An Act amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in child protective services, further providing for employees having contact with children and adoptive and foster parents.

Source of recordPennsylvania · palegis.usLast synced Sep 4, 2026

Chamber

Senate

Progress

Where this bill stands in the legislative process.

Introduced
Passed Senate
Passed House
To Governor
Became Law

Overview

This bill amends Pennsylvania’s Child Protective Services Law to strengthen background checks for individuals employed or volunteering in settings with children, including day-care centers and foster care homes. Specifically, it expands the list of criminal offenses that would disqualify an applicant from employment or participation in programs involving children. The bill also requires consideration of an applicant’s presence on sex offender registries and statewide databases of child abuse perpetrators.

Key provisions

Expands the list of criminal offenses that disqualify applicants for employment with children.
Includes felony offenses related to strangulation and arson.
Requires consideration of convictions under 18 U.S.C. § 2261 and 2262.
Requires consideration of an applicant’s presence on the National Sex Offender Registry.
Requires consideration of an applicant’s presence on a state’s sex offender registry.
Requires consideration of an applicant’s presence on a Statewide database of child abuse perpetrators.
Addresses employees having contact with children and adoptive and foster parents.
Sets an effective date of 60 days after enactment.