While a number of members expressed concern that House Bill 1276 will roll back significant changes made to background-check provisions of Pennsylvania’s child protection laws, the House Children and Youth Committee moved the bill to the full House for consideration Monday by a vote of 24 to 2.
According to a House Republican caucus bill summary of the legislation, House Bill 1276 is aimed at narrowing background check requirements for employees and volunteers who work with children and clarifying 2014 changes to the law that have drawn the most complaints.
While a number of concerns were raised about the bill, Chairman Kathy Watson (R-Bucks) said any amendments would have to be offered in the floor and not in committee.
“I want to give everyone the opportunity to be heard…but it might not happen very seriously in the committee,” she said.