Pa. House passes bill protecting construction contractors from being held liable for negligence of others

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    April 15, 2026 | 4:04 PM

HARRISBURG, April 15 – Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation (H.B. 1541) introduced by state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., that would protect construction contractors from being held liable for the negligence of others.

Hohenstein said many construction contractors are forced to accept liability for another party’s negligence when entering into construction contracts under current law. His legislation would void any provision in new construction contracts in which a party is indemnified, or excused from being held liable, for damages resulting from that party's negligence. 

“Being held liable for the negligence of others is unfair to contractors and can also enforce a negative reputation on the contractor’s business,” Hohenstein said. “My legislation would help protect Pennsylvania construction contractors from being forced to accept liability for someone else’s negligence. This will promote fairness, better work production, and better business for contractors.”

The bill now heads to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration.

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