Toohil Amendment Closes Dangerous Loophole in Megan’s Law

HARRISBURG – An amendment to a Senate bill, which state Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) helped to author, has been voted out of the House Judiciary Committee and will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Toohil’s proposed change closes a loophole in Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law by requiring convicted sex offenders without a residence to register every 30 days with the Pennsylvania State Police as transients. The amendment would also establish specific criminal sentences for sex offenders who fail to comply with registration requirements.

“There have been numerous cases statewide, including several in Luzerne County, of homeless, transient or out-of-state sex offenders who have slipped through the cracks because of this legal loophole,” said Toohil. “My amendment makes certain authorities and neighbors now know their whereabouts.”

The legislation received bipartisan support in the House last session, but stalled in the Senate. House Judiciary Committee Chairman, Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin), attached it to Senate Bill 818 to improve its chances of passage. Senate Bill 818 relates to the “Kids for Cash” case in Luzerne County. It requires courts to make certain information available before handing down a sentence in a juvenile proceeding.

“I applaud the chairman’s efforts to make this change a legislative priority,” said Toohil. “It is my hope that the House and Senate approve this amendment as quickly as possible to improve the law that protects our children from dangerous sexual predators.”

Toohil’s amendment is supported by the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association.

State Representative Tarah Toohil
116th District, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
RepToohil.com
Facebook.com/RepToohil
Contact:
Rep. Toohil’s Office
717.260.6136