House Judiciary Committee reports a slate of reproductive‑policy bills, including constitutional amendment; roll calls split largely on party lines

Following the public hearing on House Bill 19‑57, the House Judiciary Committee held its voting meeting and reported a set of bills addressing reproductive‑health policy and related enforcement matters.

House Bill 670 (sponsor: Representative Powell) would create state criminal penalties and a civil cause of action for obstruction or interference with access to reproductive health service facilities, mirroring aspects of the federal FACE Act. Counsel described misdemeanor penalties, potential imprisonment up to a year and fines up to $3,000, and civil remedies including damages and attorney fees. The committee reported the bill as committed; vote tally: 14 yes, 12 no.

House Bill 1640 (sponsors: Daley, Schusterman) would limit disclosure of reproductive health‑care records by amending Title 42, prohibiting covered entities from releasing records related to reproductive health care except under specified exceptions. Counsel said covered entities must notify patients of the right to withhold consent for disclosures. The committee reported the bill as committed; vote tally: 14 yes, 12 no.

House Bill 1641 (sponsors: Daley, Schusterman) would bar insurers from taking adverse action against providers who deliver reproductive services to out‑of‑state residents. Counsel noted the bill takes effect in 60 days; the committee reported the bill as committed (vote: 14 yes, 12 no).

House Bill 1643 (Daley, Schusterman) would prohibit Pennsylvania courts from enforcing other states’ judgments in cases involving the provision of reproductive health care services. Counsel framed the bill’s definition of reproductive health care services and its 60‑day effective date. The committee reported the bill as committed (vote: 14 yes, 12 no). Committee discussion raised constitutional concerns relating to the U.S. Constitution’s Full Faith and Credit Clause.

House Bill 1966 (Daley, Schusterman) would prohibit Pennsylvania courts and officials from cooperating with out‑of‑state civil or criminal cases involving reproductive health care services and would restrict extradition for certain offenses related to those services. Committee counsel said the bill takes effect in 60 days; the committee reported the bill as committed (vote: 14 yes, 12 no). Members noted potential Full Faith and Credit Clause conflicts in floor remarks.

House Bill 2005 (Schusterman, Howard) would remove the state’s statutory 24‑hour waiting period and additional counseling requirement under the Abortion Control Act while retaining informed‑consent requirements. Counsel told the committee the bill deletes section 3204 from Title 18 but leaves voluntary informed consent intact. The bill was reported as committed; vote tally: 14 yes, 12 no.

House Bill 1957 (the proposed constitutional amendment heard earlier) was reported by the committee; roll call recorded a 14 yes, 12 no outcome. Counsel reminded members that a constitutional amendment must pass two consecutive legislative sessions in identical form before going to voters.

The committee’s roll calls reflected a partisan division on these measures in this session. Committee counsel and multiple members referenced legal risks, constitutional questions and potential litigation for bills that challenge enforcement of out‑of‑state orders or that change court cooperation standards. The committee made no further immediate substantive amendments during the session and transmitted the reported bills for next‑stage consideration.