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 for individuals convicted of making such threats, specifically focusing on the costs associated with emergency responses. The previous requirement for restitution has been replaced with a broader mandate that convicted individuals must pay for any costs incurred during the evacuation or response to the threat. This includes expenses related to emergency services, unused food, and wages for employees involved in the response.

Additionally, the bill modifies the grading of the offense. It establishes that a terroristic threat is generally a misdemeanor of the first degree, but escalates to a felony of the third degree if the threat disrupts normal operations of a building or specifically targets a school or institution of higher education. The bill also clarifies the definitions of terms used in this context, such as "communicates," "institution of higher education," and "school entity," ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the law's application. 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