Bill > SB475

This bill updates Pennsylvania's judicial code to replace the term "problem-solving courts" with "treatment courts" throughout existing law, while maintaining the core functions and capabilities of these specialized court programs. The legislation allows courts of common pleas and the Philadelphia Municipal Court to establish treatment courts with specialized jurisdiction, including veterans courts, drug courts, mental health courts, and driving under the influence courts, where defendants can be admitted to court-supervised individualized treatment programs. The bill empowers the Supreme Court to potentially appoint a statewide treatment courts coordinator who can encourage court establishment, identify funding sources, provide technical assistance, develop guidelines, and monitor the effectiveness of these programs. Additionally, the bill provides flexibility for courts to create multicounty veterans courts or establish veterans tracks within existing treatment courts, and modifies probation violation sentencing rules to allow up to 30 days of additional confinement when necessary for a defendant to be evaluated for or participate in a treatment court program. The changes aim to promote rehabilitation and provide more nuanced judicial approaches for individuals with specific needs, such as veterans or those struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=475