Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1677

Introduced
6/30/25  

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, HB 1677 will significantly influence state laws pertaining to parental rights and the oversight of services provided to minors. The legislation could reshape interactions between state agencies and families, as it aims to prevent legal actions against parents or guardians that arise from their decisions regarding the information shared or services provided to their children. This could include issues surrounding health, education, and welfare services, which are typically overseen by state regulations.

Summary

House Bill 1677 seeks to establish protections for parents, legal custodians, and legal guardians of minors. The bill aims to limit governmental interference in the provision of certain information and services to minors, thereby reinforcing parental authority in child-rearing matters. Proponents of the bill argue that it is essential for safeguarding familial rights against excessive state intervention, which they believe can infringe upon the rights of parents to make decisions regarding their children's welfare and education.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1677 appears to be mixed, with factions passionately divided over its implications. Supporters view the bill as a necessary step towards preserving parental rights and ensuring that families can operate free from unwarranted government scrutiny. Conversely, critics express concern that the bill could lead to situations where minors may not receive critical services or information essential for their development and safety, raising potential issues in areas such as mental health and education.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to HB 1677 revolve around its interpretations and the balance of rights between parents and state regulations. Critics have raised alarms that the bill might foster environments where child abuse or neglect could go unreported due to the fear of legal repercussions against concerned adults, thereby jeopardizing the safety of minors. The debate underscores the tension between upholding parental authority and ensuring adequate protections for children, particularly in scenarios where state involvement may be warranted.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1249

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.

PA HB730

In general provisions relating to children and minors, providing for contracting and consent by certain minors.

PA HB307

Providing for legal protections from abusive work environments and for remedies.

PA SB22

Providing for protection of minors on social media; and imposing penalties.

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.

PA HB2017

Providing for protection of minors on social media; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1725

Amending the act of February 13, 1970 (P.L.19, No.10), entitled "An act enabling certain minors to consent to medical, dental and health services, declaring consent unnecessary under certain circumstances," further providing for individual consent, for mental health treatment and for release of medical records; and providing for parent or legal guardian access to medical records.

PA HB1961

Adding provisions relating to establishment of parent-child relationship for certain individuals; providing for voluntary acknowledgment of parentage, for registry of paternity, for genetic testing, for proceeding to adjudicate parentage, for assisted reproduction, for surrogacy agreements and for information about donors.

PA HB1879

Providing for duties of covered entities to protect the best interests of children that use online services, products or features and for data protection impact assessments; prohibiting certain actions by covered entities; and imposing penalties.

PA SB1083

In minors, further providing for the offense of sexual abuse of children and for the offense of transmission of sexually explicit images by minor.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.