Bill > SB494

This bill amends Pennsylvania's statutory sexual assault law by changing the age of consent from 16 to 18 years old. Specifically, the bill modifies the existing statute to increase legal protections for minors by establishing different degrees of criminal charges based on the age difference between the perpetrator and the victim. Under the revised law, if a person engages in sexual intercourse with someone under 18 years old and is four to eight years older, they will commit a second-degree felony. If the age difference is eight to eleven years, it remains a second-degree felony, and if the perpetrator is 11 or more years older than the victim, they will be charged with a first-degree felony. The bill does not apply when the individuals are married to each other. The changes aim to provide stronger legal safeguards for minors against sexual exploitation by older individuals. The bill will take effect 60 days after its enactment.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=494