Hanbidge Bill to Establish Domestic Violence Fatality Reporting Passes Judiciary Committee

Rep. Liz Hanbidge    January 28, 2026 | 11:23 AM

The PA House Judiciary Committee voted today to advance a Domestic Violence Fatality Reporting bill introduced by state Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery. The bill passed by a party-line vote of 14-12.

House Bill 2018 would establish a statewide Domestic Violence Fatality Review Program, bringing together experts from law enforcement, the courts, health care, and victim advocacy to identify gaps in Pennsylvania’s domestic violence prevention infrastructure and recommend practical improvements to prevent future tragedies and strengthen protections for survivors.

Over the last decade, approximately 1,500 Pennsylvanians have lost their lives to domestic violence. The exact number of fatalities remains difficult to determine because the Commonwealth lacks a comprehensive system to accurately track these deaths.

“House Bill 2018 creates a mandatory, statewide review process so Pennsylvania can move from reacting to domestic violence deaths to preventing them,” Hanbidge said. “These reviews are not about assigning blame; they are about understanding how systems interact with victims and perpetrators, identifying where improvements are needed, preventing future tragedies, and strengthening support for survivors.”

The bill has significant support from local organizations that are dedicated to ending domestic violence, including Laurel House and the Women’s Center of Montgomery County.

“Domestic Violence Fatality Review is a critical tool for understanding where systems have failed and how we can prevent future tragedies,” said Stacy Dougherty, executive director of Laurel House. “Supporting this statute strengthens Pennsylvania’s ability to learn, improve community coordination, and ultimately save lives. As one of only five states in the nation without a Domestic Violence Fatality Review law, we are grateful to Representative Liz Hanbidge for her leadership on this bill and to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence for their support. We owe domestic violence victims and their families more than remembrance -- we owe them action. A comprehensive Domestic Violence Fatality Review process allows us to identify service gaps, improve responses, and implement changes that make survivors safer and communities stronger.”

“On behalf of the Women’s Center of Montgomery County and the more than 4,000 adult domestic violence survivors we serve each year, we are truly grateful to Representative Hanbidge for her leadership and vision in introducing this bill to establish a Domestic Violence Fatality Review Program,” said Maria Macaluso, executive director of the Women’s Center of Montgomery County.

“Through these reviews, we find our greatest tools for preventing future violence,” said Macaluso. “By examining an offender’s actions and the vulnerabilities they exploited -- not only in the victim’s life but also in our systemic response to escalating risk -- we can learn valuable lessons. If we use this knowledge to improve risk assessment and response, and expand resources for future victims, we can -- and will -- save lives.”

House Bill 2018 now heads to the House floor for a vote.

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