A bill seeking to add reporting requirements for counseling centers that treat sexually violent predators has passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
House Bill 73, which was reintroduced this session by Republican State Representative Frank Farry of Langhorne, looks to force centers that provide counseling services to sexually violent predators to notify the district attorney of the county and the chief of police in the municipality where the offenders will be receiving treatment.
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Farry told LevittownNow.com the bill came about after a 2013 controversy in Hulmeville Borough, in which a counseling center was found to be operating an office that treated sexually violent predators in an unmarked building across the street from homes with children. Farry said the borough and its police department had no idea the center was there until residents informed them.
“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.
Under current law, any persons declared a sexually violent predator have to undergo counseling sessions on at least a monthly basis. The persons must also register under the sexual offender registration act.
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Farry said he was not aware of any problems of involving the sexually violent predators interacting with children in Hulmeville, but he felt local police should have a heads up that offenders are present in a certain area.
The bill will now head to the state Senate for consideration.
