Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Pair of Briggs bills signed into law

Pair of Briggs bills signed into law

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    February 12, 2026 | 1:55 PM

HARRISBURG, Feb. 12– Legislation introduced by state Rep. Tim Briggs to strengthen Pennsylvania’s judicial system and shield Commonwealth agencies from burdensome federal litigation tactics was signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Josh Shapiro. House Bills 331 and 1934 are designed to improve the administration of justice, increase transparency and accountability, and ensure the responsible use of taxpayer resources.

“Both bills tackle important challenges in our legal system,” Briggs said. “House Bill 331 enhances court operations and oversight of justice-related funding, while House Bill 1934 shields state agencies from unnecessary and costly legal burdens. Together, they promote fairness, efficiency, and accountability across the Commonwealth.”

House Bill 331 (Act 1 of 2026) introduces targeted reforms to improve justice administration and oversight of judicial and legal aid funds. It includes three main provisions:

  • Judicial training: Allows the court system to cover the $400 annual registration fee for special court judges.
  • Court technology: Redirects local court fees to enhance statewide court technology, without reducing county funding, generating about $7.5 million through 2028.
  • Access-to-justice funding transparency: Requires an independent audit of the Access to Justice Fund to verify proper use of funds and identify ways to expand legal services.

Briggs emphasized that the audit provision is vital for maintaining public trust in programs serving residents most in need of legal assistance. “Access to justice is a cornerstone of a fair legal system,” he said. “This review will ensure resources are used effectively and inform future policy decisions.”

House Bill 1934 (Act 4 of 2026) resolves a growing issue involving the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the Commonwealth Attorneys Act. Recent federal interpretations have allowed broad discovery requests against nonparty Commonwealth agencies not represented by the OAG, creating administrative burdens and diverting agency resources.

Act 4 clarifies the definition of “right to access,” ensuring that the attorney general’s authority to obtain agency records does not extend to discovery requests from defendants in civil cases -- unless the agency is a party to the case and represented by the OAG. This safeguard prevents misuse while preserving the attorney general’s ability to carry out official duties.

“State agencies should not be drawn into costly discovery battles when they aren’t parties to a case,” Briggs said. “This protects taxpayer resources while preserving the integrity of the attorney general’s authority.”

Briggs, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, 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