An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in particular rights and immunities, further providing for scope of subchapter.

PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 732 PRINTER'S NO. 2872
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 713
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY HOWARD, GUENST, T. DAVIS, MADDEN, WAXMAN, MAYES,
CERRATO, SANCHEZ, MALAGARI, SHUSTERMAN, GREEN AND HANBIDGE,
FEBRUARY 24, 2025
AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES, AS AMENDED, FEBRUARY 4, 2026
AN ACT
Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in particular rights and
immunities, further providing for declaration of policy, for
definitions and for scope of subchapter.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 8340.12(2) of Title 42 of the
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, added July 17, 2024
(P.L.836, No.72), is amended to read:
§ 8340.12. Declaration of policy.
The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:
* * *
(2) It is in the public interest to encourage continued
participation in matters of public significance, including
disclosure of sexual offenses. This participation should not
be chilled through abuse of the judicial process.
* * *
Section 2. The definition of "protected public expression"
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in section 8340.13 of Title 42, added July 17, 2024 (P.L.836,
No.72), is amended to read:
§ 8340.13. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
* * *
"Protected public expression." A person's:
(1) communication in a legislative, executive, judicial
or administrative proceeding;
(2) communication on an issue under consideration or
review in a legislative, executive, judicial or
administrative proceeding; [or]
(3) exercise, on a matter of public concern, of the
rights of freedom of speech or of the press, the right to
assemble or petition or the right of association, guaranteed
by:
(i) the First Amendment to the Constitution of the
United States; or
(ii) section 7 or 20 of Article I of the
Constitution of Pennsylvania[.]; or
(4) communication of an allegation of abuse, as defined
under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6102 (relating to definitions), or
allegation of sexual violence, as defined under section 62A03
(relating to definitions), provided the communication is not
malicious.
* * *
Section 3. Section 8340.14(b)(5) of Title 42, added July 17,
2024 (P.L.836, No.72), is amended to read:
SECTION 1. SECTION 8340.14(B)(5) OF TITLE 42 OF THE
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PENNSYLVANIA CONSOLIDATED STATUTES IS AMENDED TO READ:
§ 8340.14. Scope of subchapter.
* * *
(b) Exclusions.--This subchapter does not apply to any of
the following claims asserted in a civil action:
* * *
(5) Arising under [any of the following:
(i) 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 61 (relating to protection from
abuse).
(ii) Chapter 62A (relating to protection of victims
of sexual violence or intimidation).
(iii) The] the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L.682,
No.284), known as The Insurance Company Law of 1921.
* * *
Section 4 2. This act shall take effect in 90 days.
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