HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) to strengthen the enforcement of Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders was officially signed into law on June 30.
Act 23 of 2025 provides vital improvements to the way Pennsylvania courts and law enforcement handle domestic violence protection orders.
“This is a meaningful step forward in ensuring victims of abuse receive the full measure of protection the law intends,” said Baker, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. “The changes ensure that orders are served promptly and properly, while also recognizing the essential work of the law enforcement officers who carry out this responsibility.”
The new law addresses several key issues that have undermined the effectiveness of PFAs, including confusion about who is authorized to serve orders and inconsistent reimbursement when police departments performing this critical work. In some communities, particularly smaller jurisdictions, local police were serving PFA orders without receiving compensation, putting a strain on both budgets and staffing. Now, state and local police will be reimbursed for their efforts, helping to remove barriers to swift and consistent enforcement.
The legislation responds to concerns raised by Luzerne County Controller Walter Griffith, whose 2022 audit revealed that the Luzerne County Sheriff’s Office had collected fees for serving PFA orders when local police had performed the service instead. Reimbursement was not possible because Pennsylvania law mandated that the service fee be paid exclusively to the sheriff. Baker also credited Dallas Township Police Chief Doug Higgins for bringing these problems to her attention, prompting the introduction of Senate Bill 302 earlier this year.
“With Act 23 now in place, Pennsylvania is better positioned to protect those facing abuse while ensuring the dedicated law enforcement agencies that assist them are supported and not penalized for doing their jobs,” Baker said. “This is a strong, bipartisan measure that reflects our shared commitment to public safety and victim protection.”
The bill passed both the Senate and House unanimously, underscoring broad legislative support for better protecting vulnerable Pennsylvanians through clearer procedures and stronger enforcement of the law.
CONTACT: Jennifer Wilson