On November 12, 2025, the House Judiciary Committee took up and finalized criminal justice bills related to post-conviction relief for veterans and fees for juvenile offenders. (Screenshot from live broadcast)
As news of the long-awaited budget deal buzzed through the Capitol building on Wednesday, two dozen House lawmakers in the Judiciary Committee debated the wording of bills on post-conviction relief for certain veterans and restitution for juvenile offenders.
Several items on the lengthy agenda passed unanimously, but some Republicans were concerned that the vague language could have unintended consequences.
“A lot of it just isn’t available in prime time today,” concluded Franklin Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin), minority committee chairman.
House Bill 458sponsored by Rep. Carol Hill-Evans (D-York), was intended to expand an existing benefit provided to criminal justice veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury.
State law allows veterans to present any diagnosis as a mitigating factor at sentencing, but not as part of post-conviction review – bypassing those who were diagnosed while incarcerated.
“These are men and women who have honorably served our country, and it is not uncommon for their trauma to go unrecognized or untreated for months or even years,” Hill-Evans said.
“These invisible war wounds may have contributed to the circumstances that led to their imprisonment. Justice demands that we take this into account,” she added.
AND December note an appendix to the bill indicated that a veteran diagnosed before 1980, when post-traumatic stress disorder was first recognized as a mental illness, could not have his or her diagnosis considered as a factor in sentencing.
“This bill does not guarantee anyone a reduced sentence; it simply gives courts the opportunity to review the full picture,” Hill-Evans said.
But Republicans questioned whether its language could cover other mental health disorders.
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“I’m concerned that the broad nature of this bill technically allows for a mental disorder or disability defense,” said Rep. Timothy Bonner (R-Mercer). “I would support this bill if it were limited.”
Three of the 12 GOP committee members joined the 14 Democrats in supporting the proposal. It was adopted by a majority of 17 to 9.
The panel unanimously approved House Bill 866sponsored by Republican Rep. Joe Webster (D-Montgomery), which would require the state Department of Corrections to provide veterans with information on whether they can have their veterans benefits restored after their release.
Restitution and juvenile justice
A bill to eliminate most penalties and fees on juvenile offenders has also faced opposition.
House Bill 1385 sponsor, Rep. Emily Kinkead (R-Allegheny), said such costs keep low-income newborn people working in the justice system longer than their wealthier peers. She said the proposal was submitted in accordance with a 2021 recommendation from the state’s Juvenile Justice Task Force.
“They are designed for adult offenders and don’t really take into account a juvenile’s ability to pay them,” Kinkead said. “In many cases, these children are not even able to find work.”
The measure originally covered several topics, but a committee amendment removed all of that, leaving only the section on fees and penalties.
Kauffman questioned the bill’s operate of the phrase “actual victim,” which is an undefined term. Kinkead stated that she believed the language “reflects the intent of the bill that damages will only be imposed where a person has suffered actual material loss.”
“The thought that (actual victim) was included in the bill gives me chills,” Kauffman said. “A victim is a victim.”
Kauffman also expressed concern that eliminating such costs “prioritizes the perpetrator over the victim” and diverts attention from compensating crime victims.
“Once again, I don’t think this one is ready for launch, but needs additional work,” he noted.
The bill passed with a 14-to-12 vote along partisan lines.
