The bill amends Section 2706 of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, which pertains to the offense of terroristic threats. It redefines the penalties associated with such threats, specifically removing the previous requirement for restitution and replacing it with a mandate for convicted individuals to pay for the costs associated with the response to the threat. This includes expenses incurred by emergency services, law enforcement, and educational institutions, as well as wages for employees affected by the threat. The bill also clarifies the definitions of "communicates," "institution of higher education," and "school entity," ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the terms used in the context of the law.

Additionally, the grading of offenses under this section is modified. While a general offense remains a misdemeanor of the first degree, it escalates to a felony of the third degree if the threat disrupts normal operations or specifically targets a school entity or institution of higher education. This change aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding terroristic threats, emphasizing the seriousness of such actions, particularly in educational settings. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 51 (Jan 22, 2025): 18-2706
Printer's No. 0051: 18-2706