Table of Contents
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/
Pennsylvania Laws Regarding Registration
Who must register?
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
§ 55.2
https://www.pacode.com/secure/data/037/chapter55/s55.2.html
What information must registrants provide?
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
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/42/00.097.099.015..HTM
This summarizes the breakdowns of levels for tiers I, II, and III:
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) 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
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
Sexual Offenders Assessment Board
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
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
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
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/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
§ 9799.17. Termination of period of registration for juvenile offenders
Removal for Subchapter H
§ 9799.15. Period of registration
Removal for Subchapter I
§ 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
This site says within three business days.
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
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
This site says within three business days.
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
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
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
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
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
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/
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
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
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
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
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
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
This link to the PA parole board outlines who can vote:
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
What does the state say about persons who are required to register?
https://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/InformationalPages/FAQ
http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Curriculum/203_Ovrvw%20of%20CSA/Appendices/App1a_MegansLawFAQs.pdf
http://www.soab.pa.gov/FortheCommunity/FAQs/Pages/default.aspx
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
Also www.pacapitol.com has some good resources:
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/
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/
Most important legislative committees for our issues are:
House Appropriations
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
House Judiciary
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
Senate Judiciary
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
House
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
NARSOL state affiliate website or blog:
Other helpful state advocacy groups:
Defenders Association of Philadelphia:
http://www.philadefender.org
Keystone Center:
https://keystonecenterecu.net
Other registrant-friendly state support groups:
PA Prison Society
http://www.prisonsociety.org/
Glass House, Inc.:
http://glasshouseinc.org
New Persons Ministries:
http://www.newpersonministries.org
PARSOL Community Resources:
https://parsol.org/resources/community-resources/