Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Briggs bill to support crime victims, families and communities through prison work programs passes House

Briggs bill to support crime victims, families and communities through prison work programs passes House

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    September 28, 2026 | 5:02 PM

HARRISBURG, Sept. 28 – State Rep. Tim Briggs announced today that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed legislation that would establish a framework for a program that can benefit crime victims, families, communities and correctional facilities while helping reduce recidivism.

House Bill 2154 would create a prison work program that connects Pennsylvania businesses with correctional facilities, with the goal of providing incarcerated individuals opportunities to work, learn skills and earn a paycheck.

“This is about creating a program that can help crime victims receive restitution more quickly, support families, make our correctional facilities safer and reduce recidivism,” Briggs said. “It can strengthen our communities while helping people return home better prepared to become productive, taxpaying members of society.”

Participants would gain work experience and training while earning a local prevailing wage. Their earnings could help pay restitution, court fines and fees, child support and support for their families. By developing job skills and positive work habits before returning home, participants can be better prepared to find and keep a job and less likely to return to prison.

Making payments toward restitution while incarcerated also can help individuals meet their obligations to victims and provide victims with payments sooner.

The legislation also includes protections for Pennsylvania workers. Businesses would have to show that a prison-based work program would not take jobs away from local workers and would be required to consult with local unions and businesses that could be affected.

“There are currently 45 correctional industry programs operating throughout the United States, and Pennsylvania has an opportunity to join them,” Briggs said. “This legislation can support victims, strengthen families, make correctional facilities safer, reduce recidivism and help offset the costs of incarceration. Those benefits extend well beyond the prison walls and into communities across Pennsylvania.”

House Bill 2154 now heads 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