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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?

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
Link needed.
Those whose offenses occurred on or after 12/20/12 are either Tier I (10-15 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
http://www.palegislature.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.097.099.025..HTM
This summarizes the breakdowns of levels for tiers I, II, and III:
https://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/InformationalPages/Registration

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
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).
link needed.

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).
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/23/00.063..HTM
Public notification 42 PA. C.S.A. § 9798
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/PDF/1995/1/0024..PDF
http://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?

No standardized process. This is in flux due to recent litigation.

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:
http://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.”
http://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
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.031..HTM

Does the state have lifetime supervision?

No. But it might be worth noting that those designated as SVP must attend counseling for lifetime. See Subchapters H & I.
Link needed.

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.
http://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)
http://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?

Are there “Romeo and Juliet” laws or other laws specific to young people?

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.
http://pastatenaacp.org/voting/voting-with-a-criminal-conviction-in-pa-2016/
This link to the PA parole board outlines who can vote:
http://www.pbpp.pa.gov/Understanding%20Parole/VR/Pages/default.aspx

What does the state say about persons who are required to register?

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/keystone-classroom/legislature.cfm

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.
http://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.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/

Most important legislative committees for our issues are:

Contact info for state legislators can be found at:

Other Useful State Information

Contact information for state registry office

NARSOL state affiliate website or blog:

Coming soon!

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

Other helpful information

pennsylvania.1534035770.txt.gz · Last modified: 2018/08/11 21:02 by brenda