PA General Assembly Misses Deadline on 2nd Degree Felony Murder Fix; PDAA Says Collaboration Must Continue

HARRISBURG (July 24, 2026) – Despite proposals advancing in both chambers, the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives were unable to reach agreement on legislation responding to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision in Commonwealth v. Lee before the court‑imposed deadline.

In response, the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) issued the following statement:

We are concerned that legislation addressing the issues raised in Lee regarding second‑degree felony murder did not reach the governor’s desk before the deadline. As an association, we do not support HB 1042 as amended and passed by the House yesterday. It is deeply flawed and does not adequately protect victims.

However, the debate in both chambers shows there is a willingness to keep working. If the Supreme Court extends the timeframe for legislative action, Pennsylvania’s prosecutors are willing to continue collaboration.

The PDAA is committed to seeking justice for crime victims and their families. We believe it is possible to enact legislation that provides appropriate sentencing alternatives for cases that do not warrant life imprisonment, while preserving the option of life sentences for those that do.

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