Sep. 03, 2025
HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) is introducing legislation that will provide a sentencing enhancement when a defendant is convicted of creating, distributing or possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that depicts the defendant’s relative.
“Child sex abuse of any kind is horrifying, but how sick must one be to exploit their own child? Or a sibling, or niece or nephew?” Owlett said. “This is a very sad and disturbing reality, and while we work to prevent this type of abuse, we must also ensure the punishment fits the crime if or when it does occur.”
Owlett recounted a recent conversation he had with a local prosecutor, who indicated communications among some defendants in CSAM cases revealed statements about how it would be easier to raise and use their own children and relatives rather than employ human trafficking methods to find victims to create child sexual abuse materials.
“This type of evil is unspeakable and unimaginable,” Owlett said.
Under current law, there is no increased penalty for the crime of sexual abuse of children when the person convicted of creating, distributing or possessing CSAM depicts their relative. Owlett’s bill would call on the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to provide a sentencing enhancement for the courts to consider when the child depicted was a descendant, including a stepchild, step-grandchild, brother, sister, nephew, niece, cousin or other relative.
House Bill 1835 is pending referral to a House committee for consideration.
Representative Clint Owlett
68th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia Hippler
717.772.9846
phippler@pahousegop.com
www.RepOwlett.com / www.Facebook.com/RepOwlett