Mar. 25, 2025
HARRISBURG – The House Judiciary Committee today unanimously voted in favor of a bipartisan bill that aims to increase the punishment and penalties for individuals found guilty of corrupting minors, announced Rep. Joe D’Orsie (R-Manchester), the co-prime sponsor of the bill.
Specifically,
House Bill 355 would direct the PA Commission on Sentencing to enhance the charges when the convicted person is a peace officer, employee of a school or other position of authority, and they have had sexual contact with a minor in their professional care.
“Protecting minor victims from exploitation and corruption should be a top priority for any legislative body,” D’Orsie said. “Increasing the penalties for those committing these egregious acts sends a very clear message that this kind of predatory behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
By directing the Commission on Sentencing to enhance the penalties in certain scenarios, prison time would likewise increase. A first-degree misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of five years, while a third-degree felony has a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
D’Orsie previously introduced similar legislation during the 2023-24 Legislative Session, but the bill did not advance out of committee. House Bill 355 has now been referred to the full House for consideration.
Residents are encouraged to follow this link to see the bills and resolutions D’Orsie is supporting for the 2025-26 Legislative Session.
The 47th Legislative District includes Conewago, Manchester, East Manchester and Hellam townships; the boroughs of Hallam, Manchester, Mount Wolf and Wrightsville; and a piece of Springettsbury Township in York County.
Editors’ Note:
A video clip of Rep. Joe D’Orsie discussing House Bill 355 in the House Judiciary Committee is available for viewing and distribution. To download the clip, follow this link and click the three dots in the lower right corner of the screen and select download here.
Representative Joe D’Orsie
47th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Melissa Fox
717.260.6522
mefox@pahousegop.com
RepJoeD.com