Voting AGAINST the Early Release of Convicted Murderers.

August 3, 2026

Last week, the House majority passed a bill that would allow convicted felony murderers serving life without parole to become eligible for release. I VOTED NO.

In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court struck down the mandatory life-without-parole sentence for second-degree murder. The court gave the General Assembly 120 days to create a new sentencing framework. The House voted last week, just days before the deadline, to remove the mandatory minimums entirely, lowering the minimum sentence to zero months.

A workable, balanced bill was possible. However, just days before the deadline, House Democrats added reckless provisions that removed mandatory minimums and created a broad medical parole process, potentially allowing dangerous offenders to seek release for illnesses such as COVID-19. These changes pose risks to public safety and retraumatize victims’ families.

We need a responsible solution that protects law-abiding Pennsylvanians and holds criminals accountable. House Bill 1042 is not that solution.

Here is the VOTE.

Read statements of opposition below from:

Pennsylvania Law Enforcement-