4 days ago
Sen. Baker's legislation to strengthen PFA orders approved by Senate
Jun. 3—WILKES-BARRE — Sen. Lisa Baker on Tuesday said 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," said Sen. Baker, R-Lehman Township. "This bill ensures that fairness is built into the process."
The Pennsylvania Senate has approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Baker to improve the enforcement of Protection from Abuse (PFA) petitions and orders and ensure law enforcement agencies are properly reimbursed.
Sen. Baker said Senate Bill 302 corrects a longstanding imbalance in the law that directs a portion of PFA-related court fees exclusively to county sheriffs — even in cases where local police departments or state troopers carry out the service of the paperwork.
Sen. Baker said the legislation stems from concerns raised by Dallas Township Police Chief Doug Higgins and an audit conducted by Luzerne County Controller Walter Griffith, which highlighted that municipal departments were absorbing the cost of serving PFA orders without compensation.
The bill also clarifies that only sheriffs or trained law enforcement officers — not private individuals — should be authorized to serve PFAs, addressing a critical safety concern and reinforcing professional standards in enforcement.
Sen. Baker said the bill outlines the reimbursement process — while the $25 service fee will continue to be collected through the existing surcharge, sheriffs will be required to transfer the fee to the agency completing the service.
"We are working to make sure no victim faces unnecessary delays or uncertainty when seeking protection," Sen. Baker said. "This reform is about accountability, safety and making sure the system functions the way it was intended."
Senate Bill 302 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
