House Judiciary Committee Advances Key Criminal Justice, Public Safety Measures
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus April 27, 2026 | 3:42 PM
HARRISBURG, April 27 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, today announced that several significant pieces of legislation have been approved by the committee and now move to the full House of Representatives for further consideration.
“These bills reflect thoughtful efforts to address critical issues facing our justice system and our communities,” Briggs said. “From ensuring fairness and dignity under the law to protecting public safety and encouraging people to act in emergencies, the committee’s work demonstrates a commitment to practical, compassionate policy.”
House Bill 99 (Sponsored by Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila.) and H.B. 888 (Sponsored by Rep. Russ Diamond, R-Lebanon) would abolish the death penalty in Pennsylvania for defendants who have not yet been sentenced, aligning the Commonwealth with the 23 states that have already ended capital punishment and addressing longstanding concerns about wrongful convictions, high costs and its lack of effectiveness as a deterrent.
“I appreciate my colleagues on this committee for standing up to injustice,” Rabb said. “The risks of continuing the death penalty in the Commonwealth far outweigh the benefits, of which there are few, if any. It is an ineffective crime deterrent that costs tremendous resources to uphold in Pennsylvania, and we have used it to end lives of those who turned out to be innocent. There is no reason for this to continue any longer, and I urge my colleagues in the House to consider this legislation.”
House Bill 1944 and H.B. 1945 (Sponsored by Reps. Paul Friel, D-Chester, and Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny) would strengthen Pennsylvania’s medical amnesty protections by prohibiting reckless endangerment charges against individuals who call 911, reasonably believe someone needs immediate help due to alcohol poisoning or overdose, cooperate with first responders, and remain on the scene. It aims to ensure people can seek emergency assistance without fear of prosecution.
“Every second matters in an emergency. In these critical moments, no one should have to weigh saving a life against the risk of being charged with a crime,” Kinkead said. “These bills make it clear that if you render aid to a person experiencing a medical emergency as a result of consuming drugs or alcohol, you should be protected. Advancing this legislation is a step toward ensuring people, especially young people, are empowered to do the right thing without fear of life-altering consequences.”
House Bill 2028 (Sponsored by Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster), also known as the “Shelter First for Pennsylvanians Experiencing Homelessness Act,” would allow individuals experiencing homelessness to engage in life-sustaining activities in public spaces when no reasonable housing options are available, helping prevent the criminalization of homelessness.
House Bill 2190 (Sponsored by Rep. Dan Goughnour, D-Allegheny) would expand access to binding arbitration for certain law enforcement personnel, including transit police, campus police and some state law enforcement units. The change would help prevent disruptions caused by strikes.
House Resolution 480 (Sponsored by Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh) would designate July 15, 2026, as “Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Day” in Pennsylvania. CASA programs support children in the dependency system through a network of volunteers advocating for their safety and well-being.
“These measures reflect the seriousness with which we approach both justice and public safety,” Briggs said. “As they move to the full House, I look forward to continued discussion on how best to serve the people of Pennsylvania with fairness, accountability and compassion.”
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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net
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