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Judiciary Committee newsletter December 2019

(Dec 06, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

Updates from the Judiciary Committee Read more

 

Briggs introduces legislation to establish Paid Family Leave Act

(Nov 20, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

HARRISBURG, Nov. 20 – State Rep. Tim Briggs joined fellow legislators and labor leaders Tuesday to announce a package of legislation aimed at strengthening worker rights, including Briggs’ bill to establish a Paid Family Leave Act in Pennsylvania. House Bill 625 , introduced by Briggs, would allow eligible employees up to 12 weeks leave at full pay, counted against the federal Family and Medical Leave Act leave for which they are entitled. “The birth or adoption of a child is a joyous time, and we know that it’s beneficial for the child and the parents to have time together. Federal law provides for unpaid leave, but going 12 weeks without pay is unrealistic for many families,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “Working parents should be able to start families without worrying about their next paycheck. My legislation would support workers by relieving some burden as they focus on their families.” Briggs’ legislation is included in the Workers’ Bill of Rights package of bills, announced Tuesday, that would strengthen workers’ rights. Bills in the package include measures to raise the minimum wage, strengthen collective bargaining, modernize Pennsylvania’s Equal Pay law and more. More information about the package is available here . Read more

 

Briggs announces school safety grants for local schools

(Oct 18, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

KING OF PRUSSIA, Oct. 18 – State Rep. Tim Briggs announced that school safety grants were awarded to several local schools. The grants come through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s 2019-20 Safe Schools Target Grants. Four types of grants are offered: equipment grants of up to $25,000; program grants of up to $20,000; School Police Officer grants of up to $40,000; and School Resource Officer grants of up to $60,000. Grants were awarded to: Friends Central School, $19,950 program grant and $16,224 equipment grant. Armenian Sister Academy, $11,498 equipment grant. Caskey Torah Academy, $23,625 equipment grant. Mother Teresa Regional Catholic Schools, $23,625 equipment grant. “I’m pleased to see these schools awarded grants to help with one of our most important responsibilities – protecting our children,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “Our schools must be safe places so that students and staff can focus on their studies, and families can have peace of mind. I’m glad to see these schools and the state prioritize safety for our kids.” More information on the grants is available here . Read more

 

Fall 2019 Newsletter

(Oct 01, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

Read news from Harrisburg and around the 149th Legislative District! Read more

 

Briggs responds to Governor Wolf’s announcement on adult-use cannabis report

(Sep 25, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

HARRISBURG, Sept. 25 – State Rep. Tim Briggs released the following statement regarding Governor Tom Wolf’s release of the report from the statewide listening tour on adult-use marijuana and his call for action on legislation. “I’m appreciative of the governor’s work to gather the public’s input on this issue, which many Pennsylvanians are eager to see addressed and which could play an important role in criminal justice reform. The majority of Montgomery County residents who offered feedback on the tour supported legalization, which I will keep in mind as we consider legislation. “I have committed my support to the effort regarding the decriminalization of adult-use cannabis to keep people from becoming trapped in our legal system for minor offenses. As we consider legalizing adult usage, I will push for us to learn as much as possible regarding the impacts of legalization from other states that have moved in this direction, so that when Pennsylvania does act, we get it right.” Read more

 

Briggs vows to continue to fight for gun safety reform

(Sep 25, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

HARRISBURG, Sept. 25 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, vowed to continue to fight the scourge of gun violence, despite the refusal of Republican leadership to bring up important gun safety bills. “At Tuesday’s Judiciary Committee meeting, we should have been voting on real gun safety reform bills that would save lives. But instead, the Republican chairman called up several bad bills that won’t address safety and, in some cases, will make our laws worse,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “We had the opportunity to take action on commonsense legislation that our communities want, but instead we considered bills that cater to special interests and won’t do anything to help us protect residents.” After a string of mass shootings over the summer, Briggs urged Rep. Rob Kauffman, Republican chairman of the Judiciary Committee, to immediately call up several bills for action – bills to require universal background checks, require the reporting of lost or stolen guns, require the safe storage of guns in homes with children, and create extreme risk protection orders to keep guns out of the hands of individuals who may be a danger to themselves or others. None of the bills were brought up in the committee Tuesday, and Kauffman announced the committee will not consider any more gun bills this session. Briggs joined CeaseFirePA at a news Read more

 

9/3/19 – Gun Safety Reform – King of Prussia

(Sep 05, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

Materials from a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing hosted by State Rep. Tim Briggs. Read more

 

Briggs, Policy Committee examine gun safety legislation

(Sep 03, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

KING OF PRUSSIA, Sept. 3 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, today hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on gun safety legislation. Briggs requested the hearing to discuss several bills: H.B 525, to require the safe storage of firearms; H.B. 673, to require universal background checks; and H.B. 1288, to require the reporting of lost or stolen firearms. Testifiers from the law enforcement, medical and social services communities discussed the bills. Briggs was joined by legislators from across the state. “We have to do something to curb the gun violence that is affecting communities throughout Pennsylvania – and we can,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery and Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. “Today’s hearing was an opportunity to really examine these bills so that we’re prepared to take action when the House returns to session. I’m grateful to the testifiers who helped us explore these issues today, and I’ve urged Judiciary Chairman Rob Kauffman to swiftly bring these bills up for a vote in committee.” The legislators were joined by U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-PA, who testified from the federal perspective. “America’s gun violence epidemic claims more than 100 lives every day, and our communities have had enough. They know that the safety of our families, friends and neighbors is on the line – and that it’s time to implement common-sense gun safety Read more

 

Briggs to host Policy Committee hearing on gun safety reform Tuesday in King of Prussia

(Aug 29, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

KING OF PRUSSIA, Aug. 30 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, and Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, will host a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on gun safety reform legislation. The hearing will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, at the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s Eastern Regional Office, 251 Flint Hill Road, King of Prussia PA. The media and the public are invited to attend. After Gov. Tom Wolf called for urgent action on specific bills to address gun violence, Briggs requested the hearing to discuss the following legislation: H.B 525, to require the safe storage of firearms from children; H.B. 673, to require universal background checks; and H.B. 1288, to require the reporting of lost or stolen firearms. He will be joined by state legislators from across the state, including Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. The agenda includes speakers from the law enforcement and the medical and social services communities. Testifiers will include U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-PA; Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele; Montgomery County Sheriff Sean Kilkenny; Dr. Steven Shapiro, chair of pediatrics at Abington-Jefferson Health; Dr. Zoe Maher, assistant professor of surgery at Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine; and Deb Shoemaker, executive director of the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society. The meeting is one in a series held across the state on House Democrats’ Plan4PA, Read more

 

Briggs announces grant for security improvements at Temple Brith Achim

(Aug 28, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

KING OF PRUSSIA, Aug. 28 – State Rep. Tim Briggs announced that Temple Brith Achim in King of Prussia was awarded a $63,584 grant for security improvements through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The grant comes through the Pennsylvania 2019 Nonprofit Security Grant program and will help the synagogue install surveillance cameras and other safety enhancements. “Freedom to express religious beliefs is a fundamental right in our country. Unfortunately, we’ve seen a rise in anti-Semitic violence in the United States and here in Pennsylvania,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “Temple Brith Achim is right to take that seriously and assess its security needs. The synagogue is an anchor for our Jewish community, and I was pleased to support its application for this funding.” The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a federal program administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Read more

 

Briggs: Studies should shed light on ideal time to start secondary schools

(Aug 20, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

The question of the appropriate school start time has intrigued me for years, and I’m excited to learn about the recommendations to best address this issue. Read more

 

Briggs’ bill part of Gov. Wolf’s plan to curb gun violence

(Aug 16, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

HARRISBURG, Aug. 16 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, today joined Gov. Tom Wolf in announcing an executive order to make sweeping changes to executive branch agencies to better target gun violence and calling on the legislature to act on commonsense gun safety legislation. As outlined at a Capitol news conference today, Wolf is directing his administration to create new state offices focused on violence prevention and reduction, expand programs that promote safety, refocus departments on combatting gun violence as a public health crisis, and increase collaboration and data sharing between the public, government agencies and other states. The executive order is the result of months of work. Among the legislation Wolf is calling on the legislature to pass is Briggs’ legislation (H.B. 525) that would require the safe storage of firearms in homes where children may be present. Failure to comply with this rule would result in a third-degree felony if it is used in a crime or if death or grievous injury is caused, or a summary offense (third-degree misdemeanor if a second or subsequent offense) if a child is simply found in unlawful possession of a firearm. “Too often acts of gun violence, including suicide, could have been prevented with a few simple precautions,” Briggs said. “That’s why I introduced this commonsense legislation that will help keep guns out of the hands of Pennsylvania’s children. Those who fail to Read more

 

Briggs announces $2.5M in state grants for regional projects

(Aug 02, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

HARRISBURG, Aug. 2 – King of Prussia Business Improvement District Inc. and Rosemont College were awarded state grants for development projects, announced state Rep. Tim Briggs. The money comes from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which is administered by the Office of the Budget and funds economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects across Pennsylvania. King of Prussia Business Improvement District Inc. received $1 million to help build a linear park in two phases along First Avenue in Upper Merion Township. The First Avenue linear park, as part of Moore Park KOP, formerly known as the King of Prussia business park, is part of an overall “complete streets” vision for First Avenue that will create an active and vibrant amenity open to the public, utilizing access easements on private property. Improvements along the trail include pedestrian lights, a seating plaza, benches, rain gardens, trees and bus shelters. The second phase will use RACP funds to extend the trail. Site improvements also include 79 solar powered pedestrian lights, benches, two pedestrian bridges, 16 ADA curb ramps, retaining walls, planting beds, trees, and three solar-powered bus shelters. Rosemont College received $1.5 million to expand its Cardinal Hall, creating a community center to serve students and members of the local community. The college's current Cardinal Hall will be "encased" with a new Read more

 

Tuition Freeze: PASSHE board has acted, now it’s time for the General Assembly

(Jul 30, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

The PASSHE board recently voted to freeze tuition. Read more

 

Help stock food pantry shelves this summer

(Jul 15, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

For the 11th year, my office is holding a summer food drive to benefit local food pantries. Read more

 

Deadline extended for Pa. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

(Jun 12, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

I'm happy to announce that the deadline for the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for the 2018 tax year has been extended to Dec. 31, 2019. The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Half of Social Security income is excluded, and the maximum standard rebate is $650. Claimants must reapply for rebates every year because they are based on annual income and property taxes or rent paid each year. Spouses, personal representatives or estates may file rebate claims on behalf of deceased claimants who lived at least one day in 2018 and meet all other eligibility criteria. You can get your application at www.revenue.pa.gov or by calling 1-888-222-9190. My office also can help you, so don't hesitate to contact us. Read more

 

REAL IDs are now available

(May 28, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

As you may know, REAL ID is now available for Pennsylvanians who want one. Effective October 1, 2020, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID to enter federal facilities that require identification, a military installation and board a domestic commercial flight. To get your REAL ID, gather the following documents: Proof of identity: (original or certified copy of a birth certificate or valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or passport card. Social Security Card Two proofs of current, physical PA address: examples include current, unexpired PA license or ID, PA vehicle registration, auto insurance card, or utility bill with the same name and address. Proof of all legal name changes: Certified marriage certificate, court order or divorce decree issued by your county’s family court. Visit one of the 12 PennDOT REAL ID Centers to receive your REAL ID at the time of service or your local PennDOT Driver License Center to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days. You DO NOT need a REAL ID to: Drive. Vote. Access hospitals. Visit the post office. Access federal courts. Apply for or receive federal benefits, such as Social Security or veterans’ benefits. A REAL ID driver's license or photo ID costs a one-time fee of $30, plus a renewal fee ($30.50 for a four-year, non-commercial driver's license or photo ID). More information on REAL ID is available here . Read more

 

Briggs renews call to require presidential and gubernatorial candidates to publicly disclose tax returns

(Apr 12, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

HARRISBURG, April 12 – With Tax Day approaching, state Rep. Tim Briggs renewed a call to require financial transparency on the part of presidential and gubernatorial candidates. “Many Americans are preparing to file their returns by Monday, and it’s a reminder that we still don’t have basic, vital information on the financial interests of the person currently holding the highest office in our country – the president,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “The 2020 presidential election is already starting, and Americans deserve to know whether there are any financial interests that may influence a candidate’s decision-making while serving.” Briggs introduced legislation that would require U.S. presidential and commonwealth gubernatorial candidates to make their tax returns public in order to be eligible to appear on the Pennsylvania ballot. His bill seeks to make a gubernatorial or presidential candidate’s financial interests transparent before they are elected to the highest office in the state or nation, respectively. “The need for this disclosure is clear,” Briggs said. “Many Americans, not to mention the national security community, want to know whether candidates for the highest offices in their state and country have personal or business interests that could undermine their commitment to act in their constituents’ best interests should they be elected.” Briggs’ introduction of Read more

 

Lawmakers announce ‘Zero Waste PA’ package to address single-use plastics, litter and a ‘throwaway’ society

(Apr 10, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

HARRISBURG, April 10 – House lawmakers joined PennEnvironment today to announce a package of bills aimed at addressing single-use plastics, pervasive issues of litter and the various environmental harms caused by a "throwaway" society. Legislation in the “Zero Waste PA” package works to address issues created by a disposable society including single-use plastics such as straws, plastic bags and Styrofoam takeout food containers, electronic waste, funding Pennsylvania’s recycling programs and more. “We can no longer ignore the growing waste problem that is threatening our environment. My colleagues and I have introduced a package of bills that, together, address this problem from a number of angles,” said Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery. “By encouraging the use of more naturally biodegradable materials, addressing issues with the way we recycle, and finding ways to support environmentally friendly practices, we can help preserve our planet for future generations.” “Every day, unwitting Pennsylvanians are barraged with products that we’re expected to purchase and use, and then throw away. Only, there is no ‘away,’” said PennEnvironment Executive Director David Masur. “Instead, it ends up in landfills where it can cause water pollution, in incinerators that cause air pollution, or blowing around in our neighborhoods in the form of litter. Nothing we use for a few minutes should Read more

 

Briggs announces state funds for five local projects

(Mar 26, 2019) Rep. Tim Briggs

HARRISBURG, March 26 – State Rep. Tim Briggs announced Tuesday that the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved state funding for five local projects, including work to build a trail in Upper Merion Township. Upper Merion Township was awarded $421,699 in Multimodal Transportation Funds to help with the second phase of construction of a multi-use trail along First Avenue. The project involves construction of 1,250 feet of multi-purpose asphalt trail, which will connect to another portion of the trail. The project includes installation of 54 solar-powered pedestrian lights, two pedestrian bridges over drainage culverts, ADA-compliant curb ramps and bus shelters, and more. “This project will improve quality of life in our area, making it easier and safer to get around the township,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “I’m pleased that the state awarded these funds to support this great addition to our community.” The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Local Share Account grants The Redevelopment Authority of Montgomery County was awarded Local Share Account grants for the following projects: $500,000 – on behalf of Bridgeport Park Associates, for the Bridgeport Business Park Remediation Project, which includes abatement of asbestos-containing materials on the Boiler Read more

 

Judiciary Committee newsletter December 2019
Dec 06, 2019

Briggs introduces legislation to establish Paid Family Leave Act
Nov 20, 2019

Briggs announces school safety grants for local schools
Oct 18, 2019

Fall 2019 Newsletter
Oct 01, 2019

Briggs responds to Governor Wolf’s announcement on adult-use cannabis report
Sep 25, 2019

Briggs vows to continue to fight for gun safety reform
Sep 25, 2019

9/3/19 – Gun Safety Reform – King of Prussia
Sep 05, 2019

Briggs, Policy Committee examine gun safety legislation
Sep 03, 2019

Briggs to host Policy Committee hearing on gun safety reform Tuesday in King of Prussia
Aug 29, 2019

Briggs announces grant for security improvements at Temple Brith Achim
Aug 28, 2019

Briggs: Studies should shed light on ideal time to start secondary schools
Aug 20, 2019

Briggs’ bill part of Gov. Wolf’s plan to curb gun violence
Aug 16, 2019

Briggs announces $2.5M in state grants for regional projects
Aug 02, 2019

Tuition Freeze: PASSHE board has acted, now it’s time for the General Assembly
Jul 30, 2019

Help stock food pantry shelves this summer
Jul 15, 2019

Deadline extended for Pa. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Jun 12, 2019

REAL IDs are now available
May 28, 2019

Briggs renews call to require presidential and gubernatorial candidates to publicly disclose tax returns
Apr 12, 2019

Lawmakers announce ‘Zero Waste PA’ package to address single-use plastics, litter and a ‘throwaway’ society
Apr 10, 2019

Briggs announces state funds for five local projects
Mar 26, 2019