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HB 2483

A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, further providing for sessions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 15 co-sponsors

The bill would add a constitutional-style right to protect personal rights and allow civil enforcement by prosecutors and individuals, with broad remedies for violations.

Referred to Appropriations
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2483

Overview

HB 2483 is a proposed joint resolution in Pennsylvania that would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to add a new provision on protecting personal rights. The bill sets out a framework for preventing interference with the exercise or enjoyment of rights secured by the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions and other laws, and creates mechanisms for civil actions to enforce those rights, including potential penalties, damages, and injunctive relief. It also outlines venue, procedure, and protections related to speech, violence prevention, and sovereign immunity.

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a broad, statutory-constitutional-style prohibition on interference with the exercise or enjoyment of constitutional and statutory rights.
  • Provide a civil enforcement mechanism, both by prosecutors (District Attorney or Attorney General) and by private individuals, to protect those rights.
  • Include remedies such as injunctive relief, damages, civil penalties, attorney fees, and declaratory relief.
  • Create procedural rules for where actions may be filed and how orders to stop certain conduct must be handled, including protections against excessive limitations on speech and guarantees for due process.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 8309.1. Personal rights

    • (a) Prohibition: Prohibits interference, by threat, intimidation, coercion, or attempts thereof, with the exercise or enjoyment of rights secured by:
    • The U.S. Constitution
    • The Pennsylvania Constitution
    • The laws of the United States
    • The laws of Pennsylvania

  • (b) Civil action by district attorney or Attorney General

    • DA or Attorney General, after consulting with the DA, may bring a civil action to protect the described rights.
    • Remedies may include:
    • Injunctive or other equitable relief
    • Civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation
    • Penalties assessed against each violator
    • Penalties awarded to individuals who were prevented from exercising the right

  • (c) Civil action by an individual

    • Individuals who were prevented from exercising a right may sue on their own behalf.
    • Remedies may include:
    • Damages
    • Injunctive or other equitable relief
    • Declaratory relief
    • Reasonable attorney fees

  • (d) Venue

    • Civil actions under (b) or (c) generally filed in the court of common pleas where the violation occurred or where the violator resides/works/has a place of business.
    • The Attorney General’s actions may be filed in any county, with jurisdiction extending throughout the Commonwealth.

  • (e) Injunctive relief

    • Any order issued to prohibit certain conduct must include: “VIOLATION OF THIS ORDER IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.”
    • Willful and knowing violation of an injunctive order is a misdemeanor of the third degree, or second degree if bodily injury results.

  • (f) Likely acts of violence

    • If the court determines violence is likely, it must coordinate with law enforcement to provide orders and information to relevant agencies.

  • (g) Attorney fees

    • The court may award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party.

  • (h) Nonexclusivity

    • The civil action and remedies do not preclude other actions or remedies under federal or state law.

  • (i) Speech

    • Speech alone is not enough to support an action unless:
    • It threatens violence against a specific individual or group, and
    • The targeted individuals reasonably fear violence, and
    • The threat-actor has apparent ability to carry out the threat.

  • (j) Limitations on orders

    • Orders cannot restrict content of speech, except to the extent necessary to protect rights, and must respect constitutional rights.

  • (k) Waiver prohibited

    • Rights and remedies cannot be waived by contract.

  • (l) Sovereign immunity

    • Sovereign immunity rules do not apply to actions against peace officers or government entities employing peace officers under this section.

  • (m) Definitions

    • Defines “peace officer” (as used in the section) consistent with existing law.

Affected parties and impact

  • Individuals whose rights (federal or state constitutional rights, or corresponding laws) are allegedly interfered with may seek protection and remedies.
  • District Attorneys and the Attorney General can initiate civil actions to enforce these rights.
  • Violators could face civil penalties (up to $25,000 per violation) and other relief.
  • Courts could award damages, injunctive relief, declaratory relief, and attorney fees.
  • The bill places procedural safeguards around speech-related actions and emphasizes violence-prevention considerations.
  • Law enforcement and government entities can be compelled to cooperate through injunctive orders and information sharing when violence is likely.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effectiveness: The act would take effect 60 days after enactment.
  • Venue rules provide flexibility for the Attorney General's actions and specify where actions can be filed.
  • The bill requires consultation with the district attorney before the DA or AG files actions under subsection (b).
  • Certain actions involve specifying enforceable orders, with defined criminal penalties for violations.
  • The bill is a constitutional amendment proposal, which would require passage by both chambers and ratification by voters to take effect as part of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Summary

HB 2483 proposes adding a formal personal-rights provision to Title 42, aimed at preventing interference with constitutional and statutory rights and providing robust civil enforcement mechanisms. It creates parallel avenues for action by state prosecutors and individuals, establishes penalties and remedies, and includes safeguards related to speech and possible violence. It also sets procedural and venue rules and clarifies that waivers are not permitted. If enacted and ratified, this provision would empower courts, prosecutors, and private plaintiffs to address rights violations with a broad range of remedies, while attempting to balance First Amendment protections and public safety concerns.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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