Staats Opposes Felony Murder Sentencing Bill Over Public Safety Concerns

July 24, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Craig Staats (R-Bucks) voted against House Bill 1042 this week, saying the legislation fails to provide meaningful accountability for those convicted of second-degree murder and creates uncertainty for victims and their families.

Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the Commonwealth’s mandatory sentencing law for second-degree murder, commonly known as felony murder, is unconstitutional because judges must have the ability to consider the individual circumstances of each case before imposing a sentence. The Court directed the General Assembly to enact a constitutional replacement by July 24.

Instead, the House approved an amended version of House Bill 1042, legislation Attorney General Dave Sunday urged lawmakers to reject.

“Families who have already endured the loss of a loved one deserve certainty that our justice system will continue holding violent offenders accountable,” said Staats. “The Attorney General made it clear the amended bill falls short of that standard. I could not support legislation that raises serious concerns about public safety and the rights of crime victims.”

In a letter to lawmakers, Sunday warned the amended bill establishes felony murder penalties that are “grossly inadequate.”

“Protecting the public and standing with victims must remain our highest priority,” said Staats. “We had an opportunity to enact a constitutional sentencing law that preserved accountability. I remain committed to supporting legislation that meets the Court's directive without compromising public safety or the rights of victims.”




Representative Craig Staats
145th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Will Patterson
267-688-2590
wpatterson@pahousegop.com