PRINTER'S NO. 2948
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
2217
Session of
2024
INTRODUCED BY KRUPA, BERNSTINE AND JAMES, APRIL 16, 2024
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH, APRIL 16, 2024
AN ACT
Amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in proceedings prior to petition to
adopt, further providing for grounds for involuntary
termination.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 2511(b) of Title 23 of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes is amended to read:
ยง 2511. Grounds for involuntary termination.
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(b) Other considerations.--
(1) The court in terminating the rights of a parent
shall give primary consideration to the developmental,
physical and emotional needs and welfare of the child.
(2) The rights of a parent shall not be terminated
solely on the basis of environmental factors such as
inadequate housing, furnishings, income, clothing and medical
care if found to be beyond the control of the parent.
(3) With respect to any petition filed pursuant to
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subsection (a)(1), (6) or (8), the court shall not consider
any efforts by the parent to remedy the conditions described
therein which are first initiated subsequent to the giving of
notice of the filing of the petition.
(4) The court may consider whether the parent
voluntarily allowed or directed the child of the parent to
enter the United States without lawful immigration status and
without accompaniment by a family member or legal guardian of
the child, including when the child has been exposed to a
dangerous condition.
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Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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