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Guenst and Briggs secure over $15 million to remove PFAs from local wells, water supply

(Jul 16, 2025)

HATBORO, July 16 – State Reps. Nancy Guenst and Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, announced that Aqua Pennsylvania has been awarded $15,235,000 in funding to remove PFAs from the drinking water and improve their wells, tanks and buildings at two Montgomery County water treatment facilities. This funding will serve to make it easier to eliminate two kinds of PFAs, perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate, from southeastern Pennsylvania drinking water. Testing by Aqua Pennsylvania detected PFAs, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in the water at the Cabot Well and Hall Road facilities. “This funding will be able to benefit both our public health and the health of our infrastructure,” said Guenst. “Aqua Pennsylvania will now be able to stop the emergence of a known contaminant, while also improving their ability to provide clean water to our community.” “Clean, safe drinking water is a basic necessity, and this funding is a critical step toward protecting the health of our communities,” said Briggs. “I’m pleased to see Aqua Pennsylvania taking action to eliminate harmful PFAs from the Cabot Well and Hall Road facilities. Investments like this will ensure that Upper Merion and the surrounding areas have access to water that meets the highest safety standards.” The funding will support an $8,235,000 project in Briggs’ district on the Read more

 

Briggs announces pair of environmental grants

(Jul 16, 2025)

KING OF PRUSSIA, July 16 – State Rep. Tim Briggs announced today that two Montgomery County-based projects have been awarded a combined $375,000 in state funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program, aimed at supporting cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions. BFI Waste Services of Pennsylvania LLC, operating as Republic Services in King of Prussia, received $300,000 to purchase four electric waste hauler vehicles as part of the company’s King of Prussia Vehicle Electrification Project. These vehicles will help reduce emissions, improve local air quality, and demonstrate the viability of electric fleets in the waste management sector. Additionally, Bryn Mawr College was awarded $75,000 to purchase an electric bus. This project supports the college’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and will contribute to a healthier, quieter campus and surrounding community. “These investments are a win for our environment, our economy, and our local communities,” Briggs said. “By supporting the transition to electric vehicles, we’re helping reduce harmful emissions, creating jobs in the green energy sector, and moving Pennsylvania closer to a clean energy future.” The AFIG program funds innovative alternative fuel and vehicle technology projects that reduce dependence on imported oil and improve Read more

 

Judiciary Committee advances six measures

(Jul 09, 2025)

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State Rep. Tim Briggs D-Montgomery County www.pahouse.com/Briggs Judiciary Committee advances six measures HARRISBURG, July 9 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, chair of the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee, announced today that several bipartisan bills and resolutions have been reported out of the committee and are now headed to the full House for further consideration. “These measures reflect our continued commitment to transparency, equity, and the fair administration of justice,” Briggs said. “From improving access to unclaimed property for families to strengthening accountability and conditions within our corrections system, each of these proposals addresses real and pressing needs in our Commonwealth.” Legislation advancing from the Judiciary committee Includes: House Bill 1176 – Sponsored by Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, this bill would raise the threshold for filing claims on unclaimed property using a notarized affidavit from $11,000 to $20,000. The measure updates Pennsylvania’s rules to reflect current economic realities and aligns with practices in other states that have streamlined small estate claims. Senate Bill 520 – Sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Luzerne/Pike/Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming, this legislation Read more

 

House Judiciary Committee approves fraud, waste and abuse bill

(Jul 08, 2025)

HARRISBURG, July 7 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, chair of the PA House Judiciary Committee, announced today that the committee has approved H.B. 1697 along partisan lines, the Taxpayer Protection Against Fraud Act. The legislation, introduced by state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria), now moves to the full House for further consideration. “This is a commonsense, taxpayer-first bill that will finally give Pennsylvania the tools we need to crack down on fraud and recover millions in misused public funds,” Briggs said. “This legislation empowers both the Attorney General and private whistleblowers to expose fraud against the Commonwealth and hold bad actors accountable.” Pennsylvania remains the largest state in the nation without a state-level false claims law. This legislative gap has cost the Commonwealth untold sums in unrecovered taxpayer dollars and limited its ability to fully participate in federal fraud recoveries. Modeled after the federal False Claims Act, H.B. 1697 would allow private individuals—whistleblowers with direct knowledge of fraud—to file lawsuits on behalf of the Commonwealth. It includes strong legal protections against retaliation and incentivizes individuals to come forward by allowing them to share in any financial recovery. The House Judiciary Committee will hold its next meeting at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 9 in Room 60 East Wing of the state Capitol. Read more

 

Judiciary Committee Advances Bipartisan Safety and Reform Bills

(Jun 30, 2025)

HARRISBURG, June 30 – The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee, under the leadership of majority Chair Rep. Tim Briggs. D-Montgomery, today approved a series of bipartisan bills aimed at enhancing public safety, modernizing outdated statutes, and improving protections for workers across the Commonwealth. The legislation now advances to the full House of Representatives for further consideration. “These bipartisan bills represent the kind of thoughtful, responsive lawmaking that Pennsylvanians expect from their elected officials,” Briggs said. “From cracking down on dangerous substances to protecting outdoor public workers, our committee is committed to modernizing our laws to reflect the realities of today’s world.” The approved bills include: House Bill 377 , sponsored by Rep. Andrew Kuzma, R-Allegheny/Washington, would ban the sale, possession, and manufacture of tianeptine , a dangerous and unregulated substance sometimes referred to as “gas station heroin.” The drug, while marketed as an antidepressant in other countries, can mimic the euphoric effects of opioids and poses a serious public health threat. House Bill 1427 , also sponsored by Kuzma, would repeal the long-defunct Pennsylvania Crime Commission Act. The commission was disbanded in 1993, and its investigative responsibilities were transferred to the Pennsylvania State Police. The repeal is a necessary step to clean up obsolete Read more

 

Bill to streamline child custody process headed to governor

(Jun 26, 2025)

“First and foremost, this legislation is about putting children first by making the custody process less complicated and more compassionate for everyone involved,” Briggs said. “By simplifying the factors judges must consider, the legislature is responding to the needs of families who deserve prompt resolutions to their cases and helping the courts focus on what truly matters – the well-being of the child. It’s a practical solution that reflects input from legal experts, judges and families who’ve experienced this process firsthand.” Read more

 

House Judiciary Committee advances bipartisan legal reform bills

(Jun 23, 2025)

HARRISBURG, June 23 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, and chair of the House Judiciary Committee, today announced that four bipartisan bills have been approved by the committee and are now headed to the full House of Representatives for consideration. “These bills reflect the collaborative work of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to modernize and improve our judicial and legal systems,” Briggs said. “Each measure addresses a timely and important issue—from ensuring swift court action for incapacitated individuals, to bringing clarity to local law enforcement procedures, to strengthening constitutional protections in DUI cases, updating our laws to respond to the growing threat of digital deception, and protecting municipal employees who serve our communities.” The following legislation was advanced with bipartisan support: House Bill 18 , sponsored by Rep. Jeff Olsommer, R-Pike/Wayne, would require courts to hold a hearing within 30 days of receiving a petition to modify or terminate a guardianship for an incapacitated individual. This ensures that individuals and families seeking to modify guardianships receive timely judicial consideration. House Bill 1423 , sponsored by Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Luzerne, would clarify that when there is a vacancy in the office of district attorney, the first assistant shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. While existing law provides guidance on who Read more

 

Briggs announces state funding for Washington Memorial Heritage

(Jun 23, 2025)

State Rep. Tim Briggs announced that Washington Memorial Heritage has been awarded a $100,000 Keystone Historic Preservation Grant from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission to support the restoration of a historic structure located within his legislative district. The grant will fund the replacement of the roof on the Cloister of the Colonies , a unique U-shaped structure that surrounds the Memorial to the Mothers of the Nation on the Washington Memorial Chapel campus. The roof, which has endured more than a century of exposure to the elements, has significantly deteriorated and is in urgent need of restoration. The Chapel campus remains open to the public 365 days a year and is one of the region's most visited historic sites. “This investment by PHMC reflects our commitment to preserving the places that tell Pennsylvania’s story,” Briggs said. “The Cloister of the Colonies is a cherished landmark that draws thousands of visitors annually and holds deep significance for our community and our nation’s history. I’m proud to see state funding support its restoration in time for the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026.” The $100,000 grant is part of the PHMC’s 2024–2025 round of Keystone Historic Preservation funding. In total, the agency awarded just over $2 million to support 37 projects across 15 counties, selected from a pool of 114 competitive Read more

 

Route 202 update

(Jun 17, 2025)

I want to share an update on the ongoing sinkhole remediation project along U.S. 202 (Dekalb Pike), which affects portions of Upper Merion Township. As many of you are aware, this $22.4 million PennDOT project is a critical, long-term investment in the safety and stability of our infrastructure – one made necessary by persistent sinkhole activity that has disrupted traffic and threatened the integrity of the road. Read more

 

VICTIM Act Designed to Empower Crime Victims, Police

(Jun 11, 2025)

HARRISBURG – Bipartisan legislation that would provide grant funding to police departments investigating cold cases passed the House today on a 169-to-34 vote, according to the bill’s sponsors, Reps. Joe Kerwin (R-Dauphin) and Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery). House Bill 1511 , known as the VICTIM Act, would help police hire additional investigators, submit evidence for forensic testing, upgrade management systems and take other steps they feel would be beneficial to make arrests for homicide and other violent crimes. It contains a provision that at least 10% of grants go to rural departments. “Advances in forensic science, data analysis and digital evidence tools are transforming how police solve crimes. But the best tools are often the most expensive, and without the necessary funding, many departments are forced to rely on outdated methods,” Kerwin said. “That’s not fair to victims, and it’s not fair to the officers trying to do their jobs under increasingly difficult circumstances.” “With the House’s bipartisan passage of the VICTIM Act, we are taking a major step toward delivering long-overdue justice to victims and their families. This legislation reflects our shared commitment to public safety by giving law enforcement the resources they need to solve violent crimes and bring accountability to our communities. It’s about restoring trust, providing closure, and making sure no one is Read more

 

Krueger bill aims to prohibit wildlife trafficking in PA

(Jun 04, 2025)

H.B. 994, which would prohibit the trade of animal parts from protected species throughout Pennsylvania. The legislation was adopted by the House Judiciary Committee on a bipartisan vote of 25-1. Read more

 

Briggs, Kerwin introduce bipartisan bill to help victims of violent crime

(Jun 03, 2025)

HARRISBURG, June 2 – In a bipartisan effort to increase public safety and justice for victims of violent crime, state Reps. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, and Joe Kerwin, R-Dauphin, introduced legislation aimed at improving how violent crimes are solved across Pennsylvania. Known as the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act, H.B. 1511 would create a new grant program through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to provide law enforcement with the critical tools and resources needed to improve clearance rates for homicides and other serious offenses. “Too many violent crimes in Pennsylvania go unsolved, leaving victims and families without closure and communities without justice,” said Briggs, the majority chair of the House Judiciary Committee. “Our legislation will help ensure law enforcement agencies—especially at the local level—have what they need to investigate and solve these cases.” Currently, more than a quarter of homicides in Pennsylvania remain unsolved, and only about one-third of other major crimes, including robbery and burglary, are cleared. The VICTIM Act would address these gaps by enabling police departments to apply for funding to: Hire and retain detectives and investigators. Invest in evidence-analysis technology. Comply with reporting and program accountability requirements. The legislation also includes Read more

 

Briggs announces House Judiciary Committee approval of bills to support vulnerable Pennsylvanians, strengthen public safety

(Jun 02, 2025)

HARRISBURG, June 2 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, majority chair of the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee, announced today that six bills have been approved by the committee and sent to the full House for further consideration. These measures aim to increase access to justice, protect vulnerable populations, enhance public safety, and support crime victims across the Commonwealth. “These bills reflect the Judiciary Committee’s ongoing commitment to fairness, protection and public safety,” Briggs said. “From improving legal aid access to helping law enforcement solve violent crimes, we are taking meaningful steps to strengthen our justice system.” The following bills were approved: House Bill 331 (Briggs): Expands existing civil legal aid funding by allowing an existing $2 court filing fee—currently excluded from traffic citations—to be applied to those citations, generating stable revenue for legal services without raising costs. House Bill 808 (Rep. Roman Kozak): Eliminates the statute of limitations for certain violent crimes—such as rape and assault—committed against nonverbal care-dependent adults, ensuring justice is never out of reach for these vulnerable individuals. House Bill 1412 (Reps. Melissa Shusterman and Liz Hanbidge): Requires a material change in circumstances to request a child custody modification, while still allowing Read more

 

PA House Judiciary Committee approves four measures

(May 14, 2025)

HARRISBURG, May 14 – The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee, chaired by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery), advanced bills today aimed at strengthening public safety, supporting working families, and protecting vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth. The legislation addresses compassionate release for seriously ill incarcerated individuals, parental rights, child exploitation laws and oversight of illicit vapor products. “Today’s committee action reflects our commitment to practical, thoughtful and bipartisan solutions that respond to real needs in our communities,” Briggs said. “These bills tackle everything from criminal justice reform to public health and safety, and I’m proud to move them forward with support from both sides of the aisle.” House Bill 150 , sponsored by state Reps. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., and Torren Ecker, R-Adams/Cumberland, would reform Pennsylvania’s current compassionate release program. It would establish an expanded process for seriously ill incarcerated individuals to petition the court for sentence modification modeled after the federal First Step Act. The bill includes strong public safety measures and would relieve strain on state correctional medical resources. House Bill 526 , introduced by state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, would update Pennsylvania’s law that protects parents who breastfeed in public by making it clear Read more

 

Hanbidge and Briggs legislation streamlining child custody determination factors passes House

(May 06, 2025)

Legislation introduced by state Reps. Liz Hanbidge and Tim Briggs, both D-Montgomery, to clarify Pennsylvania’s overly complex child custody process passed the House today. Read more

 

House Judiciary Committee approves legislation to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse

(May 06, 2025)

HARRISBURG, May 6 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, Majority, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, announced that today the committee voted to approve critical legislation introduced by state Rep. Nathan Davidson that would open a long-awaited path to justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. “These bills are about fairness, healing and restoring the rights of people who were silenced for far too long,” Briggs said. “We owe survivors the chance to be heard in a court of law, no matter how much time has passed.” The committee’s action followed a productive hearing held on Monday, where advocates and legal experts offered powerful testimony in support of the legislation. Their voices helped reinforce the urgent need for these long-overdue reforms. Both bills now advance to the full House for further consideration. H.B. 462 : This legislation would provide a statutory two-year window during which survivors of childhood sexual abuse could file previously time-barred civil claims. It also would waive sovereign and governmental immunity retroactively, allowing survivors to pursue justice against state and local agencies. H.B. 464 : This joint resolution would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to establish a two-year window for survivors to bring forward civil claims that were previously blocked due to expired statutes of limitations. These proposals follow Read more

 

House Judiciary Committee approves five measures

(May 05, 2025)

HARRISBURG, May 5 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, majority chair of the House Judiciary Committee, announced today that the committee approved a package of justice-focused bills. These bills, which aim to modernize the state’s approach to incarceration, supervision and rehabilitation, now move to the full House for consideration. “These bills reflect a growing, bipartisan understanding that smart justice means safer communities, more efficient systems, and better outcomes for everyone involved,” Briggs said. “I’m proud that our committee is moving forward with meaningful legislation to support rehabilitation, treatment and public safety.” The approved legislation is as follows: House Bill 282 (Sponsored by Briggs): This bill ensures individuals leaving incarceration have access to substance use disorder treatment and case management before release. The program would be optional for counties and designed to reduce relapse and recidivism during reentry. "Far too many people reenter our communities without the support needed to stay on the path to recovery," Briggs said. "This bill makes sure they aren’t starting from scratch on day one. It’s about giving people the tools to succeed—and making our communities safer in the process. “House Bill 282 is rooted in compassion and common sense. We know the first days after release are the most Read more

 

Members of PA House Southeast Delegation respond to SEPTA's proposed service cuts & rate hikes

(Apr 10, 2025)

Pennsylvania House lawmakers who represent Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties are expressing concern in response to the budget proposal SEPTA released today that would make drastic service cuts and fare increases to address its budget deficit. Read more

 

An Open Letter to the Lawyers and Law Firms the Trump Administration Seeks to Silence

(Apr 02, 2025)

We, the undersigned lawyer-legislators of the Pennsylvania state House of Representatives, are appalled though tragically not surprised by President Trump's latest attack on the rule of law. As outlined in the Presidential Memorandum of March 22, 2025, SUBJECT: Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court, the President instructed the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to weaponize the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and any other regulations governing attorney conduct and discipline to silence the zealous advocacy of lawyers and law firms across the nation. We will not allow the Trump Administration’s attempt with this memorandum to chill legal representation that inconveniences its efforts to undermine the Constitution, gut essential programs, attack vulnerable groups and individuals, and otherwise subvert the rule of law to go unchallenged. Read more

 

Shred Event this Sunday

(Apr 01, 2025)

Shred Event this Sunday Read more

 

Guenst and Briggs secure over $15 million to remove PFAs from local wells, water supply
Jul 16, 2025

Briggs announces pair of environmental grants
Jul 16, 2025

Judiciary Committee advances six measures
Jul 09, 2025

House Judiciary Committee approves fraud, waste and abuse bill
Jul 08, 2025

Judiciary Committee Advances Bipartisan Safety and Reform Bills
Jun 30, 2025

Bill to streamline child custody process headed to governor
Jun 26, 2025

House Judiciary Committee advances bipartisan legal reform bills
Jun 23, 2025

Briggs announces state funding for Washington Memorial Heritage
Jun 23, 2025

Route 202 update
Jun 17, 2025

VICTIM Act Designed to Empower Crime Victims, Police
Jun 11, 2025

Krueger bill aims to prohibit wildlife trafficking in PA
Jun 04, 2025

Briggs, Kerwin introduce bipartisan bill to help victims of violent crime
Jun 03, 2025

Briggs announces House Judiciary Committee approval of bills to support vulnerable Pennsylvanians, strengthen public safety
Jun 02, 2025

PA House Judiciary Committee approves four measures
May 14, 2025

Hanbidge and Briggs legislation streamlining child custody determination factors passes House
May 06, 2025

House Judiciary Committee approves legislation to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse
May 06, 2025

House Judiciary Committee approves five measures
May 05, 2025

Members of PA House Southeast Delegation respond to SEPTA's proposed service cuts & rate hikes
Apr 10, 2025

An Open Letter to the Lawyers and Law Firms the Trump Administration Seeks to Silence
Apr 02, 2025

Shred Event this Sunday
Apr 01, 2025