty.

Key provisions and changes (as described)

  • The bill is framed as “further providing” for disarming a law enforcement officer, suggesting:
    • Revisions to statutory definitions or elements of the offense of disarming an officer.
    • Potentially clarifying what constitutes disarming (e.g., taking or attempting to take a weapon from an officer, or stopping an officer from using a weapon).
    • Modifications to penalties, sentencing ranges, or classifications (e.g., upgrading the offense to a more serious tier of felony or adding aggravating factors).
    • Possible incorporation of enhanced penalties for certain circumstances (e.g., disarming during violent crime, in specific locations, or against certain officers).

Note: The precise text of the amendments (e.g., exact language, added subsections, and specific penalties) is not provided here. The description indicates that the bill makes “further provisions” to the existing offense, which typically means changes to elements of the crime, penalties, or related procedural aspects.

Who/what would be affected

  • Affected conduct: Individuals who attempt to, or succeed in, disarming a law enforcement officer, or who interfere with an officer’s ability to carry or use a weapon in the line of duty.
  • Affected parties:
    • Defendants charged with disarming a law enforcement officer (potentially facing new or enhanced penalties).
    • Law enforcement officers and the agencies they serve (potentially affecting officers’ safety-related offenses and protective measures).
    • Prosecutors and the judiciary, due to modified charging standards or sentencing ranges.
  • Geographic/material scope: Statewide application within Pennsylvania under Title 18 of the Crimes and Offenses.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Committee and floor actions will determine the bill’s progress (e.g., passage by the Pennsylvania House, potential amendments, Senate consideration, and any gubernatorial action).
  • If enacted, the effective date would be specified in the bill (e.g., a fixed date after enactment or a designated effective period for changes to penalties).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Public safety: Could heighten penalties for risking officers’ safety by disarming them, potentially serving as a deterrent.
  • Civil and criminal implications: Clarified or strengthened elements may affect charging decisions, trial strategy, and sentencing outcomes.
  • Legal interpretation: Courts would interpret the updated elements and any new definitions, affecting consistency and potential appellate review.
  • Resource implications: Law enforcement training and prosecutorial resources may need adjustments to reflect revised standards and penalties.

If available, reviewing the bill’s actual text would allow for precise elements, defined terms, and exact penalty ranges to be added to this summary.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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