Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1913

Introduced
10/1/25  

Caption

In particular rights and immunities, providing for permissible argument for damages.

Impact

The enactment of HB1913 would have significant implications on civil litigation in Pennsylvania. It seeks to formalize the approach that attorneys can take while arguing for damages, ensuring that these arguments are clear and directly communicated to juries. However, it also places an emphasis on prior disclosures, which mandates attorneys to inform opposing counsel of their intent to argue damages before the closing argument phase, potentially shifting how trial strategies are devised.

Summary

House Bill 1913 aims to amend Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically addressing the permissible arguments for damages in civil actions. The bill allows attorneys in civil trials to present their arguments concerning damages in lump sums or through mathematical formulas, offering a clearer path for juries to understand the potential awards. It is particularly focused on all past and future economic or noneconomic damages, allowing for more structured discussions on compensation during closure arguments.

Contention

Despite the potential advantages, the bill may also face contention regarding the requirements it imposes. Critics could argue that the need for prior disclosure may limit spontaneity in court and affect the dynamics of legal strategies. There might be concerns that making the trial attorneys' arguments more formulaic could lead to oversimplification of complex damages cases, where nuanced understanding of individual circumstances is vital for fair assessment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1968

In particular rights and immunities, providing for personal rights; and prescribing penalties.

PA HB713

In particular rights and immunities, further providing for scope of subchapter.

PA HB1771

In particular rights and immunities, further providing for definitions, for pretrial motion and for awards.

PA HB2387

In particular rights and immunities, providing for liability for wrongful death of companion animal.

PA HB1681

In particular rights and immunities, providing for immunity for security officers of religious organizations.

PA HB1905

In assault, further providing for the offense of ethnic intimidation; and, in particular rights and immunities, further prohibiting civil rights violations.

PA SB1024

In assault, further providing for the offense of ethnic intimidation; and, in particular rights and immunities, further prohibiting civil rights violations.

PA HB1902

In assault, further providing for the offense of ethnic intimidation; in particular rights and immunities, further providing for civil rights violations; and, in employees, further providing for definitions and providing for annual officer training on hate-based intimidation.

PA SB1027

In assault, further providing for the offense of ethnic intimidation; in particular rights and immunities, further providing for civil rights violations; and, in employees, further providing for definitions and providing for annual officer training on hate-based intimidation.

PA HB670

In abortion, providing for access to reproductive health services facilities; in particular rights and immunities, providing for action for blocking access to reproductive health services facility; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.