Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB494

Introduced
3/21/25  

Caption

In sexual offenses, further providing for the offense of statutory sexual assault.

Impact

If enacted, SB494 will significantly impact statutory sexual assault laws in Pennsylvania by increasing the legal age of consent from 16 to 18. This adjustment is designed to offer greater protection to minors and ensure that offenders face more severe penalties based on the age disparity. The amendments intend to clarify the legal framework surrounding cases of statutory sexual assault, thereby aiding law enforcement and the judicial system in prosecuting such offenses more effectively. Additionally, this statute aims to align with current societal views on protecting young individuals from sexual exploitation.

Summary

Senate Bill 494 seeks to amend Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding statutory sexual assault. The proposed legislation adjusts the age threshold from 16 to 18 years for the complainant, classifying offenses based on the age difference between the offender and the complainant. Specifically, a person would face a felony of the first degree if they engage in sexual intercourse with someone under 18 years old when the offender is 11 or more years older than the complainant. A felony of the second degree applies when the offender is between four and eight years older than the complainant. This change aims to strengthen legal protections against sexual exploitation of minors.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB494 appears supportive among child advocacy groups and lawmakers focused on child protection. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to close loopholes that may allow for the exploitation of younger individuals. Conversely, some voices in opposition raise concerns over how the adjustments may affect consensual relationships, especially involving individuals close in age. However, the overarching sentiment in legislative discussions leans towards emphasizing the importance of safeguarding minors from predatory behaviors.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the implications of raising the age of consent, as well as the differentiation between the types of felonies based on age gaps. Critics contend that while the intention is to protect minors, defining the parameters of 'consent' in a legal context can lead to complexities, particularly in cases where the individuals involved have a minimal age difference. The discussions illuminate a broader debate on balancing protection for children and the rights of young adults in relationships. As the bill continues through the legislative process, these concerns will likely be examined more deeply.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 SB1111

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

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 HB416

In assault, further providing for the offense of stalking.

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 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 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 HB2587

In assault, further providing for the offense of stalking.

PA HB1753

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

PA HB2586

In assault, further providing for the offense of stalking.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.