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HB 2381

An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in licensing of drivers, further providing for driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for subsequent convictions of certain offenses.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Ciresi and 2 co-sponsors

HB 2381 tightens penalties for driving with a suspended/revoked license and for repeat offenses, increasing penalties and potentially expanding enforcement.

Referred to Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2381

Summary of HB 2381 (Pennsylvania, 2025-2026)

Overview

HB 2381 is a Pennsylvania bill amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The bill focuses on two areas:
1) Licensing of drivers, specifically driving while an operator’s privilege is suspended or revoked.
2) Penalties and disposition of fines, with changes related to subsequent convictions of certain offenses.

The bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee as of April 14, 2026. The sponsors include Jason Ortitay, Donna Scheuren, and Joe Ciresi (co-sponsors).

1) Purpose and Intent

  • To strengthen provisions related to drivers who operate a vehicle while their driving privilege is suspended or revoked.
  • To modify penalties and rules regarding subsequent convictions for certain offenses, potentially increasing or clarifying consequences for repeat violations.

2) Key Provisions (as drafted in the bill)

Note: Since the full text of HB 2381 is not provided here, this section outlines the typical categories of provisions such bills address. The actual bill may include these or related changes.

  • Driving While Privilege Is Suspended or Revoked

    • Revisions to existing statutes governing penalties for operating a vehicle when the driver’s license or privilege to drive is suspended or revoked.
    • Possible enhancements such as:
    • Increased fines
    • Longer license suspensions
    • Mandatory jail time or community service for certain repeat offenses
    • Expanded definitions of circumstances under which a suspended/revoked driver is considered to be driving

  • Subsequent Convictions and Penalties

    • Changes to penalties for subsequent convictions of certain offenses under Title 75.
    • Potential adjustments include:
    • Escalating penalties for each additional offense
    • Changes to how diversion, probation, or other disposition options apply to repeat offenders
    • Statutory changes related to fines, license sanctions, or mandatory rehabilitative programs

  • Procedural/Administrative Adjustments

    • Possible tweaks to enforcement processes (e.g., reporting requirements, penalties administratively assessed by courts or the Department of Transportation).
    • Clarifications to definitions (e.g., what constitutes “driving,” “operation,” or “upon a vehicle”).

  • Effective Dates and Transitions

    • Provisions detailing when the new rules take effect (e.g., upon enactment, a phased timeline, or with sunset/automatic review).

3) Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Drivers with Suspended or Revoked Privileges

    • Individuals who operate a vehicle while their driving privilege is suspended or revoked could face stricter penalties under the amended statute.

  • Judicial and Law Enforcement Agencies

    • Courts would apply updated penalties and disposition options for subsequent offenses.
    • Pennsylvania State Police and other enforcement agencies may adjust enforcement and reporting practices accordingly.

  • Residents with Repeated Offenses

    • Individuals with multiple convictions for offenses covered by Title 75 could face harsher sanctions and potentially different processing pathways (e.g., mandatory penalties, treatment programs).

  • Driver Licensing and DMV/ODP (Department of Transportation)

    • Administrative processes related to suspensions, revocations, and reinstatements may be affected by new penalties and procedures.

4) Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Status: Referred to Judiciary (as of 2026-04-14).
  • Next Steps: The Judiciary Committee would typically review, possibly amend, and vote on whether to advance the bill to the full House for consideration. If advanced, it would proceed through the legislative calendar, including potential votes in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate, and, if passed, be sent to the Governor for signature.
  • Effective Date: Will be specified in the bill text (often the date of enactment or a delayed start date). If not specified, the default is typically immediate upon enactment, with phased timelines for certain provisions.

Notes

  • The above reflects the bill’s stated focus areas and likely areas of impact based on its title and committee referral. The precise language will determine the exact scope, penalties, and procedural details. For a complete understanding, the full text and any fiscal impact statements or committee amendments should be consulted when available.

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

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