Rabb explains “no” vote on H.B. 1616
Rep. Christopher M. Rabb June 17, 2026 | 3:15 PM
HARRISBURG, June 17 — State Rep. Chris Rabb issued the following statement after voting “no” on H.B. 1616 during Tuesday’s PA House session. The bill would amend Pennsylvania law by strengthening penalties for trafficking infant children and creating a new sentencing consideration for defendants who were themselves victims of child abuse.
Regarding H.B. 1616, Rabb said:
“As a descendant of Black women, men, and children who were legally bought and sold under state-sanctioned slavery, my commitment to protecting children from exploitation is unwavering. I support the intent behind the bill’s sentencing-consideration provision, which recognizes that childhood victimization can influence the circumstances that lead some individuals into the criminal legal system. However, good intentions must be matched with clear safeguards.
“H.B. 1616 does not establish standards for how courts should weigh this factor, creating the potential for inconsistent application across courtrooms. In some cases, survivors who most deserve consideration could be denied relief; in others, the provision could be stretched beyond its intended purpose. I raised a similar concern in May regarding the infant-dealing provisions in H.B. 910. When laws lack clear parameters, they can end up harming the very people they are meant to protect.
“I could not, in good conscience, vote for a provision with such significant consequences without those safeguards in place.”
Throughout his five terms in the Pennsylvania House, Rabb has been a vocal advocate for survivor-centered criminal legal reform. He has consistently urged lawmakers to pair reform efforts with the structural safeguards necessary to ensure legislation is applied fairly and as intended.