A recent state Supreme Court ruling could cause the release of convicted murderers.
Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that automatic life sentences for second-degree murder convictions are unconstitutional. The ruling goes into effect on July 24, 2026.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday (R) is sounding the alarm. He said that hundreds of convicted murderers could be released if the state legislature fails to act.
In the Commonwealth, there are about 1,100 inmates serving life sentences for second-degree murder.
“Without legislation by July 24, there will be no sentencing parameters for those convicted of this serious and violent crime, and hundreds of inmates already serving sentences could be resentenced to new terms that prompt their immediate release,” the Attorney General’s Office said on Monday.
“While we have a clear obligation to ensure that constitutional bounds are not crossed, we may not act as legislators, who are best positioned to effectuate penal reform,” wrote Chief Justice Debra Todd for the majority on the court.
The Republican-led state Senate passed a bipartisan bill to implement a new sentencing structure, but the Democrat-controlled House has done nothing so far.
The Senate’s legislation would create a 35-year mandatory minimum sentence for adults convicted of second-degree murder with few exceptions. The bill also creates a pathway to release for inmates already serving a sentence.
A murder is considered as second-degree if it occurs during the course of a violent felony, including robbery, rape, or arson.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has maintained optimism despite the inaction of House Democrats as the release date for convicted murderers creeps closer.
“We’re going to continue to work on this issue. And I’m confident, given some of the maneuvering that the Majority Leader in the House did today, there’s a vehicle ready to go when we have a compromise in place. I’d like to see the legislature act on this and not just leave it up to every individual county to act. I’d like to find some consensus, and I’m hopeful that we can get there by July 24. I’m hopeful we can get there,” Shapiro said in a recent interview.
If the state legislature misses the July 24 deadline, the state Supreme Court decision will take effect and Common Pleas judges across Pennsylvania will be forced to issue sentences without legislative guidance.
Attorney General Dave Sunday’s warning is clear: “Inaction is not an option, it is in fact dangerous.”
“Failure to act would leave our communities and victims without needed protections, and it is important that we move forward collaboratively to ensure a responsible solution.”
