Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB956

Introduced
7/31/25  

Caption

In offenses against the family, providing for the offense of child torture.

Impact

The enactment of SB956 would significantly strengthen legal protections for children in Pennsylvania. By classifying child torture as a severe crime, the bill seeks to deter potential abusers and provides law enforcement and the judiciary with clearer guidelines for prosecuting such cases. The inclusion of psychological abuse and extended confinement in the definition allows for a more comprehensive assessment of child welfare, addressing concerns that previous laws may not fully encapsulate the scope of child abuse. Consequently, the legislation could lead to increased reporting and intervention in cases of abuse that might have previously been overlooked.

Summary

Senate Bill 956 introduces a new offense of 'child torture' into the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically under Title 18, which deals with crimes and offenses against the family. The bill defines child torture through a series of intentional acts against a child, including causing bodily injury, mental anguish, and unreasonable confinement. This broad definition aims to cover various forms of abuse, ensuring that even non-physical forms of harm can be prosecutable under this new law. The severity of this offense is designated as a first-degree felony, reflecting the serious nature of the actions described in the bill.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB956 appears to be supportive among child advocacy groups and legislators aiming to improve child welfare laws. However, there may be concerns regarding the bill's implications on parental rights and the potential for subjective interpretations of psychological abuse. Advocates emphasize the need for robust protections for children, while some opponents may fear overreach in the legal system that could lead to unwarranted interference in familial relationships. Overall, the bill seems to garner attention for its intent but raises questions about balance in terms of parental authority versus child protection.

Contention

Notable points of contention include discussions on how to effectively measure non-physical forms of abuse such as mental anguish and psychological harm. Critics may argue that without clear standards, the bill could lead to inconsistent applications of the law. Additionally, the provision that financial inability to provide care could be a defense under certain conditions may spark debates about the responsibilities of parents and caregivers. These discussions indicate a potential divide on the prioritization of child safety versus parental rights and the means by which these offenses should be assessed in a legal context.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2181

In offenses against the family, providing for the offense of child torture.

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 SB1021

In burglary and other criminal intrusion, further providing for the offense of criminal trespass; and, in offenses against the family, further providing for the offense of endangering welfare of children.

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 SB600

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for sentence for murder, murder of unborn child and murder of law enforcement officer; in arson, criminal mischief and other property destruction, further providing for the offense of arson and related offenses; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree.

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 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.

PA SB527

In theft and related offenses, further providing for the offense of theft of mail.

PA SB289

In offenses against the flag, providing for the offense of desecration of public monument; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1843

In depositions and witnesses, providing for sentencing considerations for child victim offenders.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.