PA SB956

Creates new criminal offense of "child torture" under Pennsylvania law, defined as intentionally or knowingly committing two or more specified acts against a child through a course of conduct

Prohibited acts include: causing bodily or serious bodily injury; causing mental anguish or psychological abuse in an especially depraved manner; unreasonable confinement or restraint; forced holding of positions; and intentional deprivation of care, protection, or support

Classified as a first-degree felony, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in Pennsylvania

Expert testimony on psychological abuse and evidence of pain are not required for conviction; a child's particular susceptibility to mental anguish is not a valid defense

Takes effect 60 days after enactment and applies to victims under 18 years of age at the time the acts were committed or began