Rabb: Let’s finish the job on felony murder reform
Justice reform lawmaker eager to build legal framework following state Supreme Court ruling
Rep. Christopher M. Rabb March 26, 2026 | 3:52 PM
HARRISBURG, March 26 – State Rep. Chris Rabb today applauded a landmark decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court striking down mandatory life-without-parole sentences for people convicted of second-degree murder and issued the following statement:
“Today, justice in Pennsylvania took a long-overdue step forward.
“The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled that mandatory life without parole for second-degree murder is unconstitutional—ending a one-size-fits-all punishment that treated people who never intended to kill the same as those who did. This legal decision aligns with legislation I introduced in 2022 along with former state Representative Dan Miller, that sought to address this same injustice.
“This victory didn’t happen overnight. It was built over years by advocates, organizers, researchers, and Pennsylvanians impacted directly by this injustice who refused to accept a system untethered from fairness or proportionality.
“We owe deep gratitude to organizations like the Amistad Law Project, the Defender Association of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity, Families Against Mandatory Minimums, Decarcerate PA, and the Abolitionist Law Center—along with countless community leaders, House Speaker Joanna McClinton, Judiciary Chairman Tim Briggs, and incarcerated people and returning citizens whose voices made this moment possible.
“The court has spoken. Now the General Assembly must commit itself to act. We have a constitutional obligation—and a moral one—to build a sentencing framework that reflects individual culpability, ensures accountability, and finally aligns our laws with basic principles of justice.
“Let’s finish the job.”
Throughout his tenure in the legislature, Rabb has remained a steadfast advocate for reforming the state’s criminal legal system.
Rabb’s bill to end mandatory life without parole for second-degree murder was referred to the House Judiciary Committee in November of 2022 and was never brought up for a vote.