In the near future, I plan on introducing legislation that will establish a registry of those individuals convicted of committing child abuse. This registry will better help protect our communities across the Commonwealth by ensuring important information related to child abusers is available to the public in an easy and accessible manner.   

Child abuse refers to any kind of action or failure to act that results in harm or possible harm to a child under the age of 18. This harm can take many forms, such as bodily injury, serious mental injury, or sexual abuse or exploitation. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys are estimated to experience child abuse in the United States. Tragically, in 2022 an estimated 1,990 children died in the United States from abuse and neglect. Between 2019 and 2023 there were 10,915 convictions of child abuse defendants in Pennsylvania.

My legislation will require defendants convicted of certain child abuse offenses such as aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of a minor and kidnapping to register and provide a variety of information to the Pennsylvania State Police including if they obtain a new job, residency or vehicle. This registry will be very similar to the Pennsylvania Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”) or more commonly referred to as Megan’s Law. Individuals on this new registry will also be required to provide a current telephone number, including a cell phone number, and any aliases, nicknames or pseudonyms they use. By making this information available to the public regarding registered child abusers communities across the Commonwealth will be in a better position to take precautions to ensure the safety of their children.

Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation.