Pennsylvania HB1837: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in offenses against the family, providing for the offense of child torture.

What the bill says

Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in offenses against the family, providing for the offense of child torture.

From the introduced text, September 9, 2025:

Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in offenses against the family, providing for the offense of child torture. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows: Section 1. Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a section to read: § 4307. Child torture. (a) Offense defined.--A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly tortures a child who is within the custody or physical control of the person. (b) Grading.-- (1) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the victim does not suffer bodily injury. (2) An offense under this section is a felony of the first degree if the victim suffers bodily injury. (c) Counseling.--A court shall consider ordering a person convicted of an offense under this section to undergo counseling. (d) Personal injury crime.--An offense under this section shall constitute a personal injury crime under the act of November 24, 1998 (P.L.882, No.111), known as the Crime Victims Act. (e) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Child." An individual who is under 18 years of age. "Emotional distress." As defined in section 2709.1(f) (relating to stalking). …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Ryan Warner (R, 52) · primary sponsor
• Donald Cook (R, 50)
• Sheryl Delozier (R, 88)
• Robert KAUFFMAN (R, 089)
• Charity Grimm Krupa (R, HD-051)
• Stephenie Scialabba (R, 12)
• Michael Armanini (R, 75)
• Brown, Marla (R, 9)
• Martin Causer (R, 67)

Latest actions

1. September 9, 2025: Referred to JUDICIARY, Sept. 9, 2025

Common questions

What is HB1837?

HB1837 is a bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in offenses against the family, providing for the offense of child torture.

What does HB1837 do?

In its own words: Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in offenses against the family, providing for the offense of child torture.

What is the status of HB1837?

In committee as of September 9, 2025. Latest action: Referred to JUDICIARY, Sept. 9, 2025 (September 9, 2025).

Who sponsored HB1837?

Ryan Warner (R, 52), with 8 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB1837?

On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1837