Briggs announces package of reform bills approved by House Judiciary Committee
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus April 9, 2026 | 4:13 PM
HARRISBURG, April 9 – Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee Chairman Tim Briggs today announced that a broad package of public safety and justice reform legislation has been voted out of committee, marking a significant step forward for measures aimed at protecting vulnerable Pennsylvanians and strengthening the Commonwealth’s legal system.
“Today’s votes show what’s possible when we focus on solutions that put people first,” Briggs said. “These bills reflect a shared commitment to protecting victims, supporting families, and ensuring our justice system is both fair and effective.”
House Bill 72 (sponsored by state Rep. Lisa Borowski) would update the Landlord and Tenant Act to better support people experiencing domestic violence. Leaving an abusive relationship is often the most dangerous time, and the last thing someone should have to worry about is whether they can safely stay in—or leave—their home.
This bill would allow victims to break a lease early and change locks or other entry points so they can protect themselves and their families right away. Developed with input from advocacy groups, it is designed to give survivors clear, practical options at a time when safety matters most.
House Bill 1104 (sponsored by state Rep. Leanne Krueger) would make it easier and more affordable for people to get their medical records in today’s digital world. Even though most records are now stored and shared electronically, patients can still face outdated and unnecessary costs when trying to access them.
This bill would cap those fees, helping people access the information they need without added hassle or expense. It is a straightforward update that reflects how health care works today and puts patients first.
House Bill 1247 (sponsored by state Rep. Liz Hanbidge) would prohibit the use of deceptive interrogation tactics on individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism—groups that research has shown are particularly vulnerable to coercion and false confessions.
The bill would make confessions obtained through deception inadmissible unless the state can demonstrate that they were given voluntarily. This reform aims to reduce wrongful convictions and strengthen the integrity of the justice system by ensuring fair treatment for vulnerable individuals.
“False confessions are one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions, and the risk of false confessions is even greater for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism,” Hanbidge said. “This bill takes a critical step toward ensuring that our justice system is fair, accurate, and grounded in reliable evidence.”
House Bill 2102 (sponsored state Rep. Robert Leadbeter) would make Pennsylvania’s alert systems reach more people when it matters most. It would update how existing alerts work and help pave the way for a new “Purple Alert” for individuals with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities who go missing.
Currently, many of these individuals do not meet the criteria for existing alert systems, even though they can be especially vulnerable. This bill is partly inspired by the tragic loss of 6-year-old Aiden Ha, a nonverbal autistic child who went missing in Columbia County in 2025. A Purple Alert would quickly share critical information statewide, helping communities and law enforcement respond faster and, in some cases, save lives.
House Bill 2106 (sponsored by state Rep. Abigail Salisbury) would strengthen guardianship proceedings by expanding notification requirements to ensure more individuals have the opportunity to participate in decisions affecting their loved ones.
Under current law, guardianship proceedings are not widely publicized, which can prevent qualified and caring individuals from stepping forward. This bill would expand the list of those entitled to notice, helping courts make more informed decisions and ensuring that incapacitated individuals receive the best possible care.
House Bill 2277 (sponsored by Briggs) would update Pennsylvania’s standby guardianship law to allow parents to designate a guardian in the event of a long-term or indefinite absence, in addition to incapacity or death.
This change would give families greater flexibility to plan for their children’s care and reduce unnecessary uncertainty during difficult circumstances. By closing a gap in current law, the bill ensures continuity and stability for children when they need it most.
“Parents should have the ability to plan for their children’s future in any circumstance,” Briggs said. “This legislation gives families peace of mind and ensures children remain in safe, caring environments.”
House Bill 2356 (sponsored by state Rep. Andre Carroll) would lower the age for expungement eligibility from 70 to 65 for individuals who have completed their sentences and remained crime-free for at least 10 years.
The legislation aims to remove long-standing barriers to employment and financial stability, allowing individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation to fully reintegrate into society. By expanding access to expungement, the bill promotes fairness and economic opportunity for thousands of Pennsylvanians.
“Today’s vote to move this bill out of committee is an important step toward a more compassionate system in Pennsylvania,” Carroll said. “By lowering the expungement age from 70 to 65, we are recognizing that accountability should not mean a lifetime of punishment. This legislation is about second chances and ensuring that people who have demonstrated rehabilitation have a real opportunity to achieve stability, employment, and a better quality of life in their later years. By clearing eligible records earlier, it removes barriers to employment, housing, and professional licensure, making it easier for older adults to secure jobs, increase their income, access stable housing, and build their savings. In doing so, it directly helps reduce poverty among seniors and allows more older Pennsylvanians to live with dignity and achieve financial security.”
The bills now advance to the full House of Representatives for further consideration.
“These bills reflect a balanced approach to justice—one that prioritizes safety, fairness, and opportunity,” Briggs said. “I’m proud of the work that brought them forward and look forward to continuing that momentum in the House.”
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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net
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