Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Briggs measure to expand funding for civil legal aid passes House with bipartisan support

Briggs measure to expand funding for civil legal aid passes House with bipartisan support

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    January 29, 2026 | 1:23 PM

HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D–Montgomery, to strengthen funding for civil legal aid and our justice system advanced today with overwhelming bipartisan support in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

House Bill 331 would enhance Pennsylvania’s commitment to equal access to justice by expanding support for the Access to Justice Account, which provides stable and predictable funding for civil legal aid services across Pennsylvania. The measure builds on the existing court funding structure to ensure more Pennsylvanians can receive help with critical civil legal matters.

“Civil legal aid is often the difference between stability and crisis for families,” Briggs said. “Whether it’s preventing an unlawful eviction, protecting access to health care, or helping someone escape an abusive situation, this legislation helps ensure people can get the legal help they need, when they need it.”

The legislation broadens participation in an established funding mechanism that supports civil legal aid statewide. Those funds are administered through the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, which helped more than 200,000 Pennsylvanians last year understand and protect their civil legal rights.

The bill also modernizes how Pennsylvania supports and funds its courts. It allows the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to cover the annual $400 registration fee that helps train magisterial district judges through the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania.

Starting July 1, the measure also would ensure that certain court costs collected in magisterial district courts will stay within the judicial system — providing about $7.5 million in steady funding for technology upgrades and court operations.

Briggs, who serves as chair of the House Judiciary Committee, highlighted the strong bipartisan backing for the legislation.

“Access to justice isn’t a partisan issue,” Briggs said. “A strong, efficient and fair court system benefits every community in Pennsylvania.”

The legislation now moves to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration.

Briggs represents the 149th Legislative District, which includes Bridgeport, West Conshohocken, Upper Merion, and parts of Lower Merion in Montgomery County.

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