HARRISBURG (AP) A set of revisions to a new Pennsylvania law that requires background checks for people who work with children was approved by a state House committee on Monday, despite some concerns it was watering down the protections.

The Children and Youth Committee voted 24-2 in favor of a proposal designed to make the checks less of a burden so organizations don't end up having to cut programs for children because of fewer volunteers.Chairwoman Katharine Watson, R-Bucks, said the amendments to the law that took effect in December were developed during seven months of meetings and addressed concerns about how the law applies to school employees, child care workers, youth volunteers and others."The point was not to lessen, in any way, the importance of background checks," Watson said.Rep. Todd Stephens, R-Montgomery, one of two who voted no, said he worried the proposal would weaken the legislation and unwind work of a legislative task force that helped develop it."I also think we're rushing this through without fully considering the ramifications. This is not a simple clarification," he said. "This is a policy change back to the way it was before the task force went to work."Watson discouraged amendments by the committee and none were offered, but Stephens said he would likely seek changes on the House floor.The checks are currently required for those who provide care, supervision, guidance or control of children, or those with routine interaction with them. The new bill would apply the law only to those who regularly have contact with children, rather than all workers and volunteers, significantly reducing the number of people it affects.It would require checks for adult volunteers with child care services, schools, programs, activities or services if they have direct contact with children or are responsible for their welfare.Pennsylvania enacted more vigorous checks late last year as part of a package of legislation passed in response to the Jerry Sandusky and cleric child abuse scandals.