The proposed bill amends Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by introducing a new section, 4307, which defines the offense of child torture. Under this new provision, a person can be charged with child torture if they intentionally or knowingly engage in a series of abusive acts against a child, including causing bodily injury, inflicting mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, forced holding of positions, or failing to provide necessary care and support. The bill classifies child torture as a felony of the first degree, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific considerations for evidence and defenses in child torture cases. It states that expert testimony regarding mental anguish is not required for a conviction, and a child's susceptibility to such abuse cannot be used as a defense. Furthermore, it clarifies that evidence of physical pain is not necessary for a conviction, although a defendant's financial inability to provide care may be considered as a defense in certain circumstances. The definition of "child" is specified as any individual under 18 years of age at the time the abusive acts were committed. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.