pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Laws Regarding Registration
State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration
Info for State Advocates
Other Useful State Information

While we strive to be as accurate and complete as possible, our researchers are not attorneys, and state laws are often full of nuances and gaps. Legal challenges in some states have resulted in different registration requirements based on the year of conviction or first registration. Users must accept all risks associated with actions taken based on this information. Please help us improve by reporting any errors or omissions via our form at https://narsol.org/wiki-response/

Pennsylvania's registration laws are codified in Title 42, Chapter 97, Subchapters H (§§ 9799.10 - 9799.42) and I (§§ 9799.51 - 9799.75). Subchapter H is for those whose offense occured on or after 12/20/12. Subchapter I is for those whose offense occured before 12/2012.

Pennsylvania Laws Regarding Registration

Who must register?
Title 42 § 9799.13.
Title 42 § 9799.54.

What information must be provided?

Title 42 § 9799.16(b)
Title 42 § 9799.56(a)

How frequently must information be verified? And for how long?

Title 42 § 9799.25(a) & 9799.15(a)
Title 42 § 9799.55(a), (b) & 9799.60(a), (b), (b.2)

Telephonic verification available for eligible Tiers II and III only Title 42 § 9799.25(a.1). More information.

Online Update Form
Only individuals whose offense was committed before 12/20/12 may notify the Pennsylvania State Police of a change to their information via online form.

Does the state categorize by levels/tiers?

By tiers and categories
Title 42 § 9799.14
Title 42 § 9799.55

Does the state use risk assessment when assigning tiers or levels?

Pennsylvania uses a risk assessment to determine if the convicted person is a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP).
Title 42 § 9799.24
Title 42 § 9799.58
PA Sexual Offenders Assessment Board

Does anyone remain privately registered? If so, who?

Is there a registration fee?

Are there special restrictions even after supervision ends?

Anyone who is on Tier II or Tier III, even after supervision, are not allowed to be with a minor child unless the child’s parent or guardian is present. There are no legal consequences for the person on the registry, but may be considered “child abuse” on the part of the parent/guardian of the child left alone with someone who is registered as Tier II or Tier III.
Title 23 § 6303(b.1)(8)(vii)(A)

SVPs and SVDCs must attend monthly counseling for life Title 42 § 9799.36 & 9799.70.

Is there a process for removal from the registry?

Title 42 § 9799.17. Termination of period of registration for juvenile offenders
Title 42 § 9799.15(a.2)
Title 42 § 9799.59

What is the registration requirement for someone who is visiting the state?

Must register when residency is establsihed or becomes transient (homeless)Title 42 § 9799.12 & 9799.53

What is the registration requirement for someone who will be moving to the state to live or to attend school?

Title 42 § 9799.13(1.2)
PA State Police Megan's Law Out-of-State FAQ

State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration

What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences?

Primarily in Title 18, Chapter 31 but also scattered throughout Title 18. See Title 42 § 9799.13. & Title 42 § 9799.54. for a more precise list.

Does the state have lifetime supervision?

Does the state have indeterminate sentencing?

Yes
Regarding sexual offenses: Title 42 § 9718.2. “Sentences for sexual offenders.”

What are the general rules and regulations about probation, parole, and conditional release? Note: county supervision conditions may differ from county to county and from the state level.

37 Pa. Code § 63.4- General conditions of parole
37 Pa. Code § 63.5- Special conditions of parole
37 Pa. Code § 65.4- General conditions of special probation or parole