HARRISBURG – Sen. Lisa Baker (R‑20) and Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R‑35) underscored the urgent need for the House of Representatives to pass Senate Bill 1400 to address the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling that eliminated the statutory sentencing structure for second‑degree murder.
In Commonwealth v. Lee, the court held that Pennsylvania’s sentencing scheme for felony‑murder convictions was unconstitutional because it did not allow judges to consider an individual’s level of culpability.
The court gave the General Assembly 120 days, ending July 24, to enact a new sentencing framework before the existing one becomes invalid. The Senate acted twice in a bipartisan manner, while the House instead advanced a proposal tied to expanding medical parole, creating additional opportunities, without proper guardrails, for convicted felons to be released before completing their sentences.
Senate Bill 1400 was developed in consultation with victim advocates, law enforcement, district attorneys and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The legislation establishes a constitutionally sound sentencing framework that accounts for individual culpability while preserving meaningful consequences for serious offenses.
“If this issue is left in the hands of the judiciary, it would be an indefensible abdication of legislative responsibility,” said Baker. “The justices did not seek to usurp legislative authority. They told us that a mandatory life without parole sentence for second-degree murder was constitutionally wrong and gave us time to make it right again. It is well past time we do so, without overcompensating and putting violent individuals back on the street.”
“Governor Shapiro and House Democrats continue to play political games with the safety of our communities,” said Langerholc. “Killing someone in the course of an inherently dangerous felony is a grave offense, and it is time for the governor and House Democrats to treat it with the seriousness it deserves. They must act immediately, by passing Senate Bill 1400, to ensure that convicted violent offenders are held accountable and that Pennsylvania communities are not put at further risk by continued inaction.”
Senate Bill 1400 is currently in the House Judiciary Committee, where it has remained since June 26, 2026. Senate Bill 1400 is supported by Attorney General Dave Sunday, PA State Lodge FOP, PA State Troopers Association and district attorneys across the commonwealth.
News Conference Video
Sen. Baker’s Remarks Video
Sen. Langerholc’s Remarks Video
CONTACT: Jennifer Wilson (Sen. Baker)
CONTACT: Gwenn Dando (Sen. Langerholc)