Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB819

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/3/25
• Refer: 6/3/25

Caption

Prohibiting governmental action against parents, legal custodians and legal guardians of minors in the provision of certain information and services to minors; and providing for certain protection from child abuse claims.

Impact

If enacted, SB 819 would place significant protections around the rights of parents and guardians in the context of child welfare and minors' services. The bill could reshape existing laws surrounding child protection by limiting the government's ability to intervene or impose penalties on guardians who provide specific assistance to minors. This may lead to changes in how child welfare cases are handled, especially in instances where protective services might have typically taken action against parents or guardians based on certain criteria.

Summary

Senate Bill 819 aims to prohibit governmental action against parents, legal custodians, and legal guardians of minors with regards to the provision of certain information and services to minors. This legislation is intended to protect these adults from claims of child abuse that may arise from providing minors access to specific resources or services. The bill emphasizes the idea that parents should have the autonomy to make decisions about their children's exposure to information and services without fear of governmental retribution.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 819 appears to be supportive among advocates of parental rights and autonomy. Proponents view it as a necessary measure to ensure that parents have the freedom to guide their children's education and welfare as they see fit, without fear of interference from the authorities. In contrast, some detractors view the bill with concern, highlighting potential risks associated with minimizing governmental oversight in cases where children may not be adequately protected from harm. The discussions indicate a divided opinion on the balance between parental rights and child safety.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB 819 center around its potential implications for child welfare policies. Critics of the bill raise concerns that it might undermine protective measures that are currently in place to safeguard the well-being of minors. They argue that although the intent is to protect parental rights, there is a risk that such protections could lead to scenarios where children are exposed to detrimental circumstances due to a lack of governmental oversight. The debate reflects an ongoing struggle to balance the rights of parents and guardians against the need for child protection in various contexts.