Lower Bucks Today

Reps. Shelby Labs (R-Bucks), Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks), K.C. Tomlinson (R-Bucks), Abby Major (R-Armstrong/Westmoreland) and Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington) have introduced a legislative package aimed at increasing protections for stalking victims in Pennsylvania.

"This legislation was the result of many months of collaborative work between local law enforcement and constituents based on real-life cases, which culminated in this package of bills aimed at protecting victims of stalking," said Labs. "The goal of this legislation was to identify and close the gaps in our current laws, give law enforcement the ability to be more proactive, and ultimately give victims greater protection. With the growth of social media and the ability to easily obtain information about someone, it was imperative that we make sure our laws are effectually protecting victims."

Labs' proposed legislation would amend Pennsylvania’s Crimes Code to expand criminal liability under the state's stalking statute. This would include making it an offense if a person knowingly or recklessly places another person in reasonable fear of bodily injury. Another proposal requires defendants convicted of certain domestic violence offenses to notify law enforcement and the Office of Victim Advocate if they change their job, residency, or vehicle. Additionally, there is a proposal to create a fund for hiring civilian community relations specialists in police departments across the Commonwealth.

Marcell's proposal focuses on allowing judges to deny social media access to stalkers during Protection from Abuse (PFA) proceedings. "This legislation will provide critical protections for stalking victims by ensuring that those who seek to harm or intimidate through social media will no longer have that avenue available to them," said Marcell.

Tomlinson's proposed bill seeks a mandatory minimum penalty of five years' incarceration for any defendant convicted of a second or subsequent offense of stalking. "Given the world we live in today with social media stalking is easier than ever; we need to find more ways to protect victims and send a clear message to predators that these crimes will not be tolerated," Tomlinson stated.

Major has proposed increasing the grading of stalking offenses from misdemeanors to felonies when the victim is a minor, and the defendant is an adult at least four years older than the victim. "While all stalking is serious, victimization of children by adults adds another layer," Major said.

Mihalek's proposal aims at expanding legal protections under Pennsylvania’s Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence and Intimidation Act (PVSVI Act) so all victims can seek recourse under this act, not just minors who have been victimized. "If stalking victims are better protected, hopefully we can reduce instances where stalking becomes an act of violence or worse," Mihalek commented.

Additionally, Labs and Marcell have jointly proposed recognizing January 2025 as “Stalking Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in three women and one in six men experience stalking during their lifetime. Stalking behaviors often lead to physical threats against victims, resulting in severe psychological trauma and disruption of daily life. The new legislative package seeks not only expanded legal protections but also increased penalties for perpetrators so that victims can feel safer throughout Pennsylvania.