Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Pielli’s concurrent jurisdiction unanimously bill passes House

Pielli’s concurrent jurisdiction unanimously bill passes House

H.B. 491 would protect military children and families

Rep. Chris Pielli    April 8, 2025 | 2:41 PM

HARRISBURG, April 8 – State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, announced today that his legislation, H.B. 491, has passed the state House of Representatives with unanimous support.  

The bill would establish concurrent federal and state jurisdiction for juvenile matters on military installations in Pennsylvania and is strongly supported by the Department of Defense. Currently, Pielli said, these installations under exclusive federal jurisdiction might be subject to legal systems that are not necessarily designed to deal with certain elements of juvenile law.

“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 said. “This system lacks appropriate juvenile-focused resources and may result in military-connected juveniles being tried more harshly while their peers off-base may be steered into more appropriate channels.

“Military families often face challenges that state resources and state courts may be better suited to address, including their mental health. Under this bill, installation authorities would 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.”

The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

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