HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Senate passed two pieces of legislation introduced by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) which implement recommendations from the commonwealth's juvenile justice task force. 

"These reforms are designed to align our juvenile justice system with proven methods for improving youth outcomes and addressing significant gaps in current practices," said Baker. "By passing this legislation, we are taking important steps to give young people a true second chance."

Senate Bill 169 updates the juvenile court system by requiring disposition review hearings every 3 months instead of 9. The hearings are designed to ensure juveniles receive necessary services and treatment, assess their threat to the community and decide if they should remain in placement or be released under supervision. The court will also set the date for the next review hearing.

"This outdated practice poses a serious obstacle to employment, education and housing for many individuals who have completed their supervision or had their cases dismissed," Baker said. “It’s only fair that we extend the same second-chance opportunities we’ve granted for adult offender to these young people.”

Senate Bill 170 modifies the expungement of juvenile records by reducing the waiting period for expungement from 5 years to 2 years for most misdemeanors, while maintaining the 5-year period for felonies, misdemeanor firearm offenses and indecent assault. Exceptions to expungement, such as for sex offenses and cases with subsequent convictions or pending proceedings, remain unchanged.

“These are meaningful reforms that will offer fairness, accountability and hope to young people across Pennsylvania,” said Baker.

Both bills now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.