PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB1647

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1647

Introduced
6/24/25  

Caption

In sexual offenses, providing for the offense of possession, trafficking or importing a child sex doll.

Impact

If passed, HB 1647 would amend existing statutes concerning sexual offenses to include provisions that specifically criminalize the possession and distribution of child sex dolls. This change would represent a strengthening of laws aimed at child protection, potentially reducing instances of exploitation by making such actions illegal. The bill is positioned to provide law enforcement with clearer guidelines and tools to combat trafficking and sexual exploitation more effectively, thereby strengthening the legal framework surrounding child protection and enhancing deterrence against such heinous crimes.

Summary

House Bill 1647 addresses significant issues surrounding child protection by creating specific offenses related to the possession, trafficking, or importation of child sex dolls. The bill is an effort to combat the exploitation of children and the disturbing trends in sexual offenses that target minors. By establishing clear legal penalties for these actions, the bill aims to enhance the state’s ability to protect vulnerable populations and deter potential offenders. Its introduction marks a proactive approach to addressing emerging threats in child safety and welfare.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1647 appears to be strongly supportive among child welfare advocates, law enforcement agencies, and various community organizations. Proponents emphasize the bill's importance in safeguarding children and highlighting the need for stringent measures against offenses that involve sexual exploitation. However, potential opposition might arise from concerns about the implications of broad legal definitions, which could cause worry about overreach in law enforcement and the unintended consequences of lawfully regulating items, even if they are explicitly harmful.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise during discussions regarding the definition of child sex dolls and the implications for personal freedoms and rights. Some stakeholders may argue that the bill could lead to slippery slope scenarios regarding adult sexual products and expression. The rift could center around whether criminalizing possession might interfere with broader interpretations of individual liberties or personal autonomy in unrelated areas. Additionally, the enforcement mechanisms for such laws raise questions about resource allocation and prioritization of law enforcement efforts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 SB983

In general provisions, further providing for classes of offenses; in authorized disposition of offenders, providing for sentence for trafficking in minors to sexual servitude; in human trafficking, further providing for trafficking in individuals; and, in sentencing authority, providing for sentencing procedure for trafficking in minors to sexual servitude.

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 HB2418

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

PA SB1111

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

PA HB375

In sexual offenses, providing for the offense of unsolicited dissemination of intimate image.

PA HB1753

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

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.