PA HB1837

Creates new criminal offense of child torture under Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) for individuals who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly torture a child under 18 years of age in their custody or physical control

Grades the offense as a third-degree felony if no bodily injury occurs, elevated to a first-degree felony if the victim suffers bodily injury

Defines "torture" to include 12 specific acts: breaking/severing limbs, inflicting severe pain through striking/burning/cutting, depriving food or water, unreasonable restraint, forcing child into uninhabitable areas, exposure to extreme temperatures, excessive physical punishment, sexual abuse or exploitation, repeated intimidation/humiliation, terrorizing threats, restricting hygiene, and conduct risking serious bodily injury

Classifies the offense as a personal injury crime under the Crime Victims Act, qualifying victims for related protections and services

Takes effect 60 days after enactment; courts may order counseling for convicted offenders