Westmoreland Review

Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward has voted to expand Megan's Law in Pennsylvania, aiming to ensure that human traffickers are held accountable without escaping the full consequences of the law. Ward emphasized the importance of taking additional steps to keep communities safe and advocate for trafficking victims by promptly registering offenders when incidents are reported.

Ward, a Republican from the 39th district, expressed concern over the impact of open border policies on human trafficking, stating, "With Biden’s open border policy, the United States has become a breeding ground for human trafficking." She highlighted the need for increased measures to protect Pennsylvania's communities and children from this criminal activity.

The legislation in question, Senate Bill 1111, introduced by Senators Lisa Baker and Gene Yaw, builds upon Ward's previous legislation from 2022 and makes statutory modifications to ensure the uniform application of Megan's Law to individuals convicted of sexual offenses under Act 144. Ward stressed the urgency of addressing the growing issue of human trafficking, a global industry that generates billions in illegal profits.

The bill clarifies that individuals convicted of attempts, conspiracies, or solicitations to commit Act 144 offenses must also register under Megan's Law, alongside those convicted of the actual trafficking offense. Additionally, it mandates that individuals convicted of Act 144 offenses undergo the sexually violent predator assessment with the Sexual Offender Assessment Board, a requirement for all Megan's Law offenders in Pennsylvania.

Highlighting the concerning statistics related to human trafficking, Ward cited the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women's estimation that a significant percentage of unaccompanied alien children are exploited by cartels for illicit activities. She attributed the rise in trafficking incidents to the Biden administration's border policies, which have led to a surge in unaccompanied minors entering the country.

The Senate overwhelmingly supported the bill with a 49-0 vote, paving the way for its consideration in the House of Representatives. For further information, interested parties can contact Erica Clayton Wright at (412) 334-4856.