Bipartisan bills get reported out of PA House Judiciary Committee
Rep. Tim Briggs March 25, 2025 | 4:09 PM
HARRISBURG, March 25 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, chairman of the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee, announced the successful reporting out of several important bipartisan bills aimed at improving the lives of Pennsylvanians and strengthening public safety.
These legislative measures address a range of issues, from providing financial relief for grieving families to holding individuals in positions of power accountable for serious crimes, to supporting law enforcement and incentivizing the donation of safe food.
“These bills reflect our commitment to making meaningful changes that protect Pennsylvania families, support law enforcement, and ensure a fairer, safer society for everyone,” Briggs said. “By working together across party lines, we can pass legislation that makes a real difference for our communities.”
House Bill 167: Current law allows prioritized relatives to access up to $10,000 from a deceased person’s bank or credit union account without probate, provided funeral expenses are settled. This legislation proposes raising this limit to $20,000, making it easier for families to access needed funds during an incredibly difficult time. This change aims to reduce both the financial and emotional burdens on families and help them avoid costly probate proceedings.
House Bill 355: Provides a sentencing enhancement for courts to consider in sexual assault cases where the defendant is a mandated reporter.
“We tell our children not to trust strangers. We tell our children what they should do when a stranger approaches them. But we also tell our children that you CAN trust your teacher. You CAN trust a police officer,” said Rep. Chris Pielli, author of the bill. “How can we allow those who break that sacred trust to those they’re supposed to serve, to their community, continue to benefit from institutional leniencies they do not deserve? This legislation, allowing for sentencing enhancements for a person in a position of authority, is a step in the right direction.”
House Bill 591: This measure would establish a fund under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to offer up to $50,000 in rewards for information leading to the capture and arrest of individuals responsible for the criminal homicide of law enforcement officers. The fund would be replenished annually from the State Gaming Fund.
House Bill 615: This bill would expand immunity from civil and criminal liability to individuals and organizations donating food that has exceeded the manufacturer’s recommended label code date, but is still safe for human consumption. This bill aims to reduce food waste and encourage the donation of safe food to help those in need
House Resolution 143: Would recognize March 18, 2025, as "Public Defender Day" in Pennsylvania.
“These bills are a testament to what can be accomplished when legislators put aside political differences and focus on what’s best for the people of Pennsylvania,” Briggs said. “By passing these commonsense reforms, we are working toward a better future for our state, one that provides security, fairness and opportunity for all.”
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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net
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