PRINTER'S NO. 3304
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
2705
Session of
2022
INTRODUCED BY HOWARD, HOHENSTEIN, T. DAVIS, DELLOSO, MADDEN,
McNEILL, YOUNG, PARKER, HERRIN, ROZZI, SANCHEZ, DALEY AND
KINKEAD, JUNE 24, 2022
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, JUNE 24, 2022
AN ACT
Amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in protection from abuse, further
providing for definitions.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The definition of "abuse" in section 6102(a) of
Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended to
read:
§ 6102. Definitions.
(a) General rule.--The following words and phrases when used
in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this
section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Abuse." The occurrence of one or more of the following acts
between [family or household members, sexual or intimate
partners or persons who share biological parenthood] persons:
(1) Attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly or
recklessly causing bodily injury, serious bodily injury,
rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault,
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statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault,
indecent assault or incest with or without a deadly weapon.
(2) Placing another in reasonable fear of imminent
serious bodily injury.
(3) The infliction of false imprisonment pursuant to 18
Pa.C.S. § 2903 (relating to false imprisonment).
(4) Physically or sexually abusing minor children,
including such terms as defined in Chapter 63 (relating to
child protective services).
(5) Knowingly engaging in a course of conduct or
repeatedly committing acts toward another person, including
following the person, without proper authority, under
circumstances which place the person in reasonable fear of
bodily injury. The definition of this paragraph applies only
to proceedings commenced under this title and is inapplicable
to any criminal prosecutions commenced under Title 18
(relating to crimes and offenses).
(6) Wrongfully taking or attempting to take by
withholding, appropriating, concealing or using the money,
assets or property, through deception, intimidation or undue
influence.
(7) Harassment under 18 Pa.C.S. § 2709 (relating to
harassment).
* * *
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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