Bill > HB1837

This bill amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a new offense of child torture, defining it as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing severe harm to a child under the person's care or control. The bill provides a comprehensive definition of torture, which includes 12 specific acts such as physically injuring a child, depriving them of food or water, subjecting them to extreme conditions, sexual abuse, excessive physical punishment, emotional intimidation, and actions that place the child at risk of serious injury. The offense is graded as a third-degree felony if no bodily injury occurs and a first-degree felony if bodily injury is sustained. The law requires courts to consider ordering counseling for convicted individuals and classifies the offense as a personal injury crime under the Crime Victims Act. The bill defines a child as an individual under 18 years old and provides detailed explanations of terms like "emotional distress" and "torture" to ensure clear legal interpretation. The legislation will take effect 60 days after its enactment, providing a new legal mechanism to protect children from severe abuse and mistreatment.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1837