Pennsylvania HB 1305: An Act designating a bridge on that portion of T.R. 413 over the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, Juniata Township, Bedford County, as the Army Specialist Four Harold Phillip Grasser Memorial Bridge.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1499
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1305
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY SAPPEY, MIHALEK, HILL-EVANS, T. DAVIS, SANCHEZ,
OTTEN, PIELLI, FREEMAN, GUENST, HADDOCK, KENYATTA, HOWARD,
NEILSON, DAVIDSON, CIRESI, DEASY, CERRATO, CURRY, M. BROWN,
STEELE, SCHLOSSBERG AND O'MARA, APRIL 28, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH, APRIL 28, 2025
AN ACT
Amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), entitled "An
act to consolidate, editorially revise, and codify the public
welfare laws of the Commonwealth," establishing the Office of
Child Advocate; and imposing penalties.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known
as the Human Services Code, is amended by adding an article to
read:
ARTICLE VII-A
OFFICE OF CHILD ADVOCATE
Section 701-A. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this article
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Child Advocate." The Child Advocate appointed under section
702-A.
"Child health, safety and well-being program." A service or
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

program designed to:
(1) Prevent neglect, abuse and exploitation of children
and encourage reporting of suspected child abuse under 23
Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 (relating to child protective services).
(2) Provide temporary, substitute care in foster family
homes or residential child care facilities for a child in
need of the care under Article VII and 67 Pa.C.S. Chs. 75
(relating to family finding and kinship care) and 77
(relating to adoption opportunities).
(3) Provide court-ordered care or supervision to alleged
or adjudicated dependent or delinquent children under 42
Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 (relating to juvenile matters).
(4) Provide early intervention under the act of December
19, 1990 (P.L.1372, No.212), known as the Early Intervention
Services System Act.
(5) Provide education for alleged or adjudicated
dependent or delinquent children under 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 who
are placed in or are transitioning from residential settings.
"County agency." The county children and youth social
service agency exercising the powers and duties provided for
under section 405 of the act of June 24, 1937 (P.L.2017,
No.396), known as the County Institution District Law, and
supervised by the department under Article IX.
"Executive agency." The term shall mean the same as defined
under section 102 of the act of October 15, 1980 (P.L.950,
No.164), known as the Commonwealth Attorneys Act.
"Executive board." The Executive Board of the Commonwealth
established under section 204 of the act of April 9, 1929
(P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929.
"Facility." A residential facility for children operated or
20250HB1305PN1499 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

licensed by the department under Articles IX and X.
"Local government." A county, county institution district,
city, borough, incorporated town, township or any similar,
general or limited purpose unit of local government or unit
created by joint action of two or more local government units
authorized to be created by law.
"Office." The Office of Child Advocate established under
section 702-A.
Section 702-A. Office of Child Advocate.
(a) Establishment.--The Office of Child Advocate is
established within the department to independently and
impartially advocate for and advance the interests of children.
The office shall operate under the direction of the Child
Advocate. The office shall function independently of the
department regarding the office's decision-making functions,
including the powers and duties specified under this article.
(b) Appointment and qualifications.--
(1) The Child Advocate shall be appointed by the
Governor , with the advice and consent of the Senate, and
shall hold office for a term of four years and until a
successor is duly appointed, but may not serve more than 90
days beyond the expiration of the appointed term.
(2) A vacancy occurring by expiration of term, death,
resignation, removal or for any other reasons shall be filled
in the manner provided by section 8(b) of Article IV of the
Constitution of Pennsylvania for the remainder of the term.
The Child Advocate may only be removed from office for good
cause shown.
(3) When the term of the Child Advocate expires, the
position shall be immediately deemed a vacancy and the
20250HB1305PN1499 - 3 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

Governor shall nominate a person to fill that position within
90 days of the date of expiration, even if the Child Advocate
continues in office.
(4) The Child Advocate may be reappointed for additional
terms.
(5) The Child Advocate shall be an individual who, by
reason of training and experience, is qualified to advocate
for and advance the interests of children.
(6) To be