House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Allow Reinstatement of Parental Rights, Says Delozier

June 23, 2026

HARRISBURG - Legislation allowing courts to reinstate parental rights has passed the House with bipartisan support, announced Rep. Sheryl M. Delozier (R Cumberland). Delozier, having a longstanding history of advocating for our children and second chances, collaborated with Rep. Rick Krajewski (D-Philadelphia) on this bipartisan initiative.

Pennsylvania is one of the few remaining states without a mechanism to restore parental rights, even when a parent has demonstrated rehabilitation and when adoption is no longer an option for the child. House Bill 133 would create a legal process permitting reinstatement only when a child has not been adopted, when adoption is no longer a viable option, and when a court determines that reunification will support the child's safety, stability and well being.

"Rep. Krajewski and I worked together from the beginning to craft a bill that puts children first," Delozier said. "This bipartisan vote shows that no matter our district or political party, we agree that children deserve every opportunity for stability, permanency and meaningful family connections."

Under the bill, petitions for reinstatement would be permitted only if:

• At least 15 months have passed since the termination of parental rights, or the youth is at least 17 years old.
• The child has not been adopted, has no pending adoption petition or an adoptive placement has ended.
• Reinstatement aligns with the child's best interests and is supported by evidence presented to the court.

"This bipartisan vote reflects a shared understanding across the aisle: second chances matter," Delozier added. "Through initiatives like Clean Slate, I've seen firsthand that Pennsylvanians can transform their lives. House Bill 133 ensures that our laws recognize those transformations when a child stands to benefit. I am hopeful this bill will continue to garner bipartisan support as it advances through the legislative process."

Child welfare professionals, attorneys, and community advocates testified in support of the measure during a November hearing, emphasizing that reinstatement would not be automatic. Instead, it would serve as a deliberate, child centered remedy when a parent's growth and sustained rehabilitation make reunification both safe and appropriate.

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Representative Sheryl Delozier
88th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Katelin Morrison
717.260.6502
[email protected]
RepDelozier.com / Facebook.com/RepDelozier