Pennsylvania HB2028: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for permitted use of public space; and, in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity.

What the bill says

Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for permitted use of public space; and, in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity.

From the introduced text, November 12, 2025:

Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for permitted use of public space; and, in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity. 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 chapter to read: CHAPTER 70A PERMITTED USE OF PUBLIC SPACE Sec. 70A01. Definitions. 70A02. Permitted use of public space. 70A03. Affirmative defense. 70A04. Enforcement. § 70A01. Definitions. The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Adequate alternative indoor space." A space that is legally and physically accessible to an individual and that does not require the individual to sacrifice any other personal right afforded to them under Federal, State or local law. All of the following shall apply: (1) An adequate alternative indoor space must satisfy all of the following: (i) Be available indefinitely to the individual without requiring daily reapplication. (ii) Be free of charge. (iii) Accommodate any disabilities. (iv) Accept pets. (v) Accommodate partners, whether the partners are legally married or not, family members or other support individuals. (vi) Accommodate the individual's personal property. (2) A tiny home or similar structure may …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Ismail Smith-Wade-El (D, 49) · primary sponsor
• Carol Hill-Evans (D, 95)
• Joseph Hohenstein (D, 177)
• Emily Kinkead (D, 20)
• Malcolm Kenyatta (D, 181)
• Aerion Abney (D, 19)
• Jeanne McNeill (D, 133)
• Benjamin Waxman (D, 182)
• Rick Krajewski (D, 188)
• Nikki Rivera (D, 96)
• Elizabeth Fiedler (D, 184)
• Benjamin Sanchez (D, 153)

Latest actions

1. June 24, 2026: Laid on the table (Pursuant to House Rule 71), June 24, 2026
2. April 29, 2026: Removed from table, April 29, 2026
3. April 27, 2026: Laid on the table, April 27, 2026
4. April 27, 2026: First consideration, April 27, 2026
5. April 27, 2026: Reported as amended, April 27, 2026
6. November 12, 2025: Referred to JUDICIARY, Nov. 12, 2025

Votes

• House Judiciary: Report Bill As Amended (April 27, 2026): 14 yea, 12 nay, passed
• House Judiciary: Adopt Amendment (April 27, 2026): 26 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB2028?

HB2028 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, providing for permitted use of public space; and, in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity.

What does HB2028 do?

In its own words: Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for permitted use of public space; and, in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity.

What is the status of HB2028?

In committee as of June 24, 2026. Latest action: Laid on the table (Pursuant to House Rule 71), June 24, 2026 (June 24, 2026).

Who sponsored HB2028?

Ismail Smith-Wade-El (D, 49), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB2028?

On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2028