Senate Committee Passes Bartolotta Bill to Reduce Juvenile Recidivism

HARRISBURG - Legislation sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) to help young adults in Allegheny County permanently exit the criminal justice system received unanimous support from the Senate Law and Justice Committee today.

Senate Bill 349 would help juvenile offenders reintegrate into their communities more effectively through an employment program that offers education and support services. The bill would allow nonprofit organizations to employ minors as young as 15 in establishments that serve alcohol, much like ski resorts, golf courses and amusement parks already can. These workers would be prohibited from serving or dispensing alcohol.

"By focusing on life and social skills development, young Pennsylvanians will have the tools to become upstanding citizens. After completing similar programs in other states, young adults are often successfully placed in jobs at community partner organizations - giving them a second chance and saving taxpayer dollars," Bartolotta said.

There are more than 50,000 young people under the age of 21 held in detention facilities in the United States each day. Studies show that more than half of these offenders will be rearrested within a year of release, and as many as 40% will end up in prison by the age of 25.

The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

CONTACT: Katrina Hanna, 717-787-1463