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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 14, 2022 10:14 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Arvind Venkat and Rep. Tina M. Davis |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Protecting Our Children From Sexually Violent Predators |
| Pennsylvania currently has nothing on the books that keeps Sexually Violent Predators, defined under PA law as a sex offender convicted of a sexually violent offense in Pennsylvania who has a mental abnormality or personality disorder the makes the person likely to engage in predatory sexually violent offenses, from living near the childcare facilities or schools our children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews attend. Although individuals convicted of sexual crimes must register and stay up to date with the Megan’s Law system, Sexually Violent Predators are free under Pennsylvania law to live wherever they choose. The Pennsylvania State Police reported that in 2021 there were nearly 2,500 registered violent sex offenders living in Pennsylvania. To protect our children, we will be introducing legislation that would prohibit registered Sexually Violent Predators from residing within 2,500 feet of a public school, private school, parochial school, pre-school, or childcare facility. We must do all we can to protect our most vulnerable citizens from those with a proven record of predatory, violent behavior. Our legislation simply mandates a buffer zone between an offender and a school or childcare facility. We ask that you please join us in co-sponsoring this critically important legislation. |
Introduced as HB77