This bill amends Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically addressing the offense of stalking. It modifies the grading of stalking offenses, changing the classification of a second or subsequent offense from a felony of the third degree to a felony of the second degree if the offender has a prior conviction for a crime of violence against the same victim or a family or household member. Additionally, the bill introduces a new subsection that establishes mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders, requiring a minimum sentence of five years of total confinement and stipulating that the maximum sentence cannot exceed twice the mandatory minimum.

The bill also outlines specific procedures for sentencing, including the requirement for the court to have a complete record of the offender's previous convictions and the right for the offender to contest the accuracy of this record. It prohibits the imposition of lesser sentences or probation for offenders subject to these new guidelines and ensures that sentencing guidelines from the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing do not override the mandatory sentences established in this bill. Furthermore, it grants the Commonwealth the right to appeal if a sentencing court fails to apply these provisions correctly. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 2268 (Sep 09, 2025): 18-2709.1(c)(2)