WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2322

An Act amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in support of the indigent, repealing provisions relating to relatives' liability and procedure.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Boyd and 22 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill repeals laws requiring family members to financially support indigent relatives, shifting potential costs from families to state public assistance programs.

Referred to Human Services
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2322

Legislative bill overview

HB 2322 amends Pennsylvania's domestic relations law to eliminate "relatives' responsibility" statutes that currently require certain family members to financially support indigent relatives. The bill repeals provisions that legally obligate adult children, parents, and siblings to provide financial support for impoverished family members who cannot support themselves.

Why is this important

Currently, Pennsylvania law allows the state to pursue family members for reimbursement of public assistance benefits (welfare, Medicaid, institutional care) provided to indigent relatives. This bill would remove that legal obligation, potentially affecting both family dynamics and state budget planning for public assistance programs. The change could impact how costs are distributed between families and taxpayers for supporting low-income individuals.

Potential points of contention

  • State budget implications: Eliminating relatives' liability could increase state spending on public assistance programs, requiring alternative funding sources or reduced benefits
  • Family financial responsibility: Philosophical disagreement over whether adult family members should have legal duty to support poor relatives versus viewing support as voluntary charity
  • Administrative burden: Debate over whether current relatives' liability enforcement is cost-effective or creates excessive bureaucratic overhead in pursuing family members

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

Sign in to ask a question.