Stay updated with the latest legislative actions and key events from Pennsylvania's Capitol on June 17, 2025.
Representatives from the Juvenile Law Center, joined by legislative allies, advocated for juvenile justice reform at a press conference in the Main Capitol Rotunda. Staff attorney Malik Pickett highlighted the 'Broken Promises: Futures Denied' publication, which underscores the negative experiences of youth in detention centers. He emphasized the importance of community-based support for youth rather than institutionalization.
Aqilah David and Bree Hood, Stoneleigh youth advocacy fellows, shared personal stories of the harm caused by juvenile detention facilities and advocated for the Juvenile Justice Facilities Package. They called for the creation of a statewide child advocacy office and limitations on detention time without receiving credit. Legislative supporters, including Rep. Andre Carroll, Rep. Anthony Bellmon, and Rep. Melissa Shusterman, echoed these calls for reform, stressing the need for accountability and support for youth in the justice system.
The House Professional Licensure Committee met to consider HB 80, HB 482, and SB 115. HB 80, sponsored by Rep. Arvind Venkat, would allow Pennsylvania to join the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. HB 482, sponsored by Rep. Venkat and Rep. Kristin Marcell, seeks to authorize Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Compact for Occupational Therapy Licensure.
The House Human Services Committee discussed HB 1108, which amends the Human Services Code to further provide for copayments for subsidized child care. HB 1573, HB 1576, and HB 1577 were also reviewed, focusing on juvenile justice reform, county reimbursements for juvenile services, and ensuring safe and humane practices in juvenile facilities.
PLS provided coverage of several Capitol events, including press conferences, bill signings, and media availabilities. Legislative and advocacy groups highlighted key issues and called for action on various bills. The Juvenile Law Center's press conference was a notable event, where advocates and legislators discussed the pressing need for juvenile justice reform.
Other events included press conferences on proposed legislation affecting public transit safety, child care staff recruitment, and the economic revitalization of factory and mill buildings. These events served as platforms for legislators and advocates to present their cases and engage with the media and public.
The House stands adjourned until June 18, 2025, for a non-voting session. The Senate is in recess until June 23, 2025. Upcoming session days for the House include June 18, 23-30, September 22-24, 29-30, October 1, 6-8, 27-29, November 17-19, and December 8-10, 15-17. The Senate's upcoming session days are June 23-30, September 8-10, October 20-22, 27-29, November 17-19, and December 8-9.
Legislators and stakeholders are preparing for these sessions, with numerous bills and legislative actions scheduled for discussion. Key issues on the agenda include juvenile justice reform, public transit safety, and economic development initiatives.
Several new bills were introduced and discussed on June 17, 2025. HB 1572 seeks to increase the historic preservation tax credit per-project cap to $1.5 million. HB 1575 aims to provide tax credits for the economic revitalization of factory or mill buildings. HB 1610 proposes mandatory combined reporting for multi-state corporations to determine their tax responsibilities.
The House Judiciary Committee considered bills such as HB 1319, which concerns mechanics' liens for rented construction equipment, and HB 783, which addresses the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. The House Children & Youth Committee discussed several bills related to juvenile justice and child care, including HB 506, HB 1021, HB 1022, HR 142, and HB 1600. These legislative actions reflect ongoing efforts to address critical issues in Pennsylvania's state government.