Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1111

Introduced
3/12/24  
Refer
3/12/24  
Engrossed
3/20/24  
Refer
3/20/24  
Refer
4/9/24  
Report Pass
4/10/24  
Enrolled
4/29/24  
Chaptered
5/8/24  

Caption

In sentencing, further providing for definitions and for sexual offenses and tier system.

Impact

The proposed amendments would introduce more precise definitions and classifications within Pennsylvania's judicial system regarding sexual offenses. By clearly laying out the criteria and types of offenses that correspond to each tier, the bill seeks to standardize the legal interpretation and application of laws pertaining to sexual violence. This change is expected to impact sentencing outcomes and the management of sexually violent predators across the state. Furthermore, it addresses concerns regarding public safety, especially concerning repeat offenders identified as sexually violent predators.

Summary

Senate Bill 1111 amends Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically concerning the definitions and classifications of sexual offenses as well as the tier system associated with these offenses. The revisions aim to clarify the definition of a 'sexually violent predator' and restructure offenses into three tiers, enhancing the legal framework for addressing sexual crimes. Notably, the bill includes various offenses that will fall under each tier, creating a more organized and systematic approach to sexual offense sentencing and predator designation.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding SB 1111 appears to be supportive, particularly among lawmakers advocating for stronger measures against sexual offenses. Proponents argue that the clarity and structure introduced by the bill will help law enforcement and judicial entities more effectively manage and monitor those convicted of sexual offenses. Nevertheless, there may be underlying concerns about the impact on convicted individuals, particularly regarding the potential stigma and ramifications tied to being labeled a sexually violent predator.

Contention

While there is substantial support, some contention may arise regarding the classification of offenses and the implications for individuals categorized under the new tier system. Critics could argue that the broad categorization into tiers may overlook the nuances of individual cases, possibly leading to unjustly harsh penalties for certain offenders or failing to account for rehabilitative measures. As with any major change in legal framework, the balance between public safety and individual rights will likely be a point of ongoing discussion and scrutiny.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB255

In sentencing, further providing for sexual offenses and tier system.

PA SB1317

In sentencing, further providing for sexual offenses and tier system.

PA HB1187

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition prohibited; in criminal homicide, further providing for the offense of murder; in assault, further providing for the offense of stalking and for the offense of unauthorized administration of intoxicant; in sexual offenses, further providing for definitions and for the offense of rape, repealing provisions relating to the offense of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and further providing for the offense of sexual assault, for the offense of institutional sexual assault, for the offense of sexual assault by sports official, volunteer or employee of nonprofit association, for the offense of aggravated indecent assault and for general rule relating to loss of property rights; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and for order authorizing interception of wire, electronic or oral communications; in public indecency, further providing for the offense of prostitution and related offenses; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms; in minors, further providing for transmission of sexually explicit images by minor; in criminal history record information, further providing for expungement and for juvenile records; in child custody, further providing for consideration of criminal conviction; in protection from abuse, further providing for definitions; in child protective services, further providing for definitions, for exclusions from child abuse and for employees having contact with children and adoptive and foster parents; in domestic and sexual violence victim address confidentiality, further providing for penalties; in limitation of time, further providing for infancy, insanity or imprisonment, for no limitation applicable and for other offenses; in depositions and witnesses, further providing for spouses as witnesses against each other and for hearsay; in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for inspection of court files and records, for law enforcement records, for conduct of hearings, for transfer to criminal proceedings and for assessment of delinquent children by the State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board; in court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain sexually violent persons, further providing for definitions and for court-ordered involuntary treatment; in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second or subsequent offenses, for sentences for offenses against elderly persons, for sentences for offenses against infant persons, for sentences for offenses committed while impersonating a law enforcement officer, for sentencing for trafficking of persons, for definitions, for sexual offenses and tier system, for termination of period of registration for juvenile offenders, for assessments, for registration and for assessments; in judicial change of name, further providing for change by order of court; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole procedure; and, in interstate compacts, further providing for supervision of persons paroled by other states.

PA HB1909

In sexual offenses, further providing for the offense of rape and for the offense of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; and, in sentencing, providing for sentencing procedure for rape of a child and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child and further providing for sentences for offenses against infant persons.

PA HB376

In sexual offenses, providing for the offense of fertility fraud; in particular rights and immunities, providing for damages in actions for fertility fraud; and, in sentencing, further providing for applicability, for sexual offenses and tier system and for period of registration.

PA HB641

In sentencing, further providing for sentences for second and subsequent offenses; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole power.

PA SB1213

In sexual offenses, further providing for the offense of unlawful dissemination of intimate image; in minors, further providing for the offense of sexual abuse of children and for the offense of transmission of sexually explicit images by minor; and making editorial changes to replace references to the term "child pornography" with references to the term "child sexual abuse material."

PA SB44

In human trafficking, further providing for definitions, for the offense of trafficking in individuals and for the offense of patronizing a victim of sexual servitude; in minors, further providing for unlawful contact with minor; and, in domestic and sexual violence victim address confidentiality, further providing for definitions and for persons eligible to apply.

PA HB1782

In human trafficking, further providing for civil causes of action; in minors, further providing for sexual abuse of children; in computer offenses, further providing for definitions, for duty of Internet service provider and for application for order to remove or disable items; in child protective services, further providing for Task Force on Child Pornography; in recidivism risk reduction incentive, further providing for definitions; in Nonnarcotic Medication Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Pilot Program, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for short sentence parole; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1326

In criminal homicide, repealing provisions relating to the offense of drug delivery resulting in death; in assault, providing for the offense of drug delivery resulting in death or serious bodily injury; in arson, criminal mischief and other property destruction, further providing for additional fine for arson committed for profit; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions; in limitation of time, further providing for no limitation applicable and for other offenses; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second and subsequent offenses.

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