PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB944

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB944

Introduced
7/31/25  

Caption

Providing for nondiscrimination in adoption and foster care family agencies; and promulgating regulations.

Impact

If passed, SB944 will significantly alter the landscape of child placement services in Pennsylvania. By enforcing nondiscrimination practices, it aims to create more inclusive policies that provide greater access to adoption and foster care for marginalized groups. This change aligns with broader movements for social justice, ensuring that potential caregivers are not unfairly excluded from the process due to personal attributes unrelated to their suitability for caring for children.

Summary

Senate Bill 944 aims to amend Title 67 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by establishing nondiscrimination policies for adoption and foster care agencies. The bill prohibits any agency, both public and private, from denying an individual the opportunity to become an adoptive parent or foster caregiver based on various characteristics such as disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other specified criteria. The intent is to ensure that all eligible individuals are treated fairly and equitably in the adoption and foster care processes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB944 appears to be mixed. Supporters, which include child welfare advocates and many civil rights organizations, argue that the bill represents a critical step towards eliminating discrimination and fostering a more inclusive environment for child placements. Conversely, opponents have raised concerns about the implications of such nondiscrimination policies on religious organizations and their ability to operate according to their beliefs, fearing that it could force them to provide services contrary to their values.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding SB944 revolves around the balance between protecting individual rights and maintaining the operational autonomy of faith-based agencies. Critics argue that while nondiscrimination is essential, the bill may inadvertently undermine the ability of religious organizations to serve in foster and adoption services if they do not align with the requirements set out in the bill. As such, the debate surrounding SB944 touches on significant issues of rights versus religious freedoms, indicating a complex conflict within the legislative discussions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB150

Further providing for title of the act, for findings and declaration of policy, for right to freedom from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation, for definitions, for unlawful discriminatory practices and for prohibition of certain real estate practices; providing for protection of religious exercise; and further providing for powers and duties of the commission, for educational program and for construction and exclusiveness of remedy.

PA HB300

Further providing for the title of the act, for findings and declaration of policy, for right to freedom from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation, for definitions, for unlawful discriminatory practices and for prohibition of certain real estate practices; providing for protection of religious exercise; and further providing for powers and duties of commission and for construction and exclusiveness of remedy.

PA HB1997

In preliminary provisions, providing for nondiscrimination awareness and prevention policy.

PA HB503

Further providing for findings and declaration of policy, for right to freedom from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation, for definitions, for unlawful discriminatory practices, for prohibition of certain real estate practices, for powers and duties of the commission, for educational program and for construction and exclusiveness of remedy.

PA SB238

Further providing for findings and declaration of policy, for right to freedom from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation, for definitions and for unlawful discriminatory practices.

PA HB1024

In assault, further providing for ethnic intimidation; in particular rights and immunities, further providing for civil rights violations; and, in employees, further providing for definitions and providing for annual officer training on hate-based intimidation.

PA HB211

Prohibiting public school entities from engaging in certain communications and actions involving prohibited indoctrination; and providing for requirements for public contractors and for enforcement.

PA HB1383

In casualty insurance, providing for infertility care coverage.

PA SB602

In casualty insurance, providing for infertility care coverage.

PA HB1027

In assault, further providing for the offense of ethnic intimidation; and, in particular rights and immunities, further prohibiting civil rights violations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.