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HB 1384

An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in juvenile matters, providing for confinement in juvenile treatment facilities.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 29 co-sponsors

HB 1384 modifies Pennsylvania juvenile justice law governing confinement in treatment facilities, affecting standards for placing minors in institutional care.

Referred to Judiciary
0
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Bill Summary · HB 1384

Legislative bill overview

HB 1384 proposes amendments to Pennsylvania's juvenile justice statutes governing how minors are confined in treatment facilities. The bill modifies existing law under Title 42 to establish or clarify procedures and standards for placing juveniles in institutional care settings. The specific substantive changes are not detailed in the available summary information.

Why is this important

Juvenile confinement policies directly affect thousands of young people in Pennsylvania's system and shape their rehabilitative outcomes, educational access, and long-term life prospects. How states structure juvenile detention and treatment influences recidivism rates, public safety, and the balance between accountability and rehabilitation for minors. These policies also have significant fiscal implications for state budgets and county juvenile justice systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of confinement authority: Whether the bill expands or restricts judicial discretion in placing juveniles in facilities, potentially affecting both public safety and youth welfare advocates
  • Treatment standards and conditions: Questions about whether amended standards adequately address mental health services, education, safety, and rehabilitation programming in confined settings
  • Facility type and alternatives: Disagreement over whether the bill prioritizes institutional confinement versus community-based alternatives, detention reform, or diversion programs

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

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