Scheuren Calls on House Judiciary Committee to Convene and Advance Fix for Second-Degree Murder Sentencing
July 16, 2026
HARRISBURG – Rep. Donna Scheuren (R-Montgomery) today called on House Democrats to immediately bring Senate Bill 1400 before the House Judiciary Committee, warning that continued inaction could have serious consequences for victims, public safety and the administration of justice in Pennsylvania.
In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in Commonwealth v. Lee that the Commonwealth's current sentencing framework for second-degree murder is unconstitutional. The court stayed its ruling until July 24 to give the General Assembly time to enact a constitutional replacement.
The Senate responded with Senate Bill 1400, bipartisan legislation which would establish a constitutional sentencing framework for second-degree murder while creating a structured parole process that preserves accountability and strengthens victims' rights during parole proceedings.
Although the bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee on June 26, House Democrats have yet to call the bill up for consideration, despite two committee meetings since receiving the bill from the Senate. Scheuren warns that if the July 24 deadline comes and the General Assembly fails to pass a new, constitutional sentencing framework, the court's ruling will take full effect, necessitating reviews of more than 1,100 existing felony murder sentences.
“Every day this critical public safety legislation remains stalled is another day that victims' families are left waiting for the certainty and accountability they deserve,” Scheuren said. “I am urging the House Judiciary Committee to give Senate Bill 1400 the consideration it merits and move it forward for a full vote."
Scheuren notes that others are urging action.
In his July 12 statement, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday stated, “Inaction is not an option; in fact it is dangerous. The Senate has already responded to the court’s decision with a thoughtful proposal — one that my office was consulted on and that reflects sound policy. At this point, we are waiting for the House to respond to a mandate by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Failing to act would leave our communities and victims without needed protections, and it is important that we move forward collaboratively to ensure a responsible solution.”
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele also urged action in a letter to Scheuren, warning that if the House fails to act his office will be “tasked with reopening cases and reopening wounds for families,” and that his office is asking that victims’ rights are affirmed.
“I have always been for safe and secure communities, and there is no reason for the House Democrat majority to delay a public safety bill, especially after it received bipartisan support in the Senate,” Scheuren noted. "The costs to counties, delays in current cases, potential threats to public safety, the anguish endured by victims' families, and the possibility that offenders could be released without proper due process and review are simply too great to ignore.
"When a life is taken, the pain endured by victims' families never ends. Senate Bill 1400 is about ensuring that those who commit the most serious crimes continue to be held fully accountable while protecting the rights and dignity of victims. Passing this legislation would send a clear message that our justice system stands with families who have suffered unimaginable loss and is committed to preserving meaningful consequences for those responsible. Justice should never become uncertain because of a legal technicality. It should remain steadfast for victims, their loved ones, and every community across Pennsylvania.
"I want to thank Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele and the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) for their steadfast advocacy on behalf of victims and their families. DA Steele’s efforts reinforce why it is so important that the House act before the court's deadline, especially when viewing the extensive and alarming list of convicted murderers throughout Montgomery County,” Scheuren concluded.
Scheuren urged the House Judiciary Committee to promptly consider Senate Bill 1400 so the General Assembly can meet the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's July 24 deadline and ensure victims, prosecutors and communities have certainty under the law.
Representative Donna Scheuren
147th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Melissa Fox
mefox@pahousegop.com