The second-degree sentencing deadline has passed. What happens now?
Summary
Pennsylvania lawmakers missed a court-imposed deadline to change the state’s sentencing rules for second-degree murder, a crime involving deaths during violent felonies. Without new laws, judges must decide sentences case-by-case, while two different legislative proposals remain unresolved.Key Facts
- The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life sentences without parole for second-degree murder violate the state constitution.
- Lawmakers had until July 24 to update sentencing laws but did not pass a final law.
- Second-degree murder includes deaths that happen during crimes like robbery or arson, even if the person convicted did not directly cause the death.
- Two bills are in progress: the Senate’s bill sets a 35-year minimum sentence, with parole eligibility after that, and the House’s bill lets courts use guidelines and allows parole after 30 years.
- Neither bill has become law yet, and there is no agreement between lawmakers on a compromise.
- Judges will decide sentences for new second-degree murder cases until the legislature acts.
- People already serving life sentences are not automatically released and will not be immediately eligible for parole.
- Lawmakers plan to continue talks when the legislature returns in September.
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