//While we strive to be as accurate and complete as possible, our researchers are not attorneys, and state laws are often full of nuances and gaps. Legal challenges in some states have resulted in different registration requirements based on the year of conviction or first registration. **Users must accept all risks **associated with actions taken based on this information. **Please help us improve **by reporting any errors or omissions via our form at **[[https://narsol.org/wiki-response/|https://narsol.org/wiki-response/]]** // {{ :pa.png?nolink&175x139}} ===== Pennsylvania Laws Regarding Registration ===== === Who must register? === [[https://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/InformationalPages/CrimesCode|https://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/InformationalPages/CrimesCode]]\\ Title 18, Chapter 31\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=18&div=0&chpt=31|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=18&div=0&chpt=31]]\\ § 55.2\\ [[https://www.pacode.com/secure/data/037/chapter55/s55.2.html|https://www.pacode.com/secure/data/037/chapter55/s55.2.html]] === What information must registrants provide? === § 56.3.(3)\\ [[http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/037/chapter56/s56.3.html|http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/037/chapter56/s56.3.html]] === How frequently must they register? And for how long? === **Due to ex post facto court decision, two groupings:** \\ Those whose offenses occurred **prior to 12/20/12** are either 10 years (offender) or lifetime (sexually violent predator). Quarterly for sexually violent predators, annually for offenders.\\ 42 PA C.S.A 9796 (a) and (b)\\ 42 PA C.S.A 9799.55(a) details 10-year registration\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.097.099.055..HTM|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.097.099.055..HTM]] Those whose offenses occurred on or** after 12/20/12** are either Tier I (15 years reporting annually), Tier II (25 years reporting semi-annually), or Tier III (lifetime reporting quarterly)\\ Regardless of registration period, those who are transient report monthly § 9799.25.a\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.097.099.025..HTM|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.097.099.025..HTM]]\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.097.099.015..HTM|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.097.099.015..HTM ]]\\ This summarizes the breakdowns of levels for tiers I, II, and III:\\ [[https://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/InformationalPages/Registration|https://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/InformationalPages/Registration]] Due to recent lawsuits such as Commonwealth v Muniz (see [[http://www.pacourts.us/assets/opinions/Supreme/out/J-121B-2016oajc%20-%2010317692521317667.pdf|http://www.pacourts.us/assets/opinions/Supreme/out/J-121B-2016oajc%20-%2010317692521317667.pdf]]) registrants’ offenses committed before December 20, 2012 may see their registration requirement change. The Pennsylvania State Police is in the process of reviewing the registration files. Citizens on the registry may see their registration requirement reduced to a ten-year term, remain as a lifetime registrant, or terminated. The Pennsylvania State Police is mailing correspondence to the affected registrants to explain the new requirements. === Does the state categorize registrants by levels/tiers? === Yes. The tiers are: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3.\\ § 9799.14\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/pn/public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2017&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billnbr=1952&pn=3543|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/pn/public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2017&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billnbr=1952&pn=3543]] === Does the state use risk assessment when assigning tiers or levels to registrants? === Pennsylvania uses a risk assessment to determine if the convicted person is a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP).\\ § 9799.24\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/pn/public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2017&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billnbr=1952&pn=3543|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/pn/public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2017&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billnbr=1952&pn=3543]]\\ Sexual Offenders Assessment Board\\ [[https://www.soab.pa.gov/ForTreatmentProviders/SOAB%20Assessment%20Standards/Pages/default.aspx|https://www.soab.pa.gov/ForTreatmentProviders/SOAB%20Assessment%20Standards/Pages/default.aspx]] === Do any registrants remain privately registered? If so, who? === Apparently no private registration but juveniles not required to register at all unless designated a Sexually Violent Delinquent Child §6402\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=42&div=0&chpt=64&sctn=2&subsctn=0|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=42&div=0&chpt=64&sctn=2&subsctn=0 ]]\\ [[http://www.soab.pa.gov/FortheCommunity/FAQs/Pages/default.aspx|http://www.soab.pa.gov/FortheCommunity/FAQs/Pages/default.aspx ]]\\ The specific statute defining a sexually violent delinquent child is: 42 PA C.S.A. §6402, §6403(a)(3).\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=42&div=0&chpt=64&sctn=2&subsctn=0|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=42&div=0&chpt=64&sctn=2&subsctn=0 ]] === Is there a registration fee? === No === Are there special restrictions for registrants even after supervision? === Anyone who is on Tier II or Tier III, even after supervision, are never allowed to be with a minor child unless the child’s parent or guardian is present. There are no legal consequences for the person on the registry, but there can be (and have been) severe consequences for the parent/guardian of the child left alone with someone who is registered as Tier II or Tier III, as well as the child(ren).\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/23/00.063..HTM|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/23/00.063..HTM]]\\ Public notification 42 PA. C.S.A. § 9798\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/PDF/1995/1/0024..PDF|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/PDF/1995/1/0024..PDF]]\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/uconsCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&yr=2018&sessInd=0&smthLwInd=0&act=0010|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/uconsCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&yr=2018&sessInd=0&smthLwInd=0&act=0010 ]] === Is there a process for removal from the registry? If so, who qualifies and what is the process? === Removal for juveniles\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=42&div=0&chpt=97&sctn=99&subsctn=17|§ 9799.17. Termination of period of registration for juvenile offenders]]\\ Removal for Subchapter H\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=42&div=0&chpt=97&sctn=99&subsctn=15|§ 9799.15. Period of registration]]\\ Removal for Subchapter I\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=42&div=0&chpt=97&sctn=99&subsctn=59|§ 9799.59. Exemption from certain notifications]] === What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who is visiting the state? === Cannot find statute. This site says within 48 hours.\\ [[http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Curriculum/203_Ovrvw%20of%20CSA/Appendices/App1a_MegansLawFAQs.pdf|http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Curriculum/203_Ovrvw%20of%20CSA/Appendices/App1a_MegansLawFAQs.pdf ]]\\ This site says within three business days.\\ [[https://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/InformationalPages/FAQ#OUT|https://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/InformationalPages/FAQ#OUT]]\\ 42 PA C.S.A. Chapter 97 Subchapter “H” lists the definition of “temporary lodging” as seven or more days:\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.097..HTM|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.097..HTM]] === What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who will be moving to the state to live or to attend school? === 42 Pa.C.S § 9799.32(1) says within 48 hours\\ [[http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Curriculum/203_Ovrvw%20of%20CSA/Appendices/App1a_MegansLawFAQs.pdf|http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Curriculum/203_Ovrvw%20of%20CSA/Appendices/App1a_MegansLawFAQs.pdf]]\\ This site says within three business days.\\ [[https://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/InformationalPages/FAQ#OUT|https://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/InformationalPages/FAQ#OUT]]\\ 42 PA C.S.A. Chapter 97 Subchapter “H” also has a definition of "student."\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.097..HTM|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.097..HTM]] ===== State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration ===== === What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences? === 18 Pa. C.S. §3121, 18 Pa. C.S. §3121(a)(1)-(5), 18 Pa. C.S. §3125 (a)(1)-(6), 18 Pa. C.S. §3121 ©and (d), 42 Pa. C.S. §9718.2\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.031..HTM|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.031..HTM]] === Does the state have lifetime supervision? === Yes. 42 PA C.S.A 9799.55(b)\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.097.099.055..HTM|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.097.099.055..HTM]]\\ 42 PA C.S.A.§ 9799.15(a)(3), (5), (6), (7)\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.097.099.015..HTM|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.097.099.015..HTM]]\\ But it might be worth noting that those designated as SVP must attend counseling for lifetime.\\ [[http://www.soab.pa.gov/ForTreatmentProviders/SVP%20Treatment%20Provider%20Standards/Pages/default.aspx|http://www.soab.pa.gov/ForTreatmentProviders/SVP%20Treatment%20Provider%20Standards/Pages/default.aspx ]] === Does the state have indeterminate sentencing? === An article/testimony from an attorney re: determinate vs. indeterminate sentencing:\\ [[http://www.pdaa.org/da-stedman-testimony-on-sentencing-reform/|http://www.pdaa.org/da-stedman-testimony-on-sentencing-reform/]]\\ Regarding sexual offenses: PA Title 42 Chapter 97 - § 9718.2. Sentences for sexual offenders.\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=42&div=0&chpt=97|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=42&div=0&chpt=97]]\\ PA’s Parole Board power is also described here: PA Title 61: 6137(a)\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=61&div=0&chpt=61&sctn=37&subsctn=0|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=61&div=0&chpt=61&sctn=37&subsctn=0]] === What are the state civil commitment laws? === C.S. §6402, §6403(a)(3)\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=42&div=0&chpt=64|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=42&div=0&chpt=64]] === What is the age of consent? === Age 16; § 3122.1.(a)\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.031.022.001..HTM|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.031.022.001..HTM]] === Are there “Romeo and Juliet” laws or other laws specific to young people? === Yes; § 3122.1.(a) and (b)\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.031.022.001..HTM|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.031.022.001..HTM]] ===== Info for State Advocates ===== === Are felons allowed to vote? If so, when is this right restored? === Yes; as soon as they are released from active incarceration.\\ [[https://www.cor.pa.gov/community-reentry/Pages/Voting-Rights.aspx|https://www.cor.pa.gov/community-reentry/Pages/Voting-Rights.aspx]]\\ \\ This link to the PA parole board outlines who can vote:\\ [[http://www.pbpp.pa.gov/Understanding%20Parole/VR/Pages/default.aspx|http://www.pbpp.pa.gov/Understanding%20Parole/VR/Pages/default.aspx]]\\ \\ WHO CAN REGISTER AND VOTE? Pennsylvania Department of State\\ [[https://www.votespa.com/Register-to-Vote/Documents/Convicted_felon_brochure.pdf|https://www.votespa.com/Register-to-Vote/Documents/Convicted_felon_brochure.pdf]] === What does the state say about persons who are required to register? === [[https://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/InformationalPages/FAQ|https://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/InformationalPages/FAQ]]\\ [[http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Curriculum/203_Ovrvw%20of%20CSA/Appendices/App1a_MegansLawFAQs.pdf|http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Curriculum/203_Ovrvw%20of%20CSA/Appendices/App1a_MegansLawFAQs.pdf]]\\ [[http://www.soab.pa.gov/FortheCommunity/FAQs/Pages/default.aspx|http://www.soab.pa.gov/FortheCommunity/FAQs/Pages/default.aspx]]\\ [[https://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/InformationalPages/FAQ#OUT|https://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/InformationalPages/FAQ#OUT]] === How does the state’s legislative process work? === There is none available on the legislature website. This article includes an infographic about how bills become law in PA:\\ [[https://cumberlink.com/news/local/closer_look/lost-in-committee-how-a-bill-becomes-a-law/article_0bfe1ccd-9fb5-596a-a12d-ab1f0c17ba6e.html|https://cumberlink.com/news/local/closer_look/lost-in-committee-how-a-bill-becomes-a-law/article_0bfe1ccd-9fb5-596a-a12d-ab1f0c17ba6e.html]]\\ Also [[http://www.pacapitol.com|www.pacapitol.com]] has some good resources:\\ [[http://www.pacapitol.com/Resources/PDF/Making-Law-In-PA.pdf|http://www.pacapitol.com/Resources/PDF/Making-Law-In-PA.pdf]] === How can I locate legislation regarding sexual offense issues? === On the PA legislature home page under ‘find legislation.’ Also on same page click ‘advanced search’ under the search window and enter a search term.\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/]] === Best keywords are: === Sex offense, sexual offense, sexual offender, or any other related term. === How to sign up for notifications of bill movement: === One can sign up for “follow a bill” and get regular updates on the progress of particular legislation.\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/]] === Most important legislative committees for our issues are: === House Appropriations\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=4&CteeBody=H|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=4&CteeBody=H]]\\ House Children and Youth\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=48&CteeBody=H|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=48&CteeBody=H]]\\ House Judiciary\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=24&CteeBody=H|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=24&CteeBody=H]]\\ Senate Appropriations\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/cteeInfo/Index.cfm?Code=3&CteeBody=S|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/cteeInfo/Index.cfm?Code=3&CteeBody=S]]\\ Senate Judiciary\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/cteeInfo/index.cfm?CteeBody=S&Code=39|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/cteeInfo/index.cfm?CteeBody=S&Code=39]] === Contact info for state legislators can be found at: === Senate\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information//mbrList.cfm?Body=S|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information//mbrList.cfm?Body=S]]\\ House\\ [[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/mbrList.cfm?body=H&sort=alpha|https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/mbrList.cfm?body=H&sort=alpha]] ===== Other Useful State Information ===== === Contact information for state registry office === 1800 Elmerton Avenue\\ Harrisburg, PA 17110\\ P: 1.866.771.3170\\ [[https://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/Home/Contact|https://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/Home/Contact]] === NARSOL state affiliate website or blog: === [[https://parsol.org/|https://parsol.org/]] === Other helpful state advocacy groups: === Defenders Association of Philadelphia:\\ [[http://www.philadefender.org|http://www.philadefender.org]]\\ Keystone Center:\\ [[https://keystonecenterecu.net|https://keystonecenterecu.net]] === Other registrant-friendly state support groups: === PA Prison Society\\ [[http://www.prisonsociety.org/|http://www.prisonsociety.org/]]\\ Glass House, Inc.:\\ [[http://glasshouseinc.org|http://glasshouseinc.org]]\\ New Persons Ministries:\\ [[http://www.newpersonministries.org|http://www.newpersonministries.org]]\\ PARSOL Community Resources:\\ [[https://parsol.org/resources/community-resources/|https://parsol.org/resources/community-resources/]] === Other helpful information === [[http://www.sexoffenderresource.com/pennsylvania/|http://www.sexoffenderresource.com/pennsylvania/ ]]