Arnold Ventures Joins Legislative and Policy Leaders to Celebrate New Legislation to Help Solve More Violent Crimes in Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Pa. (June 3, 2025) — Arnold Ventures was honored to be part of Pennsylvania’s celebration today of 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 by a near-unanimous bipartisan vote of 24 – 2 in the House Judiciary Committee. A new poll supported by Arnold Ventures shows just how much Pennsylvanians increasingly approve of such moves to keep their communities safe. 

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.

The bill’s focus on solving more crimes is overwhelmingly endorsed by Pennsylvanians. New polling released today finds that 83% of voters in the state support the VICTIM Act, including 83% of Republicans, 84% of Democrats, and 80% of independents. The poll includes insights from 800 Pennsylvania voters and was conducted May 7 – 12, 2025.

“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.” 

“Commonwealth residents understand that deterring and solving serious crimes is the best way to increase public safety,” said Kevin Ring, vice president of criminal justice advocacy at Arnold Ventures. ​“While Pennsylvanians may have different ideas about what causes crime, an overwhelming percentage agree on the need to increase the number of crimes solved by the police. That’s what the VICTIM Act is designed to do, so it’s little surprise that we found such broad, bipartisan support for the bill.”

“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.”