This bill amends the definition of "delinquent child" in section 6302 of Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The current definition specifies that a "delinquent child" is a child ten 13 years of age or older who has been found by the court to have committed a delinquent act and is in need of treatment, supervision, or rehabilitation. This change raises the minimum age from ten to thirteen, thereby altering the threshold for what constitutes a delinquent child under Pennsylvania law. The bill stipulates that the new definition will apply to proceedings that commence or transfers that occur on or after the effective date of the section, which is set to take effect in 60 days. This legislative change aims to reflect a shift in the understanding of juvenile delinquency and the appropriate age for intervention within the judicial system.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 2029 (Jun 25, 2025): 42-6302