A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study on the use of electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration in this Commonwealth and to report its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives.

PRINTER'S NO. 3503
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 547
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY J. HARRIS, DELOZIER, WAXMAN, KHAN, McNEILL, MAYES,
KINKEAD, BRENNAN, GUZMAN, DOUGHERTY, PARKER, HOHENSTEIN,
CEPEDA-FREYTIZ, NEILSON, SANCHEZ, CURRY, PUGH, RIGBY, KUZMA,
TOMLINSON, FLOOD, MIHALEK, BONNER AND KAIL, JUNE 1, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, JUNE 2, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to
conduct a study on the use of electronic monitoring as an
alternative to incarceration in this Commonwealth and to
report its findings and recommendations to the House of
Representatives.
WHEREAS, Electronic monitoring technologies are used
throughout this Commonwealth to supervise certain individuals in
the community in lieu of incarceration, including individuals on
pretrial release, probation, parole and county intermediate
punishment programs; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania law authorizes the use of electronic
monitoring in a variety of circumstances, including under 42
Pa.C.S. §§ 9763 and 9804; and
WHEREAS, Additional authority for community supervision and
alternatives to incarceration, including supervision conditions
that may incorporate electronic monitoring technology, exists
under 61 Pa.C.S. Pt. IV (relating to Department of Corrections);
and
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WHEREAS, Courts in this Commonwealth may also utilize
electronic monitoring as a condition of pretrial release
pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure
governing bail and conditions of release; and
WHEREAS, Rigorous evidence demonstrates that electronic
monitoring, when used appropriately as an alternative to
incarceration, may improve public safety outcomes while reducing
correctional costs; and
WHEREAS, Policymakers may benefit from a comprehensive
evaluation of how electronic monitoring is currently used in
this Commonwealth and whether opportunities exist to improve or
expand its use; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the
Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and
issue a report regarding the use of electronic monitoring as an
alternative to incarceration in this Commonwealth; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the study include an examination of the
following:
(1) where and how electronic monitoring is currently
used in this Commonwealth as an alternative to incarceration,
including statutory authority and the populations eligible
for electronic monitoring;
(2) constraints or barriers that may limit the use of
electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration;
(3) opportunities to expand or improve the use of
electronic monitoring for low-risk individuals as an
alternative to incarceration;
(4) rates of recidivism for individuals supervised using
electronic monitoring as compared to incarcerated populations
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and individuals under other forms of community supervision;
(5) the costs of electronic monitoring and incarceration
to the Commonwealth compared to the costs to counties and
individuals under supervision;
(6) methods used to evaluate electronic monitoring
technologies to ensure effective supervision outcomes; and
(7) the structure of contracts or agreements for
operating and providing electronic monitoring services within
this Commonwealth;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That, in conducting the study, the Legislative
Budget and Finance Committee consult with relevant stakeholders,
including:
(1) the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and
Delinquency;
(2) the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts;
(3) the Department of Corrections;
(4) the Pennsylvania Parole Board;
(5) county probation and parole departments;
(6) representatives of the judiciary;
(7) the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association;
(8) the Pennsylvania Public Defender Association;
(9) the Office of Attorney General;
(10) representatives of law enforcement;
(11) providers of electronic monitoring services;
(12) organizations representing victims of crime and
domestic violence; and
(13) criminal justice policy and reentry organizations
with expertise in electronic monitoring;
and be it further
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RESOLVED, That Commonwealth agencies and departments
cooperate with the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee and
provide information requested by the committee as necessary to
complete the study; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the House
of Representatives no later than 18 months after the adoption of
this resolution.
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