Pennsylvania’s probation system is undergoing significant reform under Act 44 (formerly Senate Bill 838), signed into law in December 2023. This landmark legislation, the result of years of work by directly-impacted leaders and unlikely allies, including five years of bipartisan advocacy by the Pennsylvania Safety Coalition, addresses longstanding challenges within the Commonwealth’s supervision system.
Act 44 aims to create a fairer and more effective probation system focused on public safety and rehabilitation by introducing key changes:
Important Implementation Update
While many provisions of Act 44 are already in effect, major changes go into effect on June 11, 2025. These upcoming changes focus on improving and standardizing probation review processes, including probation progress reports with clear criteria and recommendations on continuing or ending probation early and processes for probation review conferences.
REFORM Alliance is committed to ensuring that the laws we champion are implemented effectively. This page provides resources designed to help practitioners, advocates, directly impacted individuals, and anyone interested in understanding and navigating Act 44’s implementation. The most valuable information comes directly from you, so please contact us with your experiences, as well as any questions and concerns. Whether you’re a probation officer implementing changes in Act 44 or an individual on probation who wants to better understand how Act 44’s reforms could benefit them, we want to hear from you. Here are a number of tools to share your experience, get answers to your questions and concerns, and obtain the most up-to-date information on the policy changes under Act 44.
Act 44 Early Termination Eligibility Tool
Wondering about eligibility and/or timing for early termination and Probation Review Conferences under Act 44? This interactive tool guides you through the key decision points based on the law’s criteria and the individualized information you provide.
Find out if you or someone you know might qualify for reduced supervision time.
REFORM does not keep or track your data. This is for informational purposes only.
Upcoming Webinar
Gain insights from policy experts about Act 44’s practical application and impact. Join REFORM Alliance staff, representatives from supervision agencies, and other key stakeholders for an informative session covering:
- Key provisions and timelines of Act 44
- Overview of the new early termination and probation review conference requirements
- What the law means for people on probation in Pennsylvania
Join us. Register here today.
Ask Us About Act 44
Have questions about interpreting or applying Act 44? We’re here to help. Whether you’re a probation officer, department head, service provider, attorney, advocate, educator, or someone currently on probation, you can use the form below to submit your questions. We’re looking forward to hearing from you. And, as always, REFORM’s services are 100% complimentary of charge.
Submit a question to our implementation team.
Our implementation team will respond to your questions in a timely manner. Your submitted information will not be shared outside of REFORM Alliance.
Access our Flowchart on Qualifying for Early Probation Termination (Act 44)
Determining eligibility for early termination of probation under Pennsylvania’s Act 44 involves several factors. REFORM’s implementation team has designed a flowchart to clarify the process and help guide you through each consideration. Much like the Act 44 tool above, which directs users through each decision point required to comply with the law – including date of sentencing, length of time served, and considerations related to the convicting offense(s) – the flowchart details the considerations, protections, and requirements under Act 44 and shows when and how each factor is relevant.
Click here to download the printable Act 44 Flowchart
REFORM Alliance remains dedicated to supporting the effective implementation of Act 44 across Pennsylvania. We encourage you to use these resources and reach out with any questions or feedback.
If you’d like to contact us, please reach us at implementation@reformalliance.com.
