PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB752

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB752

Introduced
6/6/23  

Caption

In juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of probation officers and for informal adjustment, providing for requirement of diversion and further providing for taking into custody, for detention of child, for release or delivery to court, for release from detention or commencement of proceedings, for informal hearing, for release or holding of hearing, for consent decree, for disposition of delinquent child and for limitation on and change in place of commitment.

Impact

The bill's impact on state laws is notable, as it modifies existing provisions related to how juvenile delinquency is addressed. By encouraging diversion and informal adjustments, the legislation aims to reduce the number of juveniles entering the formal justice system. This reflects a broader shift in juvenile justice towards rehabilitation, acknowledging that early interventions can prevent future delinquency. Furthermore, it delineates the responsibilities of probation officers, emphasizing a supportive role in helping juveniles instead of merely enforcing punitive measures.

Summary

Senate Bill 752, introduced in Pennsylvania, seeks to amend Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning juvenile matters. The bill outlines definitions, the powers and duties of probation officers, and proposes requirements for diversion programs. Specifically, it establishes a framework aimed at encouraging informal adjustments and diversionary programs for youth referred for misdemeanors or nonviolent felonies, exempting those with prior diversions or certain serious offenses involving firearms from mandatory diversion. This is intended to redirect minor offenders away from the formal judicial process, ultimately fostering rehabilitation over punishment.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 752 appears largely positive among those advocating for juvenile justice reform. Supporters argue that the bill recognizes the developmental differences between juveniles and adults, advocating for a system that rehabilitates rather than punishes. Conversely, some critics express concern that the bill might inadvertently reduce accountability for serious offenses, particularly in cases involving firearms. This reflects a tension between reformative justice approaches and public safety concerns.

Contention

Key points of contention include the criteria for diversion and the potential implications for public safety. Critics argue that the bill's provisions could allow repeat offenders to evade appropriate consequences for their actions. Supporters counter that focusing on diversion for nonviolent offenses will prevent further alienation of at-risk youth and yield better long-term outcomes. The debate encapsulates broader discussions about juvenile justice priorities, community safety, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.

Latest PA SB752 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session SB752

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 SB170

In criminal history record information, further providing for juvenile records; and, in juvenile matters, further providing for powers and duties of probation officers, for informal adjustment, for consent decree, for adjudication, for disposition of delinquent child and for powers and duties.

PA HB2628

In juvenile matters, further providing for disposition of delinquent child and for limitation on and change in place of commitment; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1385

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

PA SB751

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

PA HB1613

In juvenile matters, further providing for definitions and for release or delivery to court, providing for mandatory counsel and for child interrogation and further providing for powers and duties of the Juvenile Court Judges' Commission.

PA HB1551

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 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 HB1125

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

PA SB169

In juvenile matters, further providing for limitation on and change in place of commitment; and making editorial changes.

Similar Bills

MI SB0428

Juveniles: other; juvenile fines, fees, and costs; eliminate. Amends secs. 2f, 18, 28 & 29, ch. XIIA of 1939 PA 288 (MCL 712A.2f et seq.); adds sec. 29a to ch. XIIA & repeals sec. 18m, ch. XIIA of 1939 PA 288 (MCL 712A.18m). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0421'23, SB 0429'23, HB 4628'23, HB 4633'23, HB 4636'23, HB 4637'23

MI HB4634

Juveniles: other; juvenile fines, fees, and costs; eliminate. Amends secs. 2f, 18, 28 & 29, ch. XIIA of 1939 PA 288 (MCL 712A.2f et seq.); adds sec. 29a to ch. XIIA & repeals sec. 18m, ch. XIIA of 1939 PA 288 (MCL 712A.18m). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4635'23, HB 4636'23, HB 4637'23

OK HB3205

Fees and costs; Juvenile Code; costs of representation in certain proceedings; effective date; emergency.

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.

MS SB2544

Youth court; revise fines, fees and costs.

MS HB808

Youth court services fees and fines; exclude parents and children from payment of.

MS HB1449

Youth court services fees and fines; exclude parents and children from payment of.

OK HB1109

Truancy; prohibiting detention for failure to attend school; waiver of certain fines; requiring written notice for certain absences; requiring school districts to create and adopt progressive truancy intervention plans; prohibiting suspension; permitting report of absences to court under certain circumstances; effective date; emergency.