Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Rabb bill for restorative justice clears House Judiciary Committee

Rabb bill for restorative justice clears House Judiciary Committee

Legislation embracing harm reduction advances

Rep. Christopher M. Rabb    January 30, 2026 | 1:48 PM

HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – State Rep. Chris Rabb announced his bill allowing judges the option of using restorative justice approaches in the state’s criminal legal system was approved by the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday.

“Too often, our legal system measures success by severity of punishment, rather than if the victims are healed and future violence is prevented,” said Rabb, D-Phila. “Restorative justice gives victims a voice and requires those who caused harm to take responsibility in a more meaningful way. By allowing judges to use these tools, House Bill 1671 would move Pennsylvania toward a criminal legal system that is centered on reducing harm and recidivism.”

Rabb said research on restorative justice has demonstrated higher rates of victim satisfaction, lower rates of recidivism, and enhanced offender accountability. Examples of restorative justice approaches include community service, victim-offender mediation and family group conferencing.

Robert Saleem Holbrook, executive director of the Abolitionist Law Center, had this to say about the bill:

“The passage of H.B. 1671 in the House Judiciary Committee is a great opportunity for the legislature to finally prioritize restorative justice practices within the state’s pre-trial process. Providing offenders and victims a process that centers on harm and accountability as opposed to punishment, is a proven method of restoring the ties of empathy and solidarity that bind communities together.”

Video of discussion ahead of the committee vote is available here.

House Bill 1671 is now eligible for a full vote in the Pennsylvania House.