Pennsylvania makes assaulting individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism a second-degree felony

Original title: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in assault, further providing for the offense of aggravated assault.

Last action · January 14, 2025: Referred to JUDICIARY, Jan. 14, 2025Sponsors: Jim Struzzi and 7 others

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Floor Vote

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What This Bill Would Do

Pennsylvania House Bill 116 makes it a second-degree felony to attempt to cause or intentionally cause bodily injury to someone known to have an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder. The new offense carries second-degree felony grading regardless of the victim's age. The legislation takes effect in 60 days.

Why it matters

Establishes a specific criminal penalty for violent acts directed at individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities, raising legal protections across all age groups.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Individuals with an intellectual disability

Receive explicit statutory protection under the aggravated assault statute through a dedicated criminal offense category.

Directly affected

Individuals with an autism spectrum disorder

Receive explicit statutory protection under the aggravated assault statute through a dedicated criminal offense category.

Directly affected

Prosecutors and courts

Must apply second-degree felony grading to aggravated assault offenses committed against individuals with specified developmental or intellectual disabilities.

Key Facts

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Frequently Asked Questions

What criminal charge applies to assaulting someone with autism or an intellectual disability under this bill?

It is classified as a if the perpetrator knew or should have known the individual had an intellectual disability or an autism spectrum disorder.

When does this legislation take effect?

The act takes effect in 60 days.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

1 action

Jan 14, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to JUDICIARY, Jan. 14, 2025

Version history

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