Bill > HB1835

This bill amends Pennsylvania's sexual abuse of children statute by instructing the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to create a sentencing enhancement for cases involving sexual abuse of children when the victim is a relative of the defendant. Specifically, the bill expands the definition of relatives to include descendants, stepchildren, stepgrandchildren, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, cousins, and other relatives of the perpetrator. This means that if someone is found guilty of sexually abusing a child who is related to them, the sentencing guidelines will recommend a more severe punishment, reflecting the additional breach of familial trust. The new provision will be added as a subsection to the existing sexual abuse of children law, and the changes will go into effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law. The goal appears to be providing additional legal protection and deterrence for child sexual abuse within family contexts.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1835