Judiciary Committee approves measures to strengthen justice system, public safety
Rep. Tim Briggs January 28, 2026 | 2:22 PM
HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee, chaired by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D–Montgomery, today approved a series of measures designed to reform the Commonwealth’s criminal justice system, enhance public safety, and address systemic gaps in the law. The legislation now moves to the full House for further consideration.
"The Judiciary Committee continues its work to review and advance sound, balanced policies that strengthen our justice system and make our communities safer," Briggs said. "These measures reflect our shared commitment to fairness, accountability, and the dignity of every Pennsylvanian."
House Bill 1671, sponsored by state Rep. Chris Rabb, would allow judges to use restorative justice approaches in Pennsylvania’s criminal legal system. Restorative justice emphasizes healing for victims and accountability for offenders through methods such as mediation, victim assistance, and community service, which research has shown can reduce recidivism and improve victim satisfaction.
"Restorative justice centers victims and holds offenders accountable in ways that truly reduce harm and prevent future violence," Rabb said. "This legislation gives judges the option to use approaches that emphasize healing, responsibility, and repair rather than punishment. Examples include community service, victim-offender mediation, and family group conferencing. Advancing House Bill 1671 is a critical step toward creating a more effective criminal justice system in Pennsylvania."
House Bill 1750, sponsored by state Rep. Brandon Markosek, would establish penalties and licensing consequences for funeral directors who misrepresent or mishandle the cremation or burial of pet remains. The measure would create a regulatory framework to ensure pets are treated with respect and dignity, even in death.
House Bill 2018, sponsored by state Reps. Liz Hanbidge and Melissa Shusterman, would establish a statewide system to collect and track data on deaths resulting from domestic violence. The accurate, standardized information gathered would enable policymakers and advocates to better understand the scope of the issue and craft effective prevention strategies.
"Today’s vote to advance House Bill 2018 is a critical step toward preventing domestic violence fatalities in Pennsylvania," Hanbidge said. "For far too long, we have lacked the data and coordination needed to fully understand why these tragedies occur and how to stop them. By establishing a statewide Domestic Violence Fatality Review Program, we can learn from these heartbreaking losses, strengthen our systems, and better protect survivors before violence turns deadly."
Shusterman added, “This bill is incredibly important because it gives policymakers and organizations working to support victims and reduce domestic violence access to accurate data, enabling them to make the best, informed decisions.”
House Bill 2154, sponsored by Briggs, would create the Prison Industry Enhancement Authority to allow the Department of Corrections to partner with private industry and provide incarcerated individuals with voluntary, meaningful work opportunities. Participants would earn market-level wages, develop job-readiness skills, and contribute toward restitution and incarceration costs while ensuring Pennsylvania jobs remain protected.
"As chair of the Judiciary Committee, I am proud to sponsor this legislation because it supports rehabilitation and dignity for incarcerated individuals while helping them prepare for successful reentry," Briggs said. "We can give people a second chance through work that restores their self-worth and strengthens communities."
House Resolution 63, sponsored by state Rep. Tarik Khan, directs the Joint State Government Commission to study diversion programs across the Commonwealth and recommend ways to improve or expand them. These programs address root causes of crime -- poverty, mental health, and substance use -- while reducing dependence on incarceration and promoting public safety.
House Resolution 386, sponsored by state Rep. Regina Young, designates January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to raise awareness and reaffirm the state’s commitment to ending human trafficking.
“This collection of legislation demonstrates meaningful solutions to some of our state’s most pressing justice issues,” Briggs added. “I look forward to seeing these proposals move to the full House and continuing the work to make Pennsylvania’s justice system more just and humane 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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