An Act amending Titles 23 (Domestic Relations) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in proceedings prior to petition to adopt, further providing for grounds for involuntary termination; and, in juvenile matters, further providing for disposition of dependent child.
This bill modifies Pennsylvania laws regarding child welfare, parental rights, and police procedures. It prevents courts from terminating parental rights solely due to a parent's incarceration or lack of resources beyond their control, while also restricting how late efforts to fix problems are weighed in adoption cases. The legislation requires juvenile courts to actively decide whether to file for terminating parental rights during permanency hearings, with specific exceptions for cases involving incarcerated parents who remain involved in their child's life. Additionally, it mandates that law enforcement officers receive training and follow guidelines to identify and ensure the safety of any minor or dependent children present or at risk when arresting a parent or guardian.
Bill status
in committee
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2023
Committee Review
Mar 2023
House Passage
Mar 2024
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 14, 2023
Last action May 21, 2024
Floor votes · House Mar 19, 2024
How they voted
25–0
Passed
Total votes 25
Mar 19, 2024
D
Democratic14
100% Yea
R
Republican11
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
7
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Amendments
1
Mar 19, 2024
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (25-0)
house
Mar 19, 2024
Lower · Passed
Reported as amended
lower
Mar 14, 2023
Committee
Referred to Children & Youth
lower
1 primary · 8 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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