Rabb bill to abolish death penalty moves through Judiciary Committee
Rep. Christopher M. Rabb April 27, 2026 | 2:21 PM
HARRISBURG, APRIL 27 – Today, state Rep. Chris Rabb’s legislation (H.B 99), which would abolish the death penalty in Pennsylvania, was voted out of the House Judiciary Committee.
The bill, referred to the committee in October 2025, would make Pennsylvania the 24th state to abolish the death penalty. It will now make its way to the House floor for consideration.
“I want to thank my colleagues on the committee for understanding the various negative aspects of capital punishment,” Rabb said. “Not only is the death penalty an ineffective deterrent to violent crime, but it also costs the state an incredible amount of money, time, and resources. The risk of continuing this unproductive practice far outweighs the few, if any, benefits.”
Rabb added that the Commonwealth has already executed people who were innocent of the crimes for which they were sentenced to death.
“Even if just one innocent life is taken at the hands of the state, that is too much for me to bear,” Rabb said. “I’m glad that my colleagues feel the same way, and I urge the House to consider this legislation.”
More information about H.B. 99 and the House Judiciary Committee can be found at www.palegis.us/house/committees/60/judiciary.