The bill amends Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by repealing Section 9777, which previously governed the transfer of inmates requiring medical treatment to hospitals or long-term care facilities. This repeal signifies a departure from the established procedures for managing inmates' medical needs outside of correctional facilities. 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 can modify a sentence upon petition if there is extraordinary family hardship or if the inmate has a significantly diminished ability to function due to serious health conditions. The new provisions also include notification requirements for victims, ensuring they are informed and can respond to petitions for modification.

Additionally, the bill mandates that correctional facilities post 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 evaluating petitions. The court is also required to notify relevant parties of its decision immediately. Furthermore, the bill establishes an annual reporting requirement for the Secretary of Corrections to track the number of petitions filed, granted, or denied, promoting transparency and accountability in the process. 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