The bill amends Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by repealing Section 9777, which previously governed the process for transferring inmates requiring medical treatment to hospitals or long-term care facilities. This repeal signifies a departure from established procedures for addressing the medical needs of inmates. In its place, the bill introduces a new Section 9778, which allows for the modification of an inmate's term of imprisonment due to illness. The court may grant a modification upon petition if there is extraordinary family hardship or if the inmate suffers from serious health conditions that significantly impair their ability to function. The new provisions also include notification requirements for victims and their rights to respond to such petitions.

Additionally, the bill mandates that correctional facilities must prominently display information regarding inmates' rights to petition for sentence modifications, detailing the procedures and timelines involved. It outlines specific judicial procedures for courts to follow upon receiving a petition, including response timelines and considerations for decision-making. The bill also requires the court to provide copies of its decisions to relevant parties, including the inmate, their attorney, and victims. Furthermore, it establishes an annual reporting requirement for the Secretary of Corrections on the number of petitions filed, granted, or denied, and defines key terms related to inmate health conditions. The act will take effect 60 days after passage and applies to individuals sentenced before, on, or after the effective date.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1386 (Apr 17, 2025): 42-9777, P.L.882, No.111
Printer's No. 2066 (Jul 01, 2025): 42-9777, P.L.882, No.111
Printer's No. 1386: 42-9777, P.L.882, No.111