Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1551

Introduced
6/29/23  

Caption

In juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for scope of chapter, for inspection of court files and records, for transfer from criminal proceedings, for place of detention and for conduct of hearings and repealing provisions relating to transfer to criminal proceedings; and making editorial changes.

Impact

If enacted, HB1551 would significantly alter the handling of juvenile offenders by providing clearer definitions and rules for the transfer of cases. This reform intends to enhance the rehabilitation focus of the juvenile justice system, shifting to understanding the needs of juveniles rather than solely punitive actions. The tightening of the provisions concerning the public access to juvenile records aims to maintain the privacy of young offenders, aligning with the intent to offer a second chance rather than a permanent stain on their record.

Summary

House Bill 1551 focuses on reforms to the juvenile justice system within Pennsylvania. The bill amends existing statutes in Title 42 related to juvenile matters, specifically regarding definitions, the scope of the juvenile chapter, and the transfer protocols from criminal proceedings. Notable changes include clarifying what constitutes a 'delinquent act' and establishing guidelines for the inspection of court records. Additionally, it aims to streamline the procedures involved in transferring juvenile cases to the adult criminal system when serious offenses are involved.

Sentiment

Opinions on HB1551 among stakeholders appear to be mixed. Advocates for juvenile justice reform have praised the bill for prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment, emphasizing that the juvenile system should aim to correct behavior rather than enforce harsh sentences. Conversely, some critics argue that the bill may not adequately safeguard public interest in cases involving serious crimes perpetrated by minors, expressing concern over the potential leniency afforded to juvenile offenders. This reflects a broader debate about balancing the needs for rehabilitation against the safety of communities.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions around the appropriate age and circumstances under which a juvenile can be transferred to adult court. Critics have raised concerns that the criteria might not sufficiently consider the severity of certain acts, thus potentially allowing dangerous offenders to remain in juvenile systems. The debates linger over whether the reforms might dilute accountability for serious offenses and what thresholds should exist for such transfers, showcasing the tension between juvenile rehabilitation and public safety.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1383

In juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for scope of chapter, for inspection of court files and records, for transfer from criminal proceedings, for place of detention and for conduct of hearings and repealing provisions relating to transfer to criminal proceedings; and making editorial changes.

PA SB751

In juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for place of detention and for transfer to criminal proceedings.

PA HB1381

In juvenile matters, further providing for short title and purposes of chapter, for definitions, for scope of chapter, for powers and duties of probation officers, for summary offenses, for inspection of court files and records, for guardian ad litem for child in court proceedings, for transfer from criminal proceedings, for informal adjustment, for taking into custody, for detention of child, for release or delivery to court and for place of detention, providing for confinement in juvenile treatment facilities, further providing for notice and hearing, providing for questioning and interrogating a child, further providing for consent decree, providing for school stability for certain students, further providing for disposition of delinquent child, for limitation on and change in place of commitment and for transfer to criminal proceedings.

PA HB1187

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition prohibited; in criminal homicide, further providing for the offense of murder; in assault, further providing for the offense of stalking and for the offense of unauthorized administration of intoxicant; in sexual offenses, further providing for definitions and for the offense of rape, repealing provisions relating to the offense of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and further providing for the offense of sexual assault, for the offense of institutional sexual assault, for the offense of sexual assault by sports official, volunteer or employee of nonprofit association, for the offense of aggravated indecent assault and for general rule relating to loss of property rights; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and for order authorizing interception of wire, electronic or oral communications; in public indecency, further providing for the offense of prostitution and related offenses; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms; in minors, further providing for transmission of sexually explicit images by minor; in criminal history record information, further providing for expungement and for juvenile records; in child custody, further providing for consideration of criminal conviction; in protection from abuse, further providing for definitions; in child protective services, further providing for definitions, for exclusions from child abuse and for employees having contact with children and adoptive and foster parents; in domestic and sexual violence victim address confidentiality, further providing for penalties; in limitation of time, further providing for infancy, insanity or imprisonment, for no limitation applicable and for other offenses; in depositions and witnesses, further providing for spouses as witnesses against each other and for hearsay; in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for inspection of court files and records, for law enforcement records, for conduct of hearings, for transfer to criminal proceedings and for assessment of delinquent children by the State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board; in court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain sexually violent persons, further providing for definitions and for court-ordered involuntary treatment; in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second or subsequent offenses, for sentences for offenses against elderly persons, for sentences for offenses against infant persons, for sentences for offenses committed while impersonating a law enforcement officer, for sentencing for trafficking of persons, for definitions, for sexual offenses and tier system, for termination of period of registration for juvenile offenders, for assessments, for registration and for assessments; in judicial change of name, further providing for change by order of court; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole procedure; and, in interstate compacts, further providing for supervision of persons paroled by other states.

PA HB1385

In juvenile matters, further providing for definitions and for disposition of delinquent child.

PA SB672

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions and for possession of firearm by minor; and making editorial changes.

PA SB559

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions and for possession of firearm by minor; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1326

In criminal homicide, repealing provisions relating to the offense of drug delivery resulting in death; in assault, providing for the offense of drug delivery resulting in death or serious bodily injury; in arson, criminal mischief and other property destruction, further providing for additional fine for arson committed for profit; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions; in limitation of time, further providing for no limitation applicable and for other offenses; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second and subsequent offenses.

PA HB326

In criminal homicide, repealing provisions relating to the offense of drug delivery resulting in death; in assault, providing for the offense of drug delivery resulting in death or serious bodily injury; in arson, criminal mischief and other property destruction, further providing for additional fine for arson committed for profit; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions; in limitation of time, further providing for no limitation applicable and for other offenses; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second and subsequent offenses.

PA HB2170

In assault, further providing for assault of law enforcement officer; and making editorial changes.

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