SB 944 Pennsylvania Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending Title 67 (Public Welfare) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for nondiscrimination in adoption and foster care family agencies; and promulgating regulations.

This bill prohibits adoption and foster care agencies from denying services based on protected characteristics like sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, HIV status, or disability. It bans extra screenings, delays, or denials for these reasons when placing children or approving caregivers, and prevents religious discrimination in placements. The law applies directly to all county agencies and private providers authorized to offer foster care, kinship care, or adoption services in Pennsylvania. Agencies must follow these rules when making placement decisions or processing applications.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jul 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jul 31, 2025 Last action Jul 31, 2025
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Total actions
1
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0
Committee
1
Jul 31, 2025
Committee
Referred to Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 11 co-sponsors

Sponsors