Pennsylvania House Republicans announced on X that Representative Ryan Warner introduced House Bill 1837, which aims to establish the offense of child torture under state law.
According to CBS News Pittsburgh, HB1837 proposes two new child torture felonies to be added to existing child abuse charges in Pennsylvania. The bill allows for prosecution when a child under 18 is knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly tortured while under the custody or control of the perpetrator. In cases where the child does not suffer physical injury, the offense would be classified as a third-degree felony, carrying up to seven years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000. If there is physical injury, it becomes a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $25,000.
As reported by WTAE Pittsburgh’s Action News Four, the bill was reintroduced following the death of 9-year-old Renesmay Eutsey in Fayette County. Her death has highlighted what supporters say are gaps in Pennsylvania’s statutes that do not always cover severe abuse causing only emotional or psychological trauma or that falls short of “serious injury.” Warner and child protection advocates argue that HB1837 addresses these gaps by providing legal recourse even when harm is non-physical but deeply traumatic.
The bill was introduced on September 9, 2025, by Warner and referred to the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee for consideration, according to LegiScan. It is co-sponsored by several Republican members including Bud Cook, Sheryl Delozier, Robert Kauffman, Charity Grimm Krupa, Stephenie Scialabba, Mike Armanini, and Marla Gallo Brown. This indicates a degree of GOP consensus around enhancing child protection laws in the Commonwealth.
The Pennsylvania House Republicans are known for prioritizing law enforcement, public safety, and protection of vulnerable individuals. Their support for HB1837 aligns with their stance that current child abuse laws do not always adequately deter or punish the most egregious acts. They emphasize the need for a new statute specifically targeting “child torture.”
