Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Judiciary Committee approves wide-ranging package of legislation

Judiciary Committee approves wide-ranging package of legislation

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    June 10, 2026 | 9:43 AM

HARRISBURG, June 10 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, chair of the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee, today announced that the committee has approved a series of bills and resolutions addressing public safety, criminal justice, civil justice, and judicial reforms. The measures now advance to the full House for further consideration.

“These votes reflect the committee’s commitment to improving public safety, strengthening our justice system, and ensuring fairness for Pennsylvanians,” Briggs said. “The measures tackle a wide range of issues—from responsible firearm storage and impaired boating enforcement to civil justice reforms, and alternatives to incarceration. While the proposals address different challenges, they share a common goal of making our communities safer and our legal system more effective and equitable.”

The committee approved the following legislation:

  • House Bill 2462, sponsored by Reps. Tim Brennan and Brian Munroe, would prohibit recreational facilities from using liability waivers to avoid responsibility for injuries resulting from their own negligence.
  • House Bill 1913, sponsored by Brennan, would allow both plaintiff and defense attorneys to recommend specific amounts for economic and noneconomic damages during closing arguments in civil cases. Current law leaves juries to determine damages without hearing quantified recommendations from either side.
  • House Bill 2244, sponsored by Briggs, would require the secure storage of firearms, particularly when they are left unattended in locations where a minor or a person prohibited from possessing a firearm may have access.
  • House Bill 2245, sponsored by Briggs, would encourage the use of firearm safety devices by eliminating the state sales tax on gun locks and gun safes.
  • House Bill 2299, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, would authorize county probation officers to wear body cameras while performing their official duties.
  • House Bill 2392, sponsored by Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, would strengthen Pennsylvania’s boating under the influence laws by making a third or subsequent BUI offense a third-degree felony and aligning penalties more closely with existing DUI statutes.
  • House Resolution 519, sponsored by Rep. Timothy Bonner, would direct the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission to gather information from all 67 counties and jurisdictions across the country to develop recommendations for fair and consistent bail practices.
  • House Resolution 547, sponsored by Reps. Jordan Harris and Sheryl Delozier, would direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study of electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration.
  • House Bill 1585, sponsored by Rep. Aaron Bernstine, would create a criminal offense prohibiting the publication or dissemination of booking photographs for commercial purposes.

Briggs said the package demonstrates the committee’s ability to work across party lines to address emerging issues facing the commonwealth.

“The Judiciary Committee continues to bring together members with different perspectives to find practical solutions that improve safety, accountability, and access to justice,” Briggs said. “I appreciate the thoughtful work of my colleagues and look forward to seeing these measures receive further consideration as they move through the legislative process.”

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