Senate Committee Passes Baker, Bartolotta And Williams Bill To Reform PA’s Probation System

HARRISBURG – The Senate Judiciary Committee passed legislation sponsored by Sens. Lisa Baker (R-20), Camera Bartolotta (R-46) and Anthony Williams (D-8) that would reform Pennsylvania’s probation system to give people a better pathway out of the criminal justice system. Senate Bill 838 would establish a mandatory probation review conference for probationers, providing criteria for when they occur and a presumption probation will be terminated unless the individual does not qualify. It would also allow the review conference to occur earlier based on the good conduct of defendants by achieving certain educational, employment or other goals. A provision to allow for the waiving of the mandatory review conference in cases where all stakeholders agree it is unnecessary is also included. Senate Bill 838 now moves to the full Senate for consideration.