Bill > HB2181

This bill amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to create a new offense of "child torture." The bill defines child torture as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly torturing a child who is within the custody or physical control of the person. The offense is graded as a third-degree felony if the victim does not suffer bodily injury, or a first-degree felony if the victim does suffer bodily injury. The bill also requires the court to consider ordering counseling for a person convicted of child torture and designates the offense as a personal injury crime under the Crime Victims Act. The bill provides a detailed definition of "torture" that includes various acts such as severing limbs, depriving the child of food or water, and subjecting the child to extreme temperatures or sexual abuse.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2023&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2181