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Bill Summary · HB 1577

Summary of House Bill 1577

Bill Number: HB 1577
Title: An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in children and youth, providing for ensuring safe and humane institutional practices.
Status: Referred to Aging & Youth
Introduced: June 09, 2025
Prime Sponsor: Melissa Shusterman

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1577 aims to enhance the safety and humane treatment of children in juvenile facilities by amending the Human Services Code. The bill seeks to limit the use of restrictive procedures, ensuring that such measures are only employed as a last resort to protect children from immediate harm.

Key Provisions

  • Limitation on Restrictive Procedures: The bill introduces Section 724.1 to the Human Services Code, which restricts the use of:
    • Chemical restraints
    • Manual restraints
    • Mechanical restraints
    • Seclusion
    • Exclusion
    • Strip searches
    • Body cavity searches

These measures can only be used when there is a serious and immediate risk of physical harm to the child or others.

  • Standards and Oversight: The Department of Human Services (DHS) will establish standards for the application of these restrictive procedures. Facilities found in violation of these standards will receive immediate written notice of the violation.

  • Grievance Reporting: The DHS is required to ensure that children and their families understand how to report grievances related to unsafe or inhumane care. Assistance in filing grievances will be available upon request.

  • Quarterly Reporting: Within 90 days of the bill's enactment, the DHS must prepare and publish a quarterly report detailing:

    • Enrollment in educational programming
    • Instances of seclusion and restraints
    • Invasive searches involving children committed to the facility

Impact

  • Affected Parties: This legislation primarily impacts children in juvenile facilities, their families, and the staff managing these facilities. It aims to create a safer environment for children by reducing the reliance on restrictive measures.

  • Fiscal Impact: The Department of Human Services does not anticipate any increase in administrative costs due to this legislation, indicating no fiscal impact on commonwealth funds.

Procedural Timeline

  • Effective Date: The legislation will take effect 60 days after its enactment.
  • Legislative Actions:
    • July 31, 2025: Referred to Aging & Youth
    • July 9, 2025: Re-reported as committed
    • July 8, 2025: Second consideration with amendments
    • June 17, 2025: First consideration and reported as committed
    • June 9, 2025: Initially referred to Children & Youth

Conclusion

House Bill 1577 represents a significant step towards ensuring the humane treatment of children in institutional settings. By limiting the use of restrictive procedures and enhancing oversight and reporting, the bill aims to foster a safer and more supportive environment for vulnerable youth.

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

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