HB 879 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for concurrent jurisdiction to prosecute.

HB 879 would change Pennsylvania law to allow both state and local prosecutors to pursue charges for riot, disorderly conduct, and related offenses that currently fall under state jurisdiction alone. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and individuals charged with these specific offenses by expanding who can bring legal action. The key provision establishes "concurrent jurisdiction," meaning local district attorneys and the state attorney general could both prosecute the same case without requiring state involvement. The bill aims to streamline enforcement for these offenses but does not alter the penalties or definitions of the crimes themselves.
Bill status in committee 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Oct 2025
House Passage
Oct 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 11, 2025 Last action Apr 13, 2026
Floor votes · House Oct 15, 2025

How they voted

251
Passed
Total votes 26
Oct 15, 2025
D Democratic14
14 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican12
11 Yea 1 Nay
91% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Oct 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported as committed
lower
Oct 15, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (25-1)
house
Mar 11, 2025
Committee
Referred to Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 21 co-sponsors

Sponsors