Briggs announces advancement of five bills from Judiciary Committee
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus February 4, 2026 | 2:57 PM
HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, chair of the PA House Judiciary Committee, announced today that five bills have been voted out of committee and will now advance to the full House for further consideration.
The legislation addresses a wide range of issues, including workplace protections, cultural institution support, construction law, and estate planning.
House Bill 603, sponsored by state Rep. Mary Isaacson, would extend the time employees have to file complaints under the Whistleblower Law from 180 days to two years, would allow for jury trials, and would permit recovery of punitive damages in cases of workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, or other harassment.
House Bill 713, sponsored by state Rep. Kristine Howard, would expand protections under Pennsylvania’s SLAPP law, which shields individuals from meritless lawsuits intended to intimidate or silence them for speaking out on matters of public concern. The bill specifically covers good-faith disclosures of sexual offenses, helping protect victims from costly defamation suits that often discourage reporting of sexual abuse or harassment.
House Bill 1541, sponsored by state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, would make it clear that contractors cannot be held responsible for mistakes or accidents caused by other parties. The bill also explains how insurance should cover additional people or companies involved in a project.
“What’s fair is fair. No one should be liable or have to pay when someone else makes the mistake,” Hohenstein said. “In Pennsylvania, it's important that we ensure construction contractors can do their jobs without the fear of being held liable for the negligence of another party. This bill allows them to keep constructing homes, buildings, etc., and holds responsible the party that causes any damage."
House Bill 2118, sponsored by state Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, would create the Museum Unclaimed Loaned Property Act, which would give museums a clear process to take ownership of items that were loaned to them but never picked up, while still protecting important cultural, historical, and sensitive objects.
House Bill 2124, sponsored by state Reps. Tim Bonner, R-Indiana, and Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, would let property owners pass their homes or other real estate directly to a beneficiary after they die without going through the court probate process. Owners would keep full control of the property while they are alive, including the right to sell it, change beneficiaries, or revoke the plan.
“Today’s committee votes reflect the hard work of legislators to address important issues facing Pennsylvanians,” Briggs said. “From protecting workers and museums to updating estate law and supporting contractors, these bills show how thoughtful legislation can provide practical solutions that benefit everyday people.”
The bills will now move to the full House of Representatives for further consideration.
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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net
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