Pennsylvania HB1913: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in particular rights and immunities, providing for permissible argument for damages.

What the bill says

Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in particular rights and immunities, providing for permissible argument for damages.

From the introduced text, October 1, 2025:

Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in particular rights and immunities, providing for permissible argument for damages. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows: Section 1. Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a section to read: § 8320.2. Permissible argument for damages. (a) Permissible argument.--Except as provided under subsection (b), in any civil action tried before a judge, jury or other tribunal, an attorney may, during closing argument: (1) Specifically argue to the judge, jury or other tribunal in lump sums or by mathematical formula the amount the attorney deems to be an appropriate award for all past and future economic or noneconomic damages or both economic and noneconomic damages claimed to be recoverable. (2) On behalf of a defendant, argue to the judge, jury or other tribunal that an award of any lesser amount is appropriate if there is a finding of liability against the defendant. (b) Prior disclosure required.--A party may not argue a sum as provided for under subsection (a) unless the party first discloses to the court and opposing counsel that the party intends to argue damages listed under subsection (a) prior to the presentation of closing arguments. (c) Jury instruction.--In a civil action tried before a jury, when lump …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Timothy Brennan (D, 29) · primary sponsor
• Carol Hill-Evans (D, 95)
• Benjamin Waxman (D, 182)
• James Prokopiak (D, 140)
• Keith Harris (D, 195)
• Nikki Rivera (D, 96)
• Roni Green (D, 190)

Latest actions

1. September 8, 2026: Laid on the table, Sept. 8, 2026
2. September 8, 2026: Re-reported as committed, Sept. 8, 2026
3. June 8, 2026: Re-committed to RULES, June 8, 2026
4. June 8, 2026: First consideration, June 8, 2026
5. June 8, 2026: Reported as committed, June 8, 2026
6. October 1, 2025: Referred to JUDICIARY, Oct. 1, 2025

Votes

• House Judiciary: Report Bill As Committed (June 8, 2026): 14 yea, 12 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB1913?

HB1913 is a bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in particular rights and immunities, providing for permissible argument for damages.

What does HB1913 do?

In its own words: Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in particular rights and immunities, providing for permissible argument for damages.

What is the status of HB1913?

In committee as of September 8, 2026. Latest action: Laid on the table, Sept. 8, 2026 (September 8, 2026).

Who sponsored HB1913?

Timothy Brennan (D, 29), with 6 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB1913?

On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1913