Frankel Hails Committee Approval of Anti-Hate Crime Bills Amid Rising Extremism
Rep. Dan B. Frankel March 10, 2026 | 12:12 PM
PITTSBURGH, March 10 – State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, today welcomed House Judiciary Committee approval of legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s response to hate crimes, warning that rising extremism continues to put vulnerable communities across the commonwealth at risk.
“We cannot wait for the next tragedy to act,” Frankel said. “The people of Pennsylvania deserve laws that match the seriousness of the threats we face.”
Frankel introduced the comprehensive legislative package with Rep. Napoleon Nelson and Sen. Jay Costa after the October 2018 attack in Squirrell Hill, when a white supremacist murdered 11 worshippers inside the Tree of Life synagogue building—the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history. Hate crimes have continued to climb in the years since, targeting racial minorities, religious communities, and LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians.
The measures (H.B.s 1905 and 1902), would amend the list of protected identity groups to reflect those who are most targeted, enhance tools for law enforcement, and provide new resources to address and prevent criminal acts of hate.
Instances of political violence and intimidation have further underscored the need for modernized protections, as radicalized extremists seek to inflict harm in order to spread fear, send a message, and gain notoriety.
To develop the anti-hate crimes package, Frankel convened the Coalition Against Hate, a broad group representing diverse faiths and identity groups, along with law enforcement and civil rights organizations.
“By working with organizations from a variety of perspectives, we were able to craft legislation that addresses these modern threats and helps build trust in law enforcement, while also safeguarding First Amendment rights,” Frankel said. “That careful coalition-building has produced bills that confront the problem of hate crimes without creating unintended consequences.”
Legislation to expand protections to cover LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities was signed into law by Republican Gov. Mark Schweiker nearly 25 years ago, but the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the changes unconstitutional on technical grounds in 2008.
A similar proposal cleared the state House in the previous legislative session but was blocked by Senate Republican leadership.
Frankel also celebrated Judiciary Committee approval of a slew of bills that would support and codify LGBTQ+ rights, including the Fairness Act – legislation that he championed for more than 20 years before taking a supportive role so that his LGBTQ+ colleagues could lead the charge.
“When talented people are excluded or marginalized, our communities lose out. The Fairness Act helps ensure that opportunity in Pennsylvania is truly open to all,” Frankel said.