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Community Corner

Deasy supports child protection legislation

HARRISBURG, June 29 – State Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Allegheny, a member of the House Children and Youth Committee, said the House voted this week to make sweeping changes to child protective services laws.

Deasy said the Children and Youth Committee worked diligently to craft multiple pieces of legislation that would enhance background clearance requirements for those who work with children and update the definition of child abuse. 

House Bill 726 would expand the definition of child abuse to bring it in line with the criminal definition. The bill would close loopholes in child protective services laws that miss severe cases of abuse.

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"I urge the state Senate to act quickly on this bill as it will ensure that abuse victims don’t continue to fall through the cracks," Deasy said. "This is a vital piece of legislation that will enhance current law."

House Bill 435 would expand the definition of those who must obtain clearances from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. People who volunteer with children would be required to obtain DPW clearances every two years.

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House Bill 436 would expand the list of those mandated to report suspected child abuse and clarify reporting procedures. Businesses associated with computer repairs and photo processing would be required to post signage with Child Line and Abuse Registry’s contact information for reporting abuse.

House Bill 447 would extend minimum mandatory sentences to adults who attempt to sell or deliver controlled substances in the presence of a child. Parents, guardians and those expressly responsible for a child’s care such as a day care provider would be subject to the law.  

"The Children & Youth Committee did valuable work in moving legislation to further protect our children from predators. I am proud to have been a part of this effort," Deasy said.

The bills now move to the state Senate for consideration.

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