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Bill

HB 970

An Act providing for guidelines and procedures governing certain investigations and interrogations of correctional and forensic employees; authorizing certain civil suits by correctional officers; and providing for impact of collective bargaining agreements and for summary suspensions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Brennan and 9 co-sponsors

HB 970 establishes investigative procedures protecting correctional officers, expands their civil lawsuit rights, and clarifies collective bargaining impacts on suspensions.

Referred to Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 970

Legislative bill overview

HB 970 establishes new procedural guidelines for investigations and interrogations of correctional and forensic facility employees, while expanding civil lawsuit rights for correctional officers. The bill also addresses how collective bargaining agreements interact with disciplinary suspensions and investigation procedures.

Why is this important

Correctional officers argue these protections are necessary safeguards against unfair investigations that could damage their careers and reputations. However, the procedures established will directly impact prison administrators' ability to investigate alleged misconduct—a significant issue given the documented problems with abuse and corruption in correctional facilities. These changes could affect both officer accountability and workplace conditions across Pennsylvania's correctional system.

Potential points of contention

  • Balance between employee protections and investigative authority: Strengthened procedures for officers may limit administrators' investigative flexibility, potentially making it harder to address serious misconduct quickly
  • Civil liability expansion: Broadening correctional officers' ability to sue could increase litigation costs for the state and create chilling effects on oversight activities
  • Collective bargaining interaction: The bill's treatment of how union agreements interact with summary suspensions may limit management's emergency response capabilities during crises or serious allegations

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

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