Dec. 15, 2022
HARRISBURG – Rep. Rob Mercuri (R-Allegheny) announced today that he plans to introduce bipartisan legislation that will strengthen Megan’s Law by closing a loophole that will prevent sexually violent predators from living close to sensitive areas, such as school districts.
A report by WPXI in Pittsburgh revealed that a registered sex offender, who is classified as sexually violent by the Commonwealth, moved next door to the Central Elementary School in Hampton Township.
After hearing from concerned parents and residents on Tuesday night, Mercuri said now is the time to act.
“As a father of three children, I understand where they’re coming from and share the same worries,” said Mercuri. “Violent predators do not belong near our children. We all want to protect our young people as best we can, which is why I will be working diligently with my colleagues in the General Assembly to draft legislation and act swiftly.”
Under Megan’s Law, the public is required to have access to where a sexually violent predator resides. According to Mercuri, other states require these individuals to live a certain distance from areas that contain a heavy presence of minors, such as schools and playgrounds.
“Pennsylvania’s laws surrounding this issue are lenient,” said Mercuri. “Here, there are no restrictions where registered sex offenders can live once they complete their sentence and are released from probation or parole. My legislation will fall in line with other states in mandating these individuals live in areas that do not put our children at risk.”