Pennsylvania HB131: An Act amending Title 44 (Law and Justice) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in law enforcement background investigations and employment information, further providing for maintenance of records and for hiring report; and imposing penalties.

What the bill says

Amending Title 44 (Law and Justice) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in law enforcement background investigations and employment information, further providing for maintenance of records and for hiring report; and imposing penalties.

From the introduced text, June 9, 2026:

Amending Title 44 (Law and Justice) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in law enforcement background investigations and employment information, further providing for maintenance of records and for hiring report; and imposing penalties. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows: Section 1. Section 7308 of Title 44 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a subsection to read: § 7308. Maintenance of records. * * * (d) Penalties for noncompliance.--A law enforcement agency that fails to put all relevant separation records into the database in a timely manner under section 7309(d) (relating to reporting) shall be ineligible to receive State funding for equipment, hiring or overtime expenses. A noncompliant law enforcement agency that seeks State funding designated for the purpose of violence intervention, victim services or community engagement programs shall first obtain the approval of the commission. Section 2. Section 7311 of Title 44 is amended to read: § 7311. Hiring report. (a) Information required to be reported.--If a prospective employing law enforcement agency hires an applicant whose separation records includes any of the following, the law enforcement agency shall file a report with the commission that indicates the prospective employing law enforcement agency's reasoning and rationale for hiring the applicant[:] and materially addresses why an applicant should be hired in response to each …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Christopher Rabb (D, 200) · primary sponsor
• Benjamin Waxman (D, 182)
• Dan Williams (D, 74)
• Jennifer O'Mara (D, 165)
• Gregory Scott (D, 54)
• Benjamin Sanchez (D, 153)
• Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D, 129)
• Timothy Briggs (D, 149)
• Napoleon Nelson (D, 154)
• Rick Krajewski (D, 188)

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 17, 2026: Re-committed to RULES, June 17, 2026
4. June 17, 2026: First consideration, June 17, 2026
5. June 17, 2026: Reported as committed, June 17, 2026
6. June 9, 2026: Referred to JUDICIARY, June 9, 2026

Votes

• House Judiciary: Report Bill As Committed (June 17, 2026): 14 yea, 12 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB131?

HB131 is a bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): An Act amending Title 44 (Law and Justice) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in law enforcement background investigations and employment information, further providing for maintenance of records and for hiring report; and imposing penalties.

What does HB131 do?

In its own words: Amending Title 44 (Law and Justice) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in law enforcement background investigations and employment information, further providing for maintenance of records and for hiring report; and imposing penalties.

What is the status of HB131?

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

Who sponsored HB131?

Christopher Rabb (D, 200), with 9 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB131?

On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb131