HARRISBURG – The PA House Judiciary Committee approved several bills impacting capital punishment in the state, homelessness, and public safety. House Bills 99 and 888 would abolish the death penalty in PA for defendants who have not yet been sentenced, aligning the Commonwealth with 23 other states that have already ended capital punishment and addressing longstanding concerns about wrongful convictions, high costs, and a lack of effectiveness as a deterrent. House Bills 1944 and 1945 strengthens PA’s medical amnesty protections by prohibiting reckless endangerment charges against individuals who call 911, reasonably believe someone needs immediate help due to alcohol poisoning or overdose, cooperate with first responders, and remain on the scene. It aims to ensure people can seek emergency assistance without fear of prosecution. House Bill 2028 known as the “Shelter First for Pennsylvanians Experiencing Homelessness Act,” would allow individuals experiencing homelessness to engage in life-sustaining activities in public spaces when no reasonable housing options are available, helping to prevent the criminalization of homelessness. House Bill 2190 would expand access to binding arbitration for certain law enforcement personnel, including transit police, campus police, and some state law enforcement units. The change would help prevent disruptions caused by strikes. All the approved bills move to the full PA House for consideration.
