Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Judiciary Committee advances six measures

Judiciary Committee advances six measures

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    July 9, 2025 | 4:05 PM

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 would provide law enforcement with the tools they need to protect themselves and residents alike by authorizing deputy law enforcement officers -- including those with the Fish & Boat Commission, Game Commission, DCNR Rangers and State Park Officers -- to wear body cameras, enhancing transparency and safety for officers and the public.
  • House Resolution 36 – Sponsored by Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, this resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to study the state of prison libraries, including the size and accessibility of book and media collections. Improving access to educational and rehabilitative resources can reduce recidivism, support mental well-being and make correctional facilities safer and more manageable for staff.
  • House Resolution 59 – Sponsored by Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, this resolution designates November 1, 2025, as State Correctional Institution Day in Pennsylvania to raise public awareness about conditions in state prisons and emphasize the importance of humane, rehabilitative treatment for incarcerated individuals.
  • House Resolution 189 – Sponsored by Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks), this resolution directs a study into the nutritional quality of meals served in Pennsylvania’s correctional facilities and the health outcomes of incarcerated individuals. Improving dietary standards can reduce long-term health care costs and enhance safety and wellness for both inmates and correctional staff.
  • House Resolution 280 – Sponsored by Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny) this measure calls on the Department of Corrections to study environmental concerns in state prisons, including exposure to hazardous materials or unsanitary conditions. Enhancing the physical environment supports both the health of inmates and the working conditions of corrections officers.

“These resolutions are about more than improving life behind bars,” Briggs said. “They’re about protecting the health and safety of our corrections officers, reducing strain on our prison system, and saving taxpayer dollars by addressing long-term health and education issues at the root. When we make prisons safer and more humane, everyone benefits -- from inmates and staff to the communities they return to.

“These are the kinds of thoughtful, practical steps we need to take to improve our justice system, protect public safety and ensure dignity for all Pennsylvanians,” Briggs said.

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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net