In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in Commonwealth v. Lee that the Commonwealth’s sentencing scheme for second-degree murder is unconstitutional. The Court stayed its ruling until July 24, 2026, to provide the General Assembly with an opportunity to enact remedial legislation. Without legislative action, significant uncertainty will exist regarding the sentencing and parole eligibility of individuals convicted of second-degree murder.

That is why I plan to introduce legislation establishing a new sentencing framework for second-degree murder that balances constitutional requirements, public safety, and the interests of victims and their families. The bill would authorize courts to impose sentences ranging from 35 years to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole, based on the defendant’s culpability and the circumstances of the offense. In limited cases involving defendants with minimal culpability, courts would be permitted to impose a sentence below 35 years, but no less than 10 years. Conversely, prosecutors would be authorized to seek life without parole when a jury determines that the defendant caused the victim’s death and an additional aggravating factor is present.

The legislation would also establish a uniform process for individuals currently serving sentences for second-degree murder by making them eligible for parole after 35 years of incarceration or upon reaching age 70 after serving at least 20 years. Parole eligibility would not guarantee release, as the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole would retain discretion to grant or deny parole based on statutory criteria, including public safety considerations. The bill would further limit the frequency of parole reapplications following a denial to reduce unnecessary burdens on victims and their families.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.