This bill amends the definition of "serious provocation" in section 2301 of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The revised definition clarifies that "serious provocation" refers to conduct that can provoke an intense passion in a reasonable person, but explicitly states that it does not include situations involving a victim's actual or perceived gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation. Additionally, it specifies that the term does not apply in cases where the victim made an unwanted nonforcible romantic or sexual advance toward the defendant or if there was a prior romantic or sexual relationship between the defendant and the victim.

The changes aim to provide clearer legal boundaries regarding what constitutes serious provocation, particularly in relation to issues of gender identity and sexual orientation. This bill will take effect 60 days after its enactment.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 461 (Mar 21, 2025): 18-2301
Printer's No. 0461: 18-2301