HARRISBURG, PA — Two bills championed by state Representative Chris Pielli, D-Chester, were signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro on Friday, marking significant progress in addressing child safety and juvenile justice resources on military installations.
House Bill 355 introduces a sentencing enhancement for sexual assault cases involving mandated reporters who abuse their position of authority. Mandated reporters are legally required to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect and include professionals such as clergy, educators, healthcare providers, and law enforcement.
“This legislation, as amended, allowing for sentencing enhancements for a perpetrator in a position of authority, is a step in the right direction,” said Pielli. He expressed gratitude to those who supported the bill, notably mentioning Grace, a courageous young woman who shared her story and highlighted the need for such measures. This law seeks to ensure harsher penalties for perpetrators who exploit their authoritative roles, strengthening protections for vulnerable children.
House Bill 491 focuses on juvenile justice and military children by establishing concurrent jurisdiction between Pennsylvania and the federal government on military installations. This change aims to provide military-connected youth access to Pennsylvania’s juvenile-focused rehabilitative resources and prevent them from being unfairly prosecuted as adults in federal courts. The legislation allows installation authorities to work with state and local officials to create agreements that prioritize appropriate avenues for addressing juvenile misconduct.
“When military installations are under exclusive federal jurisdiction, military children who find themselves in trouble are often forced through a federal justice system that does not offer as many rehabilitative options as does our Commonwealth,” explained Pielli. “Under this law, installation authorities will be able to enter into a memorandum with state and local officials to define their working relationships and identify the best avenues for addressing juvenile misconduct of military-connected youth.”
Pielli praised the bi-partisan effort involved in advancing both bills, thanking his colleagues across the legislature and Governor Shapiro for their cooperation. “I am beyond proud that these two bills have made it to the finish line,” Pielli said.
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