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Pennsylvania bill would create Statewide Advisory Council on Playground Safety
Summary
House Bill 1888, introduced Sept. 26, 2025, would add Chapter 56A to Title 35 to establish a 25-member Statewide Advisory Council on Playground Safety appointed by the governor, charge it with reviewing playground-related regulations and advising multiple state agencies, and require the council to meet at least four times a year.
House Bill 1888, introduced in the Pennsylvania House on Sept. 26, 2025, would add Chapter 56A to Title 35 (Health and Safety) to create a Statewide Advisory Council on Playground Safety and define its membership, duties and operations.
The bill, printed as No. 2349 and referred to the Committee on Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development on Sept. 29, 2025, directs the Department of Community and Economic Development to provide staff for the council. The measure says the council would advise the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Department of Education, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Labor and Industry on draft playground safety regulations and standards.
The council would consist of 25 governor-appointed members serving three-year terms, except cabinet officers or their designees who serve for the duration of their office. The bill lists a range of membership categories: parents of school-age children; representatives of school districts and school boards; local municipalities and government; public and private child-care providers; nonpublic and charter schools; playground safety and design experts; manufacturers and retailers of playground equipment; homeowner associations; churches; resorts; injury prevention specialists; and relevant Commonwealth agencies. At least three members must be certified playground safety inspectors.
The chair would be appointed by the governor and must be selected from among members who are neither Commonwealth employees nor elected officials. The chair may appoint special committees, which may include nonmembers. Members serve without compensation but are eligible for reimbursement of reasonable and necessary expenses under the Executive Board rules.
Among the duties specified in the bill, the council would: review and comment on draft regulations and standards related to playground safety; advise appropriate legislative committees and the Independent Regulatory Review Commission on proposed regulations; assist state agencies with recommendations for implementing and enforcing standards; suggest fiscal and other support sources for playground upgrades; recommend personnel training and inspection procedures; and propose reporting mechanisms for parents and community members who believe a playground is unsafe. The bill requires the council to meet at least four times annually.
The bill defines "playground" to exclude home playgrounds and home playground equipment, amusement park equipment, sports equipment, fitness equipment and limited-access contained play systems. It also sets out officer, designee and committee rules. The act is written to take effect immediately upon enactment.
Details such as the identities of the final appointees, a schedule for the council's first meetings, and any specific funding authorizations for playground upgrades are not specified in the bill text.
