Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2418

Introduced
6/13/24  

Caption

In minors, further providing for the offense of sexual abuse of children.

Impact

The introduction of HB2418 is anticipated to significantly update and refine state laws related to child sexual exploitation. By including artificially generated depictions, the bill recognizes the evolving nature of technology and its potential misuse for harmful purposes. The new definition aims to provide law enforcement and prosecutors with clearer tools to combat these offenses, ultimately aiming to better protect children from exploitation in both digital and physical realms.

Summary

House Bill 2418 aims to amend Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning the offense of sexual abuse of children. This legislation specifically addresses and expands the definition of child pornography, particularly focusing on the inclusion of any artificially generated depictions of children in sexual contexts. The bill seeks to enhance legal protections for minors by explicitly criminalizing the creation and possession of such materials, which may not have previously been entirely covered under existing laws.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB2418 appears to be largely supportive among advocates for child welfare and protection. Enthusiasts argue that this bill is a necessary step in ensuring a safer environment for children, particularly in the face of rapidly advancing technology. However, there may also be underlying concerns regarding the potential overreach of regulations pertaining to digital content, leading to debates over freedom of expression and the rights of creators in the digital space.

Contention

A point of contention that may arise with HB2418 lies in the definition of 'artificially generated depictions' and how it is interpreted in practice. Critics might argue that the broad language used could open doors for legal challenges regarding artistic intent and digital expression. Furthermore, as the landscape around digital imaging evolves, there are concerns that the legislation could unintentionally target legitimate artistic content or educational materials that involve depictions of minors, creating an environment of caution among creators.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1083

In minors, further providing for the offense of sexual abuse of children and for the offense of transmission of sexually explicit images by minor.

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 HB259

In minors, further providing for the offense of sexual abuse of children.

PA HB1753

In minors, further providing for sexual abuse of children and for transmission of sexually explicit images by minor.

PA HB1063

In sexual offenses, providing for the offense of unlawful dissemination of artificially generated depiction; and, in minors, further providing for the offense of sexual abuse of children and for the offense of transmission of sexually explicit images by minor.

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 SB109

Crimes & Offenses, raises maximum age for offenses involving minors & sexually explicit conduct, authorizes punitive damages for victims of those offenses, directs Board of Education to require policies related to those offenses

PA SB1111

In sentencing, further providing for definitions and 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 HB1047

Sexual offenses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.