The House Judiciary Committee today voted to approve legislation, authored by Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks), which seeks to expand reporting requirements regarding individuals who have been categorized as sexually violent predators, according to a press release.
House Bill 1874 requires businesses that provide counseling services to sexually violent predators to notify the district attorney of the county and the chief of police of the municipality where the provider is located that such services are being provided to the offender, the release says.
Advertisements
“It was brought to my attention that residents and law enforcement officers located near counseling facilities that provide services to individuals deemed as sexually violent may not be aware that the individual is entering their community on a regular basis,” said Farry.
Farry added that it seemed prudent to notify authorities since it could potentially reduce risk for the counseling center, the individual receiving the services and authorities of any issues that might come up in a given community.
We’re just looking for open lines of communication between the center providing services and authorities, Farry said.
Advertisements
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.
Advertisements
“Ultimately, this is about assuring residents that local law enforcement officers are aware when potentially dangerous individuals are frequenting our communities,” said Farry.
House Bill 1874 now moves to the full House for consideration.
Advertisements
