Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility House Judiciary Committee approves voter intimidation protection bill

House Judiciary Committee approves voter intimidation protection bill

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    September 24, 2026 | 2:32 PM

Today, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee reported out House Bill 2758, introduced by state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and co-sponsored by state Reps. Chris Pielli, Liz Hanbidge, Paul Friel, and Perry Warren.

The bill would amend Pennsylvania’s Election Code to clarify and make explicit that law enforcement officers are prohibited from being within 100 feet of a polling location on Election Day.

“The statements and actions from the current federal administration have unfortunately necessitated us clarifying a nearly centuries old commonsense prohibition on law enforcement presence on Election Day,” Kenyatta said. “Our legislation is intended to do two things. First, to ensure that every Pennsylvanian understands that our elections will be free and fair and that they can vote without fear. Second, to make abundantly clear to any federal agent that may be confused that you cannot operate with impunity in Pennsylvania. Our law provides no wiggle room and will be enforced in the commonwealth.”

If passed by the General Assembly, Pennsylvania would be the 29th state with similar voter protection laws.

“The hour is upon us, and the choice is clear that we legislators must once again heed that sacred oath we took to support, obey and defend our constitution and all the processes it entails to include the administration of free and fair elections,” Pielli said. “As President Roosevelt once said, ‘The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.’ We have it within our power today, together as Democrats and Republicans, to allay these dangerous fears and continue our centuries old journey of freedom and liberty and the Republic for which it stands,” he said.  

“By voting this bill out of committee, we’re taking an important step to reaffirm a core principle of our democracy: that elections belong to the people and the states entrusted to administer them,” Hanbidge said. “Keeping federal, military, and law-enforcement authorities outside the voting process protects citizens from undue influence and ensures that the most fundamental right in our democracy remains free, fair, and truly independent.”

“Pennsylvanians have the right to vote, free from interference and intimidation. This bill clarifies and reinforces that right. And clarifies that the provisions of Pennsylvania law ensuring that freedom from interference and intimidation applies to all levels of law enforcement,” Warren added.

House Bill 2758 now heads to the full House for consideration.