PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed legislation aimed at bolstering protections for federal judges and judicial officers. House Bill 1700, sponsored by state Rep. Mary Isaacson, was approved unanimously in a 203-0 vote on December 13, 2023.
This bill proposes amendments to Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically in the section related to assault and endangerment of public safety officials. The proposed legislation would prohibit the disclosure of personally identifiable information of federal judges, judicial officers, and their families, with the intent to cause harm or disrupt the execution of their duties.
If enacted, the unauthorized disclosure of such information would be graded as a third-degree misdemeanor under Pennsylvania law.
In defending the bill, Rep. Isaacson emphasized its importance for the preservation of democracy and the justice system. She stated, “Threats and attempted violence against impartial judges not only cause harm to them but it damages our justice system and the foundations of our democracy. We have seen varied threats against our democratic institutions too many times in recent years and we must protect judges to ensure that they can continue to uphold their duties both impartially and independently.”
The bill, having secured approval from the House of Representatives, will now advance to the Senate for further deliberation. This legislation represents an essential step in ensuring the safety of those who serve in the judiciary and maintaining the integrity of Pennsylvania’s judicial system.
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