HARRISBURG, PA —Gov. Josh Shapiro on Monday signed into laws intended to combat the state teacher shortage, make it easier for deployed military parents to retain custody of their children and speed up the process for guardianship hearings for incapacitated people.
A closer look at the new laws:
House Bill 18: Requires courts to hold a hearing within 30 days of receipt of a petition to modify or terminate a guardianship for an incapacitated individual. The bill was introduced by state Rep. Jeff Olsommer, a Pike County Republican.
“Unfortunately, there are times when an incapacitated individual’s appointed guardian exploits, neglects, abuses, or otherwise fails to act in the individual’s best interests and the family of that individual is compelled to petition the courts to modify or terminate the guardianship,” Olsommer wrote in a memo to colleagues.
“Guardianship disputes often prove emotionally and financially draining for the families of incapacitated persons. The timely hearing process contemplated by this legislation will ensure fairness to all parties by preventing long delays that may exacerbate conflict, anxiety, and financial burden.”
House Bill 414: Updates state laws surrounding the custody and visitation rights of deployed military parents. The legislation was introduced by Craig Williams, a Chester County Republican.
“Leaving one’s family to serve others is difficult enough,” Williams wrote in a memo to colleagues.
“In some instances that deployment has been used against service members for child-custody determinations. Should a former spouse leave the state in the middle of a military deployment, regaining fair custody or even visitation can be a nightmare for a deployed parent.
“This law will prevent any permanent custody changes while a service member is deployed for longer than 30 days. It will also ensure that visitation rights are protected during the deployment. Scheduled video calls and phone calls will be part of any temporary custody order, so our deployed military parents are able to see and hear their children.”
House Bill 1405: In attempt to address the state’s teacher shortfall, this law would ease restrictions on veterans who want to get a teaching certificate. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Brian Munroe, a Bucks County Democrat.
“Career and technical Education (CTE) programs are an essential part of preparing students for high-demand fields, offering practical, real-world learning experiences,” Munroe wrote in a memo to colleagues. “Many of the skills required in these fields—ranging from manufacturing to information technology—are areas where veterans already possess significant and specific work experience.
“My legislation will allow veterans’ service experience in a specific occupational area to count toward the credits necessary for a CTE Instructional 1 certification. This will open new pathways for veterans to become educators and share their valuable hands-on skills and expertise with students.”