Pennsylvania 2021-2022 Regular Session Status: In Committee 17 D cosponsors

HB 459 — An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for prohibition of ownership of certain animals.

Last action — PN 0420 Referred to JUDICIARY

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2021-2022 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

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The bill mandates a minimum two-year prohibition on animal ownership for certain offenses and establishes penalties for violations.

  • 18 Pa.C.S. § 5555(a)

    may order the prohibition or limitation → shall order the prohibition

    Changes 'may' to 'shall,' making it mandatory for the authority to prohibit ownership.

  • 18 Pa.C.S. § 5555(a)

    time not to exceed the statutory maximum term of imprisonment applicable to the offense for which sentence is being imposed → no less than two years

    Establishes a minimum prohibition period of two years instead of leaving it linked to imprisonment terms.

  • 18 Pa.C.S. § 5555(d)(1)

    shall constitute a misdemeanor of the third degree and, upon conviction, shall result in a prohibition extension of at least one year → shall constitute a misdemeanor of the third degree and, upon conviction, shall result in a prohibition extension of at least one year.

    Clarifies the penalty for first violations, maintaining a one-year prohibition extension.

  • 18 Pa.C.S. § 5555(d)(2)

    shall constitute a misdemeanor of the second degree and, upon conviction, shall result in a prohibition extension of at least five years → shall constitute a misdemeanor of the second degree and, upon conviction, shall result in a prohibition extension of at least five years.

    Clarifies the penalty for second violations, maintaining a five-year prohibition extension.

  • 18 Pa.C.S. § 5555(d)(3)

    shall constitute a misdemeanor of the first degree and, upon conviction, shall result in a prohibition extension of at least 10 years → shall constitute a misdemeanor of the first degree and, upon conviction, shall result in a prohibition extension of at least 10 years.

    Clarifies the penalty for third or subsequent violations, maintaining a ten-year prohibition extension.

Action History

  1. PN 0420 Referred to JUDICIARY

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 24 co-sponsors · 228 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (24)

Not signed on (228)

228 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 459?
HB 459 is sponsored by Louis Schmitt, Ed Neilson (Democratic), Jeanne McNeill (Democratic), Carol Hill-Evans (Democratic), Brooks, Benjamin V. Sanchez (Democratic), Robert Freeman (Democratic), Joe Ciresi (Democratic), Scott Conklin (Democratic), Sims, Joseph C. Hohenstein (Democratic), Eddie Day Pashinski (Democratic), Jennifer O'Mara (Democratic), Peter Schweyer (Democratic), Quinn, Joanna E. McClinton (Democratic), Sainato, Bridget M. Kosierowski (Democratic), MaryLouise Isaacson (Democratic), Fitzgerald, Maureen E. Madden (Democratic), Patty Kim (Democratic), Driscoll, Nick Pisciottano (Democratic), and Stephen Kinsey.
What is the current status of HB 459?
This bill died with 2021-2022 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HB 459?
Track HB 459 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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