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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2009
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Senate Brings Reforms to Juvenile Justice Courts

The Senate unanimously approved legislation aimed at preventing further cases of corruption in county juvenile courts as part of the legislative activities of the session week of July 6th, according to Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40).

Senate Bill 949 would help restore public confidence by establishing an Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice.  The legislation was drafted in response to a case of corruption in Luzerne County, which resulted in hundreds of juveniles being improperly sentenced and inappropriately placed in detention.

"What happened in Luzerne County was a gross abuse of justice and it is my hope that this Commission help address this issue so that this never happens again," said Senator Orie.

The legislation would establish an 11-member commission, appointed by the Chief Justice, General Assembly and Governor, to review juvenile justice procedures, practices, rules and regulations and pursue remedies and reforms.  The goal is to ensure that children who enter the juvenile justice system are granted fundamental protections and that judges are monitored to make sure their decisions are ethical and correct. The Commission is to complete its work and issue a report by May 31, 2010.

The bill now proceeds to the House of Representatives for consideration.  In other Senate action, the following bills were passed:

Senate Bill 628 would conform to a U.S. Supreme Court decision by prohibiting the imposition of the death penalty on a person with mental retardation.  It would also establish a procedure for determining that a defendant is a person with mental retardation.

Senate Bill 973 would make changes to the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act to provide that proof of insurance may include information indicating that the applicant is self-insured. It also allows the Bureau of Consumer Protection to determine the sufficiency of self-insurance and the manner in which it is maintained.

House Bill 92 would cap the fee for the transaction costs associated with the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Pennsylvania Automated Licensing Service at $1.

SB 628, SB 973, and HB 92 now proceed to the House for further consideration. 

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-6538