In abortion, providing for prohibition against cooperation with out-of-State abortion investigations.
Summary
HB1285 would add a new section to Pennsylvania’s Crimes and Offenses code prohibiting certain state and local government actors from assisting out-of-state investigations or proceedings that seek to impose civil or criminal liability for abortion-related conduct that is legal in Pennsylvania. Covered entities would be barred from providing information or using public resources—such as time, money, facilities, property, equipment, personnel, or other resources—to help such interstate actions. The bill also extends the prohibition to assistance involving people or entities that provide, seek, receive, or inquire about abortion-related services or activity that is lawful in the Commonwealth.
The bill applies to Commonwealth government entities, law enforcement agencies, peace officers, and political subdivisions and their officers, employees, contractors, and related local authorities. It includes a carveout for investigations or proceedings where the conduct being investigated would itself violate Pennsylvania law. The measure would take effect 60 days after enactment.
Impact
HB1285 would create a new statutory restriction in Title 18 limiting cooperation by Pennsylvania public officials and agencies with out-of-state abortion-related investigations. In practical terms, it would prevent state and local government resources from being used to support foreign civil or criminal actions targeting abortion care or abortion assistance that is lawful in Pennsylvania, while preserving cooperation when the underlying conduct would also be illegal under Pennsylvania law. The bill would affect state agencies, police departments, local governments, and other public entities that might otherwise respond to subpoenas, requests, or investigative demands from other states.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the measure appears to be framed as a protective response for abortion access in Pennsylvania rather than a regulatory expansion. Its sponsors suggest support for shielding lawful in-state abortion activity from external enforcement efforts. No contrary arguments are documented in the supplied record, but the subject matter indicates the bill is likely to draw strong support from abortion-rights advocates and opposition from abortion opponents or those concerned about limiting interstate law-enforcement cooperation.
Contention
The main point of contention is whether Pennsylvania should refuse to assist other states seeking to investigate or penalize abortion-related conduct that is legal under Pennsylvania law. Supporters are likely to view the bill as necessary to protect patients, providers, and helpers from cross-border enforcement efforts. Opponents may argue that it interferes with interstate cooperation, law enforcement, and the ability of other states to pursue their own laws. The exception for conduct that would violate Pennsylvania law may also be a focal point, since it preserves cooperation in some cases while drawing a line around lawful abortion activity.
Enacts the "life appropriation act" prohibiting state funding for abortions and related costs; regulates abortions and prohibits dismemberment abortions.