SB 1415

Overview

This bill amends Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to modify penalties related to the neglect and abuse of care-dependent persons, as well as to establish a new offense for institutional sexual assault. Specifically, the legislation updates the statutory definitions and sentencing guidelines for neglect of a care-dependent person, abuse of a care-dependent person, and sexual offenses committed by caretakers within facilities.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 2713 to classify neglect of a care-dependent person as a felony of the third degree if bodily injury occurs, or as a misdemeanor of the first degree generally, escalating to a felony of the second degree if there is a course of conduct endangering the person's welfare.
• Amends Section 2713.1 to classify abuse of a care-dependent person as a felony of the third degree.
• Amends Section 3124.2 to define institutional sexual assault by a caretaker as a felony of the second degree when sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, or indecent contact occurs with a care-dependent person receiving care in a facility.
• Establishes an effective date for the act to be 60 days from enactment.