Pennsylvania HB 1681: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in particular rights and immunities, providing for immunity for security officers of religious organizations.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 2057
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1681
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY COOPER, HAMM, KAUFFMAN, ZIMMERMAN, E. NELSON,
KUZMA AND BERNSTINE, JUNE 30, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, JUNE 30, 2025
AN ACT
Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in particular rights and
immunities, providing for immunity for security officers of
religious organizations.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes is amended by adding a section to read:
§ 8340.4. Immunity for security officers of religious
organizations.
(a) Immunity.--Except as provided in subsection (b), in
addition to any other applicable immunity or limitation on civil
liability, a security officer of a religious organization shall
be entitled to civil immunity for any injury or loss to property
resulting from the security officer's actions in defense or in
protection of the religious organization for which the security
officer provided safety, security or protection services.
(b) Exception.--The immunity provided under subsection (a)
shall not apply to an act or omission that arises out of any
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reckless, malicious, grossly negligent or wanton action or
conduct by the security officer.
(c) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following
words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this
subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Religious organization." A body or community of individuals
that is organized primarily for the purpose of engaging in
religious worship or promoting the spiritual development or
well-being of individuals.
"Security officer." A volunteer of a religious organization
who provides the following services for the religious
organization as determined by the religious organization:
(1) Protection of persons and property.
(2) Monitoring visitors.
(3) Deterrence, observation, detection or reporting of
incidents and activities for the purpose of preventing the
theft, conversion, concealment or misappropriation of
personal property.
(4) Deterrence, observation, detection or reporting of
incidents and activities for the purpose of preventing any
unauthorized or unlawful activity, including robbery,
burglary, arson, criminal mischief, vandalism or trespass.
"Volunteer." An individual who provides services without an
express or implied promise of remuneration.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
20250HB1681PN2057 - 2 -
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