The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee has advanced a slate of bipartisan bills aimed at modernizing the state’s legal system and improving protections for vulnerable residents, municipal workers, and victims of fraud.

State Rep. Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery), chair of the committee, announced the passage of five bills and one Senate measure now headed to the full House for consideration.

“These bills reflect strong bipartisan cooperation to strengthen our justice system,” said Briggs. “From guardianship protections to deepfake-related crimes, these proposals meet the moment.”

Key measures advanced include:

   •HB 18 (Rep. Jeff Olsommer, R-Pike/Wayne): Requires courts to hold hearings within 30 days when petitions are filed to modify or terminate guardianships for incapacitated individuals,      ensuring faster responses for families.

   •HB 1423 (Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Luzerne): Clarifies that the first assistant district attorney will serve the remainder of an unexpired term when the DA's office becomes vacant.

   •HB 1615 (Reps. Rob Kauffman, R-Franklin & Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery): Creates the DUI Treatment Program, incorporating rehabilitative features and constitutional safeguards for            repeat DUI offenses in response to recent court rulings.

   •HB 956 (Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia): Expands enhanced assault protections to municipal employees, recognizing their elevated risk and public service role.

   •SB 649 (Sens. Tracy Pennycuik, R-Berks/Montgomery & John Kane, D-Chester/Delaware): Updates Pennsylvania’s forgery laws to include digital impersonation and deepfake                       technology, equipping law enforcement with tools to prosecute new forms of fraud.

“These reforms are timely, smart, and crucial to ensuring our laws keep pace with modern challenges,” said Briggs. “I’m grateful to my colleagues across the aisle for their collaboration and support.”

The full House is expected to consider the legislation in the coming weeks.