PENNSYLVANIA (WHP) — A bill that would establish and help finance the Child Victim Recovery Fund was signed into law on Thursday after passing both the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives.
House Bill 2443 passed through both chambers of Congress unanimously Wednesday before heading to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk. The bill called for a $1,000 fee to be imposed against child sex offenders for felony offenses, $400 for misdemeanors, and $250 for diversionary instances.
Additionally, people on probation or parole would also pay a $15 monthly supervision surcharge, according to the bill.
Lawmakers said the legislation would direct the costs of recovery services toward offenders rather than taxpayers.
Money collected would be distributed to accredited Child Advocacy Centers across Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Advocacy centers provide forensic interviews, medical examinations, trauma-informed therapy, victim advocacy, and would provide coordination with authorities, prosecutors, and other support systems for victims.
Sponsors of the bill said the centers often face chronic funding shortages that can limit their ability to meet accreditation standards while expanding mental health services and addressing growing caseloads.