Pennsylvania HB2844: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in minors, providing for the offense of grooming of a minor.

What the bill says

Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in minors, providing for the offense of grooming of a minor.

From the introduced text, October 7, 2026:

Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in minors, providing for the offense of grooming of a minor. 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: § 6323. Grooming of a minor. (a) Offense defined.-- (1) An individual 18 years of age or older commits an offense if the individual intentionally engages in a course of conduct directed at a minor who is under 14 years of age with the intent to entice, coerce, solicit or induce the minor to engage in prohibited sexual conduct with the individual or another person. (2) An individual commits an offense if the individual is a person responsible for the child's welfare and intentionally engages in a course of conduct directed at a minor who is under 18 years of age with the intent to: (i) entice, coerce, solicit or induce the minor to engage in prohibited sexual conduct with the individual or another person; or (ii) develop an intimate or secretive relationship with the minor. (b) Grading.-- (1) Except as provided under paragraph (2), an offense under subsection (a)(1) constitutes a misdemeanor of the first degree. (2) An offense under subsection (a)(2), or an offense under subsection (a)(1) …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Joseph D'Orsie (R, 47) · primary sponsor
• Craig Staats (R, 145)
• Ryan Bizzarro (D, 3)
• Jamie Flick (R, 83)
• Marc Anderson (R, 92)
• Aaron Bernstine (R, 8)
• Robert Leadbeter (R, 109)
• Catherine I Wallen (R, 193)
• Joseph Hamm (R, 84)
• Jacob Banta (R, 4)
• Scott Barger (R, 80)
• Clinton Owlett (R, 68)

Latest actions

1. October 7, 2026: Referred to JUDICIARY, Oct. 7, 2026

Common questions

What is HB2844?

HB2844 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 minors, providing for the offense of grooming of a minor.

What does HB2844 do?

In its own words: Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in minors, providing for the offense of grooming of a minor.

What is the status of HB2844?

In committee as of October 7, 2026. Latest action: Referred to JUDICIARY, Oct. 7, 2026 (October 7, 2026).

Who sponsored HB2844?

Joseph D'Orsie (R, 47), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB2844?

On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2844