HARRISBURG - A bill eliminating nearly all waiving of counsel in juvenile delinquency hearings is on its way to Governor Corbett for his signature, according to Senator Lisa Baker (R-20), who sponsored the measure.

"From the moment the details of the judicial corruption in Luzerne County came to light, I was convinced that any reform effort must include mandatory counsel legislation," Baker said.  "The juveniles who were victimized, the families who had lives turned upside down, the citizens who were outraged, all believe we have an obligation to adopt whatever measures are necessary to protect against any possible recurrence of justice for sale."

A juvenile system marked by fairness, integrity, and true justice is the goal that this legislation should help to guarantee, Baker explained.  Senate Bill 815 mirrors the enhanced rule adopted by the state judiciary last year, and sends an important message about delivering reform, about underscoring the profound purpose of Constitutional rights, and about ensuring the respect owed those appearing before our juvenile justice system.         

Baker added that even with the new laws, new rules, and new oversight procedures, it still comes down to having quality people with integrity and fortitude to make the system work as it should.

The measure had bipartisan support. 

“Senate Bill 815 is another step toward restoring confidence in our juvenile justice system and I applaud Senator Lisa Baker for bringing this reform forward,” State Sen. John Yudichak (D-14) said. “The right to counsel is a fundamental principle of our democracy and this bill would ensure that no child is standing before a judge without representation at their side.”

Last week Gov. Corbett signed Senate Bill 818, which requires juvenile court judges to state on the record the reasons behind a disposition order. Senate Bills 815 and 818 were part of a legislative package introduced to enhance the juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania.