Briggs supports legislation addressing unconstitutional sentencing
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus July 24, 2026 | 9:21 AM
HARRISBURG, July 23 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, today expressed his support for legislation that responds to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision in Commonwealth v. Lee by reforming second-degree murder sentencing while advancing additional criminal justice reforms focused on rehabilitation, accountability and fairness.
House Bill 1042, which passed the House with bipartisan support and now heads to the Senate for further consideration, addresses the court’s ruling that automatic life-without-parole sentences for individuals convicted of second-degree murder under the felony murder rule are unconstitutional.
“Pennsylvania’s justice system must uphold both public safety and constitutional protections,” Briggs said. “This legislation provides a responsible path forward by ensuring that sentences are based on an individual’s level of culpability while maintaining safeguards to protect our communities.”
Under the bill, the automatic life-without-parole sentence for second-degree murder would be replaced with sentencing that considers an offender’s specific role and level of culpability. Individuals convicted of second-degree murder who receive a life sentence would become eligible to petition for parole consideration after serving 30 years.
Briggs emphasized that parole eligibility is not parole, and the legislation does not guarantee release for anyone convicted of a serious crime.
“This bill does not put dangerous offenders back on the street,” Briggs said. “It simply provides an opportunity for individuals serving life sentences for second-degree murder to have their cases reviewed after 30 years. The Parole Board will make those decisions based on the facts of each individual case, and no one is guaranteed release.”
Briggs previously praised the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s March decision in Commonwealth v. Lee, which found that mandatory life-without-parole sentences for second-degree murder convictions violated the state constitution.
“I am thankful for the court’s decision today,” Briggs said in March. “Second-degree murder, also known as felony murder because the murder occurs during the commission of another felony, has long raised serious constitutional and moral concerns.”
Briggs noted that the court made clear that individuals convicted of second-degree murder must receive a meaningful opportunity to be considered for release based on their individual culpability and the circumstances surrounding their crime.
The legislation also includes several other reforms aimed at improving outcomes and responsibly managing Pennsylvania’s prison system.
House Bill 1042 would allow people serving time in state prison to earn vocational training and education credits that could be applied toward a limited sentence reduction. By encouraging individuals to gain skills and credentials while incarcerated, the measure aims to improve employment opportunities after release and reduce recidivism.
Additionally, the legislation would allow individuals facing extreme medical circumstances to petition the sentencing court for compassionate release. The court would determine whether release is appropriate, and no release would be automatic or guaranteed.
“Rehabilitation, accountability and fairness must all be part of a modern justice system,” Briggs said. “This legislation recognizes that people can change while ensuring that decisions about release remain careful, individualized and focused on public safety.”
The legislation now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
Briggs represents the 149th Legislative District, which includes Bridgeport, West Conshohocken, Upper Merion and parts of Lower Merion in Montgomery County.
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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net
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