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Bill

HR 480

A Resolution designating July 15, 2026, as "Court Appointed Special Advocates Day" in Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Bizzarro and 19 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania designates July 15, 2026, as Court Appointed Special Advocates Day to honor child welfare advocates serving vulnerable children in court cases.

Adopted
0
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Bill Summary · HR 480

Legislative bill overview

HR 480 is a ceremonial resolution designating July 15, 2026, as "Court Appointed Special Advocates Day" in Pennsylvania. The resolution recognizes and honors the work of CASA volunteers who advocate for children's best interests in court proceedings, particularly in abuse and neglect cases.

Why is this important

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers play a critical role in the child welfare system by providing trained, independent voices for vulnerable children in dependency and neglect cases. Public recognition of these volunteers can raise awareness about the importance of child advocacy services and potentially encourage volunteerism in a system that often faces volunteer shortages.

Potential points of contention

  • Symbolic vs. substantive value: Designating a day requires no funding or policy changes, so critics might argue it's symbolic recognition without addressing systemic issues like case backlogs or inadequate resources for child protection services
  • Cost-benefit of ceremonial resolutions: Some lawmakers view ceremonial resolutions as uses of legislative time that could be directed toward bills with measurable policy impacts
  • Selectivity of recognition: The decision to recognize CASA specifically on one day raises questions about how other advocates and child welfare workers are acknowledged in state recognition efforts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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