Westmoreland Review

Pennsylvania has enacted two new laws focused on juvenile justice reform, following recommendations from the state's Juvenile Justice Task Force. Established in 2019, the task force aimed to examine and propose improvements to the juvenile justice system.

The first law mandates more frequent review hearings for juveniles in detention centers. Previously, these hearings occurred every nine months; now they will take place every three months. The goal is to ensure that juveniles benefit from rehabilitative services and do not spend unnecessary time in detention.

The second law changes the criteria for expunging juvenile criminal records. For most misdemeanors, the waiting period for expungement has been reduced from five years to two years. However, felonies and certain other crimes still require a five-year wait.

Both pieces of legislation received strong bipartisan support in Pennsylvania's General Assembly. Act 107 passed unanimously, while Act 108 faced minimal opposition.

In other news, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is accepting nominations for the 2025 River of the Year until November 11. Additionally, DCNR will hold a virtual workshop on November 7 for those interested in recreation and conservation grants.