Pennsylvania House Bill HB2256

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/26
• Refer: 3/2/26

Caption

In theft and related offenses, further providing for grading of theft offenses.

Summary

HB2256 amends Pennsylvania’s theft grading statute to make theft of human remains a felony of the third degree. Under current law, theft is already graded as a third-degree felony when the amount involved exceeds $2,000 or when certain vehicles are stolen; this bill adds human remains to that list of offenses. The bill also defines “human remains” broadly to include any part of a dead human body, cremated remains, or any other remains of a dead human body. The measure is a targeted change to Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically section 3903 governing the grading of theft offenses. It does not create a new theft offense, but it increases the seriousness of theft cases involving human remains by placing them in the felony category. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Impact

HB2256 would amend Pennsylvania’s criminal code by revising the grading rules for theft offenses in 18 Pa.C.S. § 3903. The practical effect is to treat theft or disposal of human remains as a third-degree felony, which can affect charging decisions, sentencing exposure, and prosecutorial leverage in cases involving funeral homes, cemeteries, cremation remains, or other handling of deceased persons’ remains. The bill also adds a statutory definition of human remains to clarify the scope of the new felony classification.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the available record suggests a straightforward, likely noncontroversial public-safety and dignity-based amendment rather than a broadly contested policy change. The sponsors appear to be responding to a specific gap in the theft grading statute by elevating offenses involving human remains. Because there are no transcripts or vote tallies provided, there is no documented evidence of opposition or divided sentiment in the available materials.

Contention

The main policy question raised by the bill is whether theft involving human remains should be treated the same as other third-degree felony thefts, such as theft of motor vehicles or theft over the dollar threshold. Any potential contention would likely center on the breadth of the definition of “human remains” and whether existing criminal provisions already cover similar conduct adequately. However, no specific objections, amendments, or opposing arguments are included in the provided record.