Session: 2021-2022
ACLU-PA Position: Opposes
HB 2271, also known as Lindsey's Law, would require the Sentencing Commission to create an additional enhancement for people convicted of sexual extortion under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3133 if the complainant attempts or dies by suicide within 90 days of the commission of the offense as a result of the “trauma that the complainant experienced during or following the commission of the offense.”
This bill adds yet another enhancement to the offense of sexual extortion—a new offense created last session. And the suicide enhancement is arguably already punishable by an even newer offense enacted this session in September 2021—causing or aiding suicide (18 Pa. C.S. § 2505).
As we repeatedly underscore in our More Law, Less Justice reports, prosecutors have all the tools they need in our Crimes Code to punish people many times over without creating more duplicative and unnecessary offenses.
Governor Wolf signed HB 2271 into law on July 11, 2022 as Act 75 of 2022.
