The Senate has given its approval to a piece of legislation put forward by Senator Lisa Baker aimed at enhancing the enforcement of Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that law enforcement agencies are adequately reimbursed for their efforts.
Senate Bill 302 addresses an existing issue in the law where PFA-related court fees were directed solely to county sheriffs, even when local police departments or state troopers were responsible for serving the paperwork. Senator Baker stated, “Law enforcement officers put themselves on the line every time they serve a PFA. It’s only right that the agencies performing this vital work receive the support and reimbursement they deserve. This bill ensures that fairness is built into the process.”
This legislative move was prompted by concerns raised by Dallas Township Police Chief Doug Higgins and an audit conducted by Luzerne County Controller Walter Griffith. Their findings indicated that municipal departments were incurring costs for serving PFA orders without receiving compensation.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that only sheriffs or trained law enforcement officers should be authorized to serve PFAs, not private individuals. This provision aims to address safety concerns and uphold professional standards in enforcement. The reimbursement process outlined in the bill includes collecting a $25 service fee through an existing surcharge, with sheriffs required to transfer this fee to the agency completing the service.
Senator Baker emphasized, “We are working to make sure no victim faces unnecessary delays or uncertainty when seeking protection. This reform is about accountability, safety and making sure the system functions the way it was intended.”
With Senate approval secured, Senate Bill 302 will now proceed to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
