Pa. Megan’s Law provisions intact despite state Supreme Court decision
On Monday, Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court struck down a version of Megan’s Law, which governs the state registry of sex offenders. Going forward, however, all provisions of the law remain in place.
Anticipating the court decision, state legislators reincorporated the changes in 2011 and 2012.
The only remaining question is how it may affect a limited number of people who were supposed to register with the state police between 2004 and 2011, according to David Freed, president of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association.
“If people don’t properly register or comply with Megan’s Law, that’s a new criminal offense, so there’s potential here that this decision will impact people prosecuted for failing to register,” Freed said.
It’s too soon to know how many cases there might be, he said.
The court struck down the law for violating Pennsylvania’s single-subject rule for legislation. The changes to Megan’s Law had been included with unrelated topics — including rules on asbestos and the jurisdiction of park police.
The court gave the Legislature 90 days to pass legislation to fix any gaps before its ruling takes effect.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
