Jun. 30, 2015
HARRISBURG – Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks), author of legislation to close a loophole in the reporting requirements surrounding individuals who have been deemed sexually violent predators, said today that the measure is headed to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
“Protecting our communities is one of the foremost responsibilities of our law enforcement officers, and although the enactment of Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law has greatly assisted law enforcement and our communities in identifying the location of sexually violent predators for years, weaknesses still exist in the current law,” Farry said.
Specifically,
House Bill 73 requires businesses that provide counseling services to sexually violent predators to notify the district attorney of the county, and the law enforcement office of the municipality where the provider is located that such services are being provided.
“It was brought to my attention that law enforcement officers who work near counseling facilities that provide services to individuals deemed as sexually violent may not be aware that these individuals are entering their community on a regular basis,” said Farry.
The state Sexual Offender Assessment Board assesses every sex offender who must register under the sexual offender registration act, known as the Adam Walsh Act, to determine whether an offender is considered sexually violent. These offenders take the designation of sexually violent offender due to the predatory behavior exhibited when committing a sexual offense. Current law states sexually violent predators must undergo counseling sessions on at least a monthly basis.
Under Farry’s bill, if no municipal police jurisdiction exists, a notice must be provided to the local Pennsylvania State Police barracks. Notifications must be provided by Jan. 15 of each year.
“I am happy to report that legislation did make its way through the General Assembly with overwhelming support,” said Farry. “I look forward to the governor’s support on this important update to Megan’s Law as well.”
Representative Frank Farry
142nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
717.260.6222
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
RepFarry.com