Update on Legislation for Court and Police Training

Last week, the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) sent out information on the nearly unanimous passage of House Bill 221 by the General Assembly. Click here for more information on this bipartisan effort on behalf of people with disabilities.

DRN thanks the Governor for signing this bill on July 10. The bill is now known as Act 25 of 2015.

Act 25 takes effect in 60 days from July 10. The Act requires training of the minor judiciary and police about intellectual disabilities, mental illness, and autism. The training will help to minimize negative outcomes which at times occur when people with intellectual disabilities, mental illness, and autism have interactions with the criminal justice system.

We thank lead sponsor Representative Thomas Caltagirone and the Chairs of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, particularly Chairman Marsico. We also express our thanks to the entire General Assembly.

DRN appreciates the Commonwealth’s support of diversionary options for people with disabilities. We look forward to the implementation of Act 25 in Pennsylvania.

Contact:

Chava Kintisch, Esquire
Director of Civic and Government Affairs
ckintisch@drnpa.org
215-238-8070, extension 210
877-375-7139 (TTY)

Thank you,

Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania
Offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh
1-800-692-7443 (VOICE)
1-877-375-7139 (TTY)
www.drnpa.org