Session: 2023–2024
ACLU-PA Position: Supports
HB 1188 (PN 1473) would allow a member of the General Assembly to request an impact statement on any piece of legislation proposing changes to the crimes and offenses in Title 18 or sentencing laws in Title 42.
Similar to fiscal notes, which analyze a bill’s impact on state and local funds, a demographic impact statement would evaluate potential disparities of proposed legislation on different demographic groups, including those defined by race, ethnicity, economic status, age, gender, and/or religious affiliation. Impact statements would be authorized by request of a legislator and prepared by the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing before a bill receives second consideration.
Impact statements offer an effective and informative tool to assist legislators in examining the consequences of legislative proposals prior to their adoption.
Check the bill's status here.
