House Democrats Must Act to Protect Crime Victims, Preserve Accountability, White Says

July 21, 2026

HARRISBURG – Because a court-mandated deadline is fast approaching, hundreds of men and women already convicted of second-degree murder could be resentenced and released from incarceration because of inaction from House Democrats, according to Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia).

“Even though Attorney General Dave Sunday has pleaded for help with this issue, his calls have gone unanswered,” White said. “My colleagues in the House have failed to pass legislation despite instructions from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to establish a new sentencing framework before July 24.”

White joined Republican colleagues from both the House and Senate today to urge House Democrats to expediently return to session to meet the deadline and protect victims of crime.

Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the Commonwealth’s mandatory life sentence for second-degree murder, commonly known as felony murder, is unconstitutional. The Court gave the General Assembly 120 days to address sentencing through updates to the Crimes Code.

Senate Bill 1400 passed the Senate with bipartisan support and would establish a new sentencing structure for future felony murder convictions while creating a carefully balanced parole review process for individuals currently serving mandatory life sentences. Importantly, the bill also would strengthen protections for crime victims by ensuring they receive notice and have meaningful opportunities to participate throughout the process.

Senate Bill 1400 has languished in the House Judiciary Committee.

The attorney general cautioned that approximately 1,100 inmates are serving life sentences after being convicted of second-degree murder.

“Many of these inmates serving life sentences could seek resentencing, with some potentially becoming eligible for immediate release before a comprehensive legal process is in place. This is unconscionable,” said Rep. Joe Hogan (R-Bucks).

“Those convicted of one of the most heinous acts should not have access to a potential loophole that would put them back on our streets,” said Rep. Kristein Marcell (R-Bucks).

Rep. Shelby Labs (R-Bucks) expressed frustration about the deadline looming without House session days on the calendar set by the Democrat majority.

“The families of crime victims deserve accountability and the assurance that their voices will be heard,” Labs said. “Failing to act before July 24 creates unnecessary uncertainty at the expense of victims and public safety.”

Second-degree murder applies when an individual participates in certain dangerous felonies, including robbery, rape or arson, that result in another person’s death. Even if the individual did not personally cause the fatal injury, Pennsylvania law has long recognized that those who willingly participate in violent felonies that lead to a loss of life must be held accountable.

Representative Martina White
170th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717.260.6563
jfitch@pahousegop.com
www.RepWhite.com / www.facebook.com/RepMartinaWhite