The bill amends Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding the commencement of proceedings for protection from abuse. It introduces a $100 surcharge on defendants when a protection order is granted, with the funds allocated in a specific manner. Of this surcharge, $25 will go to the Pennsylvania State Police for maintaining a statewide registry of protection orders, another $25 will be distributed to the law enforcement agency that serves the order or retained by the county sheriff, and the remaining $25 will be directed to the Department of Human Services for domestic violence victim support. The previous allocation of $50 to the county has been changed to $25 for court use.

Additionally, the bill modifies the provisions for service of protection orders. It removes the requirement for the court to adopt a means of service when the plaintiff cannot safely effect service by an adult individual other than a law enforcement officer. Instead, it mandates that the court establish a prompt and effective service method, specifically ordering that the sheriff or appropriate law enforcement agency serve the petition and order. This change aims to streamline the process of serving protection orders while ensuring safety and efficiency. The act is set to take effect in 60 days.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 236 (Feb 25, 2025): 23-6106(d)
Printer's No. 762 (May 12, 2025): 23-6106(d)
Printer's No. 0236: 23-6106(d)