Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee advances key public safety and animal welfare bills
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus October 15, 2025 | 3:21 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 15 – The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee, chaired by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D–Montgomery, today approved a series of bipartisan bills addressing animal welfare, criminal justice reform, law enforcement standards, and community safety.
The committee also approved Briggs’ House Bill 1822, which protects the personal data of public servants and was announced in a separate release. Read more about that legislation here.
“These bills represent thoughtful, sensible steps forward in protecting our most vulnerable — whether that’s pets, children, or public servants,” said Briggs. “Our committee continues to show that, when it comes to protecting Pennsylvanians and upholding justice, we can come together to do what’s right.”
House Bill 608 (Sponsored by Rep. Mary Louise Isaacson): Would increase penalties for illegal ear cropping performed by non-licensed individuals, elevating the offense to a third-degree misdemeanor, and a second-degree misdemeanor for repeat offenses.
House Bill 879 (Sponsored by Isaacson): Would allow the attorney general to prosecute felony animal cruelty cases when county district attorneys lack the experience or capacity to do so, ensuring consistent enforcement statewide.
House Bill 1716 (Sponsored by Rep. Liz Hanbidge): Would prohibit the declawing of cats except for medically necessary, therapeutic purposes performed by licensed veterinarians. The measure aims to end inhumane declawing practices for cosmetic or convenience reasons.
“I am pleased to see House Bill 1716, which bans the non-therapeutic declawing of cats in Pennsylvania, advance through the House Judiciary Committee,” Hanbidge said. “The evidence is increasingly clear that declawing is painful, traumatic, and unnecessary – and it can lead to serious behavioral issues that tragically result in euthanasia. While many veterinarians have already moved from away from offering non-therapeutic declawing, and some veterinary schools no longer teach the procedure at all, enacting a legislative ban will ensure that countless cats across the Commonwealth are protected and can live normal, healthy lives.”
House Bill 1932 (Sponsored by Reps. Kate Klunk and Melissa Shusterman): Would create a new criminal offense for sexual crimes against animals, holding accountable individuals who sexually exploit or abuse animals, or promote and profit from such acts.
House Bill 1933 (Sponsored by Rep. Christina Sappey): Would require veterinarians, humane societies, and animal control agencies to report suspected animal cruelty to law enforcement to ensure early intervention and stronger public safety measures.
House Bill 1938 (Sponsored by Shusterman and Rep. Kate Klunk): Would establish criminal penalties for sexual contact with animals, along with offenses for organizing, promoting, or observing such acts. This measure strengthens prosecution tools against animal abuse linked to broader violent crimes.
“As founder and co-chair of the bicameral, bipartisan Animal Protection Caucus, I'm grateful to be able to advocate on behalf of our furry, feathered, and yes, even scaly friends,” Shusterman said. “It’s the role of our caucus to be the voice advocating for our Commonwealth's animals in the State Legislature. I'm grateful to the Judiciary Committee for taking up these and other animal-related bills.”
House Bill 1604 aka Fanta’s Law (Sponsored by Rep. David Delloso): Would mandate quarterly in-service firearms training for law enforcement officers in certain Pennsylvania counties and require real-world simulation training twice annually. Officers must complete all trainings or face administrative leave.
House Bill 1934 (Sponsored by Briggs and Rep. Rob Kauffman): Would clarify the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Attorneys Act to protect non-party state agencies and the Office of Attorney General from unwarranted discovery requests in federal civil litigation.
Senate Bill 65 (Sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker): Would enhance school bus safety by extending the minimum stopping distance for drivers from 10 to 15 feet and establishing tiered penalties for repeat offenders, supporting Operation Safe Stop and other safety initiatives.
All of these bills now move to the full House for consideration.
“These measures, taken together, demonstrate our committee’s ongoing dedication to safety, fairness, and accountability,” Briggs said. “By building consensus around responsible reforms, we create a stronger, more just Commonwealth.”
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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net
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