Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2217

Introduced
4/16/24  

Caption

In proceedings prior to petition to adopt, further providing for grounds for involuntary termination.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2217 would significantly impact family law by establishing clearer standards for involuntary termination of parental rights under specific circumstances. This change could facilitate swifter adoption processes by allowing courts to act decisively in cases where the welfare of the child is at stake. Proponents argue that this will lead to more successful placements in loving homes, addressing instances where children remain in distressing situations due to prolonged court proceedings over parental rights.

Summary

House Bill 2217 focuses on amendments to statutes related to procedures in the context of adoption, particularly providing additional criteria for the involuntary termination of parental rights. The bill seeks to clarify the grounds on which parental rights may be terminated without consent, reflecting an intention to address issues of child welfare and the efficiency of adoption proceedings. This modification is intended to provide clarity and ensure that child protection is prioritized in cases where parental rights are in question.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2217 appears largely supportive, particularly from advocates of child welfare and adoption reform. By emphasizing the need for efficiency and clarity in adjudicating parental rights, proponents perceive this bill as a crucial step towards better serving the interests of children in the system. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the balance of parental rights against the need for child protection, which suggests that while many support the bill's intentions, there are varying degrees of acceptance about its implications.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between protecting children's interests and ensuring that parental rights are not terminated arbitrarily. Critics may argue that the bill could potentially put undue pressure on parents facing difficult situations, or raise concerns that it lacks adequate safeguards to protect against wrongful termination of parental rights. Debates likely center around how best to achieve the dual goals of child welfare and parental rights protection within the legal framework of adoption.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB285

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.

PA SB179

In adoption, further providing for definitions; in proceedings prior to petition to adopt, further providing for hearing, for grounds for involuntary termination and for petition for involuntary termination and providing for notice if identity or whereabouts of birth parent or putative father unknown; and, in petition for adoption, further providing for consents necessary to adoption and repealing provisions relating to consents not naming adopting parents.

PA HB1125

In child protective services, further providing for definitions; and, in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions.

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 HB116

Relating to grounds for the involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship.

PA HB2549

Changing the lists of persons who are required to be given notice of the hearing on a petition for an independent or stepparent, private agency or public agency adoption and limiting a petition to terminate parental rights to adoption proceedings and setting requirements for such petitions filed separately from petitions for adoption.

PA HB2658

Relating to grounds for the involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship.

PA HF61

A bill for an act relating to adoption proceedings by providing for representation of adoptive parents and guardians ad litem by local public defenders for children in certain adoption proceedings and modifying filing requirements for adoption petitions and notice requirements for adoption hearings of adults.(See HF 398.)

PA HF398

A bill for an act relating to adoption proceedings by providing for representation of adoptive parents and guardians ad litem by local public defenders for children in certain adoption proceedings and modifying filing requirements for adoption petitions and notice requirements for adoption hearings of adults. (Formerly HF 61.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

PA HB350

In proceedings prior to petition to adopt, further providing for hearing, for alternative procedure for relinquishment and for hearing; in support matters generally, further providing for paternity and for continuing jurisdiction over support orders; in general provisions relating to children and minors, repealing provisions relating to acknowledgment and claim of paternity; in jurisdiction, further providing for bases for jurisdiction over nonresident; enacting the Uniform Parentage Act; and providing for parent-child relationship for certain individuals, for voluntary acknowledgment of parentage, for genetic testing, for proceeding to adjudicate parentage, for assisted reproduction, for surrogacy agreements and for information about donors.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.