HARRISBURG, PA — Legislation aimed at granting concurrent federal and state jurisdiction for juvenile cases on military installations in Pennsylvania has passed the state House of Representatives with unanimous support. State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, introduced the measure, H.B. 491, which now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
The bill is designed to address the lack of juvenile-focused resources within the federal justice system for military-connected children. “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,” Pielli stated. He emphasized that military families often encounter challenges, such as mental health concerns, that state resources and courts are better equipped to manage.
The legislation allows installation authorities to collaborate with state and local officials through memorandums of understanding, defining procedures for handling juvenile misconduct and ensuring military children receive tailored support.
The Department of Defense has expressed strong support for the measure, which aims to ensure fair and rehabilitative processes for military families involved in juvenile matters. The Senate is expected to review the bill in the coming weeks.
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