House committee approves juvenile diversion legislation with bipartisan support
Rep. Rick Krajewski November 18, 2025 | 4:43 PM
HARRISBURG, Nov. 18 – Today, the PA House Children and Youth Committee garnered bipartisan support to approve House Bill 144, voting 21-5 to standardize the use of juvenile diversion programs statewide.
“Diversion helps youth take accountability, saves taxpayer dollars and makes our communities safer,” said state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., prime sponsor of H.B. 144. “It shouldn’t depend on what county you’re from; all of our children should have access to these services. Diversion works.”
The legislation would standardize the use of diversion programs for all non-violent juvenile offenses. A range of stakeholder groups support the legislation, from child advocates to criminal justice reform champions to advocates of fiscal responsibility.
“Expanding diversion is a win-win-win,” said Stefanie Arbutina, Vulnerable Youth Policy Director at Children First and author of the Children First Diversion report. “Youth have better outcomes, the system is less clogged with low-level kids, and the community is safer and stronger.”
Krajewski’s bill now moves to the full House for consideration.