Legislation aimed at improving community safety by establishing a public registry for individuals convicted of child abuse has been introduced by state Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-8th. The new registry created under House Bill 849 would ensure information about child abusers is easily accessible to the public, empowering communities across the state to take necessary precautions, Bernstine said.

The bill would require individuals convicted of certain child abuse offenses, such as aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of a minor and kidnapping, to register with state police. They would need to provide up-to-date information, including job status, residency, vehicle details, phone numbers and any aliases used.

The registry would function similar to Pennsylvania’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act, known as Megan’s Law, ensuring communities are informed and able to protect their children more effectively, Bernstine said.

The bill has been referred to a committee for consideration.