Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 2 R · 2 D cosponsors

HB 751 — An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree.

Last action — Laid on the table

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2023-2024 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

In plain language

This bill updates the sentencing procedure for first-degree murder in Pennsylvania.

The bill amends how juries determine sentences for first-degree murder cases, making it clearer when a sentence of death or life imprisonment is required. It specifies that a death sentence is mandatory if certain aggravating circumstances are unanimously found without any mitigating circumstances.

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

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AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

This bill amends the sentencing procedure for first-degree murder in Pennsylvania by clarifying the conditions under which a death sentence or life imprisonment must be imposed.

  • 42 Pa.C.S. § 9711(c)(1)(iv)

    The verdict must be a sentence of death if the jury unanimously finds at least one aggravating circumstance specified in subsection (d) and no mitigating circumstance or if the jury unanimously finds one or more aggravating circumstances which outweigh any mitigating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt. The verdict must be a sentence of life imprisonment in all other cases. → The verdict must be a sentence of death if the jury unanimously finds at least one aggravating circumstance specified in subsection (d) and no mitigating circumstances or if the jury unanimously finds one or more aggravating circumstances which outweigh any mitigating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt. The verdict must be a sentence of life imprisonment in all other cases.

    The amendment clarifies the existing language regarding the conditions for sentencing in death penalty cases.

Action History

  1. Laid on the table

  2. First consideration

  3. Reported as committed

  4. Referred to Judiciary

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 4 co-sponsors · 248 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (4)

Not signed on (248)

248 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Committee vote (Judiciary): Report Bill As Committed

Passed 25 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democratic 14000
Republican 9000
Unaffiliated 2000
Total 25000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (25)
Member Party Vote
Paul Schemel — Yea
Torren Ecker — Yea
Benjamin V. Sanchez Democratic Yea
Chris Pielli Democratic Yea
Christopher M. Rabb Democratic Yea
Dan K. Williams Democratic Yea
Emily Kinkead Democratic Yea
Joseph C. Hohenstein Democratic Yea
Kristine C. Howard Democratic Yea
Kyle Donahue Democratic Yea
La'Tasha D. Mayes Democratic Yea
Liz Hanbidge Democratic Yea
Malcolm Kenyatta Democratic Yea
Melissa L. Shusterman Democratic Yea
Perry S. Warren Democratic Yea
Tim Briggs Democratic Yea
Clint Owlett Republican Yea
David H. Rowe Republican Yea
Jim Rigby Republican Yea
Joe Hamm Republican Yea
Joe Kerwin Republican Yea
Kate A. Klunk Republican Yea
Rob W. Kauffman Republican Yea
Robert Leadbeter Republican Yea
Timothy R. Bonner Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

public-safety civil-rights
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 751?
HB 751 is sponsored by Chris Pielli (Democratic), Tim Briggs (Democratic), David H. Zimmerman (Republican), Timothy R. Bonner (Republican), and Barry Jozwiak.
What is the current status of HB 751?
This bill died with 2023-2024 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HB 751?
Track HB 751 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

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