Bernstine Introduces Legislation to Establish Registry for Individuals Convicted of Child Abuse

March 11, 2025

HARRISBURG – Legislation aimed at improving community safety by establishing a public registry for individuals convicted of child abuse has been introduced by Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence). This new registry would ensure information about child abusers is easily accessible to the public, empowering communities across the Commonwealth to take necessary precautions.

“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment, free from harm,” said Bernstine. “By creating this registry, we are taking an important step toward protecting our children and giving communities the tools they need to prevent abuse. The public has a right to know who is in their neighborhoods, allowing them to take steps to keep their families safe.”

House Bill 849 would require individuals convicted of certain child abuse offenses, such as aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of a minor and kidnapping, to register with the Pennsylvania State Police. They would need to provide up-to-date information, including job status, residency, vehicle details, phone numbers (including cell phone numbers) and any aliases used. The registry would function similar to Pennsylvania’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act (Megan’s Law), ensuring communities are informed and able to protect their children more effectively.

“Child abuse, in all its forms, poses a serious threat to the well-being of children,” said Bernstine. “The harm can range from physical injury to mental trauma or sexual exploitation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four girls and one in 13 boys are expected to experience child abuse in their lifetime. Nearly 2,000 children died in the United States in 2022 from abuse and neglect, with more than 10,000 child abuse convictions in Pennsylvania alone between 2019 and 2023.”

House Bill 849 will be referred to a House committee for consideration.

Representative Aaron Bernstine
8th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
Rleiner@pahousegop.com
RepBernstine.com