Bill > HB1237

This bill updates Pennsylvania's legal code by replacing the term "problem-solving courts" with "treatment courts" throughout the existing statute, while maintaining the core functions and structure of these specialized judicial programs. The bill allows courts of common pleas and the Philadelphia Municipal Court to establish treatment courts with specialized jurisdictions, such as 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 legislation also 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 modifies probation revocation guidelines to allow for 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 emphasize the rehabilitative and therapeutic approach of these specialized courts, with the new terminology potentially signaling a more positive, treatment-oriented perspective on addressing criminal justice challenges. The bill will take effect 60 days after its enactment.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1237