HARRISBURG – Today, Senator Joe Picozzi (R-5) joined a bipartisan effort to pass Senate Bill 1400, legislation he proudly co-sponsored to establish a fair and consistent process for individuals serving sentences for second-degree murder while maintaining public safety remains a top priority.
The bill is in response to the recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision of Commonwealth v. Lee, which found the Commonwealth’s sentencing law for second-degree murder unconstitutional. The Court imposed a 120-day stay of its order, giving the General Assembly until July 24th, 2026, to enact new sentencing framework.
Senate Bill 1400 creates a new sentencing framework that complies with the court’s ruling while ensuring those involved in serious crimes remain accountable. The bill allows judges to consider an individual’s role in the crime when determining a sentence, while maintaining strong penalties for offenders and protections for victims. Individuals convicted of second-degree murder would become eligible for parole after (1) serving at least 35 years of incarceration and (2) attaining the age of 70 after serving at least 20 years. The Pennsylvania Parole Board would review each case individually, consider the impact on victims and their families, and determine whether an offender should remain incarcerated.
Earlier today, Attorney General Dave Sunday joined lawmakers at the Capitol to highlight the importance of the legislation: “Today’s vote demonstrates this framework is a bipartisan path forward,” said Sunday. “As a former member of the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission, I know the significant challenges in creating appropriate sentencing schemes. I believe that SB 1400 strikes that balance”.
Senator Joe Picozzi said the legislation is particularly important for Philadelphia as the city continues making progress to reduce violent crime.
“The safety of our communities and the rights of victims should never be an afterthought,” Picozzi said. “This gives Pennsylvanians confidence that our justice system will continue to put accountability and victims at the center of these decisions”.
Senate Bill 1400 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.