Child Victim Recovery Fund bill advances through House with Rabb amendment

Rep. Christopher M. Rabb June 18, 2026 | 4:33 PM

HARRISBURG, June 18 – On June 17, legislation (H.B. 2443) amended by state Rep. Chris Rabb that would establish the Child Victim Recovery Fund advanced through the PA House of Representatives by a unanimous 202–0 vote.

House Bill 2443, sponsored by state Reps. Kyle Mullins and Jim Rigby, would create the recovery fund by imposing fees of $250 to $1,000 on individuals convicted of or placed into diversion programs for sexual crimes involving child victims. The fund would support child advocacy centers across Pennsylvania, which provide medical exams, therapy, and advocacy services for abused and exploited children.

Rabb’s amendment would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay the Mandatory Child Victim Recovery Fee and allow for reductions if the fee is deemed excessive. It also would prohibit courts from setting mandatory minimum installment payments that are not based on ability to pay.

“I had stated publicly last month that I would support the bill if appropriately amended,” Rabb said. “The successful passage of this bill with my amendment affirms my pledge to ensure that establishment of such a fund is done in an equitable and sustainable manner.”

Send Feedback