Session: 2019-2020
ACLU-PA Position: Opposes
SB 1085 (PN 1586) would create a new offense that prohibits evading arrest or detention by a police officer on foot. If a person suffers serious bodily injury as a direct result of violating this section of the statute, the offense is graded as a felony of the third degree. If a person dies as a result, the grading is increased to a felony of the first degree. All other offenses would be graded as second-degree misdemeanors. The provisions of the bill are poorly defined and as a result, may invite unintended and even unconstitutional consequences.
