Disclaimer: PARSOL provides legal information, but none of the information contained herein shall be construed as legal advice. Information on this page is for people subject to registration under Pennsylvania Megan’s Law and related sexual offense policy.
Additionally, individuals may be under the supervision of pretrial services, parole, probation, or any other supervised release, which may include special or supplemental restrictions. If you have any questions about such conditions, check with your supervising officer or attorney.
Q: I’m the victim (or attempted victim) of a scam because of information found on the Pennsylvania Megan’s Law public registry. What do I do?
A: Complete the scam report form located at https://parsol.org/report/. Then, contact the Pennsylvania State Police Megan’s Law Unit at 866-771-3170. Then, notify the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office by completing their scam form at: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/scams-complaint/.
Q: Where can I find answers about Pennsylvania Megan’s Law?
A: The Pennsylvania State Police Megan’s Law Section has a website with frequently asked questions at https://www.meganslaw.psp.pa.gov/InformationalPages/FAQ.
Q: Can persons with sexual offenses and/or felonies in Pennsylvania vote?
A: Yes, you may vote as long as you lived in Pennsylvania for 30 days prior to the election and are not physically incarcerated.
Be sure to plan ahead if you plan on voting and are under supervision by parole or probation. We have learned that many polling places are at schools or churches, which are against parole or probation restrictions for people with sex offenses. You may need to sign up to vote by mail, which has early deadlines. An individual’s registration requirements under Pennsylvania Megan’s Law do not impact voting rights.
Q: As a person forced to register under Pennsylvania Megan’s Law, will the police notify my neighbors?
A: In Pennsylvania, individuals who are designated as Sexually Violent Predators (SVP) by the Pennsylvania Sex Offender Assessment Board are subject to community notification. Local police departments handle this notification. Neighbors, as well as the directors of nearby schools/daycares, will be given a flyer. This includes a photo of the person labeled an SVP, their name, offense, address, and a statement that the SVP determination has been made for this person. No notification requirement exists for persons forced to register under Pennsylvania Megan’s Law who are not designated SVP.
Q: Are there restrictions around living near or visiting schools, libraries, public parks, etc.?
A: It depends. While Pennsylvania law does not have proximity restrictions, persons on pretrial, parole, or probation may have proximity restrictions imposed by their supervision officer, treatment provider, or court order. Furthermore, Pennsylvania has no residency restrictions, as the Federal Court Case Fross v. Allegheny County determined. Again, those under supervision may have additional legal restrictions during supervised release.
Q: Can I use social media sites like Facebook, Reddit, NextDoor, etc. or Dating Sites?
A: There are no laws against using social media websites. However, some sites, such as Facebook, NextDoor, Tinder, and other privately owned social networking websites, prohibit people on the registry from using their services. Those who do may have their accounts deleted or banned.
Some social networking sites, such as Twitter (X), Reddit, and NARSOL Connections, can be used by registry members. However, you must register each unique social media identifier with the Pennsylvania State Police within 72 hours.
Q: Can I be around children?
A: There is no law that forbids people who are on the registry from having contact with people under 18 years of age. Parole and probation conditions usually forbid contact with anyone under the age of 18.
Furthermore, parents can be charged with a crime for leaving their kids unsupervised around certain people with sex offenses. (Click here for more information.)
Q: Can I travel while on the registry?
A: Generally, yes, however different destinations have different rules for persons forced to register. Several informational websites have information about traveling on the registry listed below. Remember that Pennsylvania requires persons forced to register to file a travel plan at a registration site at least 21 days before any international travel. A similar document must be filed within three days of domestic travel that will take you away from your primary residence for seven days or longer. For each, you must provide a travel itinerary including (1) dates of travel, (2) destinations, and (3) temporary lodging including specific address.
Relevant travel websites include:
- https://PFR.guide – International Travel
- https://a2twozee.blogspot.com/ – Domestic US Travel
Q: Where can I get housing?
A: Housing is often the most difficult resource for people getting out of incarceration. People with sex offenses find themselves particularly challenged, as they are often forced to choose between substandard housing, remaining in halfway houses, or even homelessness. We are creating a list of potential housing options and hope to publish a comprehensive list later this year (2024). We suggest contacting our partner organization at the Second Chance Training Center.