Governor Josh Shapiro has signed Act 22 of 2025 into law, closing a loophole in Pennsylvania’s sex offender registry to better protect children involved in youth sports and nonprofit programs.

The legislation, formerly Senate Bill 255, ensures that individuals convicted of sexual assault by a sports official, volunteer, or nonprofit employee will now be classified as Tier II offenders under the state’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

Previously, this specific crime was not listed under SORNA, leaving a gap in offender tracking.

“This is a matter of basic public safety,” said Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), a co-sponsor. “Our laws must reflect the seriousness of the betrayal when someone uses a trusted position to prey on children.”

Fellow sponsor Sen. Scott Martin (R-13) added, “This law ensures anyone who commits such an awful crime is monitored and held accountable, even in spaces that are supposed to be safe for kids like sports leagues and camps.”

The bill received unanimous approval from both chambers of the General Assembly and was backed by child safety advocates and law enforcement. The new law takes immediate effect.