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Bill

HB 1170

An Act amending Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general administration relating to correctional institutions, providing for electronic control gloves.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aaron Bernstine and 28 co-sponsors

Bill authorizes Pennsylvania correctional facilities to use electronic control gloves for inmate restraint and control, raising safety and oversight questions.

Referred to Judiciary
0
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Bill Summary · HB 1170

Legislative bill overview

HB 1170 would authorize Pennsylvania correctional institutions to use electronic control gloves as a restraint or control device for incarcerated individuals. The bill amends Title 61 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to establish provisions governing the implementation and use of this technology in prisons and potentially other correctional facilities.

Why is this important

This legislation directly impacts prison safety protocols and inmate treatment standards, affecting thousands of incarcerated individuals and hundreds of correctional staff across Pennsylvania's system. It raises questions about use-of-force policies, accountability mechanisms, and whether this technology represents an improvement over or expansion of existing restraint methods.

Potential points of contention

  • Safety and effectiveness concerns: Limited peer-reviewed research exists on electronic control gloves' reliability, potential for misuse, or unintended health consequences in prison settings
  • Oversight and accountability: Unclear whether the bill establishes sufficient safeguards, training requirements, incident reporting, and independent oversight of when and how the devices are deployed
  • Alternatives and de-escalation: Questions about whether resources should prioritize electronic restraints versus staffing, mental health services, or conflict-prevention programs that reduce the need for physical control devices

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

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