Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility This Week's Focus: Children & Youth and Judiciary Committees

This Week's Focus: Children & Youth and Judiciary Committees

Dear Friends,

As I prepare to return to session this upcoming week, I wanted to share more about the committees I’ve been assigned and what sort of legislation I expect to see come before the committee.  In addition to the information I shared in last week’s email, regarding my role on the Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Local Government committees, this week, I would like to focus on the Children and Youth and Judiciary committees.

 

The Children and Youth Committee focuses on issues impacting children and youth in our commonwealth such as child welfare, foster care, juvenile justice, and education. I have been a part of this committee since 2020, and I look forward to continuing my work in advocating for the health and wellbeing of the children in our commonwealth. Prior to my election to the House, I was a practicing family attorney. In addition to my work as a family attorney, I have devoted my time to the Montgomery Child Advocacy Project (MCAP). I became involved in this incredible community in 2009 when I was first introduced to MCAP.  I soon began handling child advocacy cases in court, working with police, children and youth, the district attorney’s office, and Mission Kids.  Last session I was Vice Chair of the committee, and I’ve been asked to undertake that role again this session.

 

I am tremendously grateful to again hold a role where I can work with others to best protect and support Pennsylvania’s youngest citizens.  An example of legislation protecting the interests of children is a package of bills that passed the committee last year, which was drafted in response to the Grand Jury report on the Delaware County Detention Center at Lima (DCJDC).  The report provided a scathing look into DCJDC’s failures to care for and rehabilitate the youths held at the facility, and the frequent disregard for the rights of and protections for the children placed there. I introduced House Bills 1767 and 1766 to improve the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) reporting of abuse to proper authorities and to impose stricter requirements regarding the use of seclusion in juvenile detention facilities.

 

HB 1767 would require DHS to report all allegations and reports of child abuse and other serious incidents in juvenile facilities to judges, public defenders, district attorneys, the juvenile probation department, and others involved in a youth’s placement to ensure greater transparency and add a greater level of safety for children. It would also increase oversight of facilities by adding inspection requirements for DHS, as well as the Office of State Inspector General. HB 1766 would add safeguards regarding the use of “room seclusion,” including requiring DHS to obtain a judicial order whenever a juvenile is in “room seclusion” for more than four hours in a 24-hour period, rather than the current eight hours in a 48-hour period. Seclusionary practices have been shown to disproportionately impact youth and should be considered a last resort for children.  Beyond legislation like this to protect children, the committee has been focused on increasing access to early childhood education and childcare.  I expect that a few of my childcare related bills may end up before the committee.    

 

The Judiciary Committee plays a critical role in focusing on issues pertaining to the judicial system, corrections, and other legal matters. I have the privilege to serve on this committee again this session. This committee is one of the busiest in the House, running a substantial amount of legislation and hearings. Last session alone, our committee held hearings regarding gun violence prevention, recognizing reproductive health as a human right, abolishing the death penalty, streamlining the child custody system, and protecting victims of domestic violence via the legal system. As a member of this committee, we play a pivotal role to make continued advancements to our legal system.

 

You may recall that one of my bills last session, which passed unanimously in both chambers and has been signed into law, was the former HB 1760 – now Act 40 of 2024. I worked with former Rep. Paul Schemel (R-Franklin) to protect older Pennsylvanians by sponsoring this bill to add elder abuse to our Slayer Statute.  Historically, Slayer Statutes prevent individuals from profiting off the willful and unlawful killing of another with the intent to collect any benefit or acquire property as the result of the death of the decedent. This is a “legalese” way of saying “you can’t inherit money or property from someone you’ve murdered.”

 

Act 40 expands Pennsylvania’s Slayer Statute by prohibiting convicted elder abusers from automatically benefiting from the estate of someone they’ve abused. No one should benefit after abusing the seniors in his or her life. To ensure seniors retain full power over their testamentary decision-making, the bill includes language to allow for such inheritance, post-conviction, if the abused person and their abuser reconcile.

 

This year, I expect to see a number of bills come through the committee, including my former bill HB 2018 to streamline the child custody factors for children and families going through the court system.  I also anticipate that bills like my custodial interrogations bill, which prohibits the use of deceptive interrogation techniques to be used on persons with autism or intellectual disabilities, and my bill prohibiting medically unnecessary mutilation of cats’ paws will come through the committee.

 

Next week, the House will return to session and while we are expecting a few pieces of legislation to move through the committee and floor process, the majority of the week is expected to be spent in committee meetings and official committee organization.  I will keep you apprised of what transpires and next week look forward to discussing my final two (new) committee assignments and the role of those committees.

Constituent Services Corner

Senior SEPTA pass flower show coming up

Beat the rush!  With the Philadelphia Flower Show on the horizon, the demand for the Senior SEPTA passes really “blooms” this time of year. Please call or stop by my office today to apply or renew!

2024 Tax Forms and the Property Tax Rent Rebate Program

My office now has 2024 tax forms. Call or stop by my office today to request copies. For assistance with filing the Property Tax/Rent Rebate, please call 610-277-3230!  

 

Applications are now open for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. This program benefits older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities by providing a portion of money back on property taxes or rent paid in the prior year.

 

It’s quick and easy to apply online at https://pa.gov/PTRR, but my district office can also provide paper applications to anyone interested.

 

See if you qualify per the income parameters below. Remember, 50% of your Social Security benefit is excluded when determining your income.

 

Any questions can be directed to my office by calling (610) 277-3230 or emailing RepHanbidge@pahouse.net.

REAL ID

Do you need a REAL ID? Beginning May 7, 2025, you will need a state-issued REAL ID?-compliant license or identification card, or another acceptable form of ID (such as a U.S. Passport), to fly within the United States.


You can get a REAL ID now or when you renew your driver's license. Learn more about REAL ID at https://www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID/ and feel free to contact my office at 610-277-3230 with any questions.

UPCOMING OFFICE EVENTS

Mobile Office – Towamencin Township – Feb 6th

Need assistance with state services? My office will be at Towamencin Township on Thursday, February 6th, 2025 from 1:00 -2:00 pm and is ready and able to serve you!

PHEAA Webinar, January 30, 2025

Helping with Higher Education, Every Step of the Way – Financial Aid 101

New to the financial aid process? Our 101 course will help cover the basics around the application process, types of aid available, and overall tips for keeping your education affordable. Sign up here!

PA ABLE SEMINAR – Feb. 20

Join me for this 30-minute live webinar presented by Pennsylvania Treasury. Learn how PA ABLE is enabling individuals with disabilities and their families to save for financial security without impacting important benefits.

 

This is a must-attend webinar for people with disabilities, as well as parents, caregivers, and rep payees. Employers can also learn why PA ABLE is gaining traction across the commonwealth as a key component of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs and adding value to employee benefits packages.

 

Sign up here to attend this informative webinar.

Book Drive

My office is proudly accepting book donations from Jan. 21 until March 2 (Dr. Suses’s Birthday) for the Ambler Boys and Girls Club.  Please drop off your new and/or gently used books for children in grade 1-5 at my district office during normal business hours, Monday -Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

American Red Cross Spring Blood Drive – March 3

My office is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross on Monday, March 3, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Montgomery County Community College. To host a blood drive on this day is particularly meaningful for me since I lost my mother to blood cancer on March 3rd of last year.  The incredible generosity of blood and plasma donors kept her alive to valiantly fight her cancer for an additional 18 months and I could not be more grateful to everyone who donates blood.  By donating, you can save the lives of three people, so please consider donating today! Sign up here!

Shredding and Electronic Recycling Event – March 22

Join Reps Ben Sanchez, Melissa Cerrato and my office on Saturday, March 22 for a Shredding AND Electronic Recycling event at Temple Ambler from 10:00 a.m. - Noon!

Montgomery County:

The Montgomery County Youth Aid Panel, Wissahickon Chapter, is looking for volunteers! Montgomery County's District Attorney's Youth Aid Panel Program (YAP) promotes restorative justice, representing an innovative approach by law enforcement toward juvenile offenders. The YAP provides a second chance for certain first-time juvenile criminal offenders who accept responsibility for their actions and satisfactorily demonstrate both public and private accountability. 

Juveniles and their families meet with trained local volunteer panelists to implement a comprehensive plan that promotes restorative justice for the victim, community, and offender. Panels are staffed by local volunteers who receive specialized training. Panelist must be 18 years or older, a U.S. citizen, a Montgomery County resident (for at least one year), must complete a training program, pass a background check, and must commit to a minimum of one-year of service. If you're interested in applying please submit a written application available at Youth Aid Panel | Montgomery County, PA - Official Website (montcopa.org).

North Wales Library

Upper Gwynedd Township

Wissahickon School District

The Wissahickon School District (WSD) is excited to welcome incoming kindergarteners for the 2025-2026 school year! Below are four important updates for parents/caregivers of incoming kindergartners who currently reside within the district boundaries. Children who will be age 5 on or before Sept. 1, 2025, are eligible to enter kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year.

1. Kindergarten Overview Meetings: The elementary schools in WSD will hold in-person meetings on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Blue Bell Elementary, Lower Gwynedd Elementary, Shady Grove Elementary, and Stony Creek Elementary. These meetings will include a welcome by the building principal, an overview of the kindergarten program, and information from the school counselor and nurse.

2. Kindergarten Registration: Following the pre-registration kindergarten overview meetings on Jan. 21, 2025, kindergarten registration will begin on Jan. 22, 2025 (will end on March 7, 2025). For more information about our kindergarten registration process, please visit this web page to get started: https://www.wsdweb.org/departments/registration/kindergarten-registration.

3. Kindergarten Interviews: In the spring (March 10-April 11, 2025), WSD invites registered kindergarten students to their school to participate in our kindergarten interview process, which is an opportunity for a kindergarten teacher, reading specialist, or school counselor to meet with and learn more about your child in preparation for the start of the school year.

4. Kindergarten Orientation/Back to School Night Event: On Thursday Aug. 21, 2025, from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. incoming kindergartners and parents/caregivers are invited to an Orientation & Back to School Night event at their school, this includes the Bus Ride Experience (more information will be emailed in the summer).

The community is encouraged to share this information with friends and neighbors who will register their kindergarten students in WSD for the 2025-26 school year.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Kristen Rawlings
601 Knight Road
Ambler, PA  19002
610-247-2555
krawlings@wsdweb.org

 

Pennsylvania State Capitol
28-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 783-4102

District Office

1098 W. Skippack Pike
Blue Bell, PA 19422

(610) 277-3230