Three bills focusing on the juvenile justice system, circulated by state Rep. Melissa L. Shusterman (D-Chester) with support of Lower Bucks County lawmakers were separately passed in the House and sent to the Senate for consideration recently.
HB 1573 will require the Department of Human Services to conduct an inventory of programs and services available to address juvenile delinquency in counties across Pennsylvania. Local state Rep. Perry Warren (D-Bucks) is a co-sponsor. The bill passed in the House 102-100 on July 14 2025.
HB 1576 will require the Department of Human Services to reimburse counties for fifty percent of certain costs, including but not limited to medical treatments, the appointment of a guardian ad litem or counsel, and transportation, provided to delinquent children. Democrat representatives for Bucks co-sponsoring this bill are Warren and state Rep Tina Davis (D Bucks) The bill passed in the House by a vote of 106-97 on July 9 2025.
HB 1577 will create a new section to ensure that safe and humane institutional practices are in place for children who may face restrictive procedures, like restraints, when in custody or incarcerated. Warren is a co-sponsor. This bill passed in the House 108-95 also on July 9 2025.
“When our youth enter into the juvenile justice system, they are met with a number of new experiences and challenges. One thing they should not be challenged with is the possibility that they will face unsafe, unclean, or ineffective facilities and programs. With allegations of abuse in Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice facilities coming to light, it is clear that something must be done to protect our youth and provide them with effective treatment and education. I plan to address these issues by introducing a package of three bills aimed at ensuring our delinquent juveniles are protected and provided with adequate support. We must ensure the safety and accountability of juvenile justice placements, whether they are run by private providers or the Department of Human Services. Please join me in co-sponsoring this common sense legislation to keep our juveniles safe as they navigate the path to reentry,” said Shusterman in her co-sponsorship memorandum.
The bills are now in the Senate for consideration
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