Contact: Louisa Tavlas
Email: ltavlas@niskanencenter.org
Harrisburg, Pa. (June 3, 2025)—The Niskanen Center applauds new legislation designed to solve more crimes and provide support and closure for crime victims. The bill–known as the VICTIM Act–was approved yesterday in Pennsylvania’s House Judiciary Committee.
The VICTIM Act (HB 1511), co-sponsored by Representatives Tim Briggs (D- Montgomery) and Joe Kerwin (R-Dauphin), would establish a grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to provide law enforcement with resources to solve more crimes. Local law enforcement agencies can use grant funds, among other resources, to hire more detectives, improve evidence analysis, and report on what is working and what needs improvement.
“Everyone suffers when crimes go unsolved and justice isn’t served. The VICTIM Act will give law enforcement the resources necessary to catch criminals who today have little fear of consequences,” said Greg Newburn, director of criminal justice at the Niskanen Center. “We’re grateful to Chair Briggs, Rep. Kerwin, and all the co-sponsors of the VICTIM Act, which will help put an end to criminal impunity in Pennsylvania.”
“Too many violent crimes in Pennsylvania go unsolved, leaving victims and families without closure and communities without justice,” said Briggs, the majority chair of the House Judiciary Committee. “Our legislation will help ensure law enforcement agencies—especially at the local level—have what they need to investigate and solve these cases.”
“Families of victims are asking for resolution, peace of mind, and assurance that violent offenders aren’t free in their communities,” said Kerwin. “If additional resources can help law enforcement close cold cases, let’s ensure we support them by providing those tools.” The Niskanen Center is a 501(c)(3) advocacy organization established in 2014 to change public policy through direct engagement in the policymaking process.
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