Pennsylvania Act 2002-57 — JUDICIAL CODE (42 PA.C.S.) - AMEND DNA DATA AND TESTING AND APPORTIONMENT OF LIABILITY AND DAMAGES

act-2002-0-572002 Pa. Act 57Law

Act text
JUDICIAL CODE (42 PA.C.S.) - AMEND DNA DATA AND TESTING AND APPORTIONMENT
                         OF LIABILITY AND DAMAGES
                  Act of Jun. 19, 2002, P.L. 394, No. 57              Cl. 42
                             Session of 2002
                               No. 2002-57

     SB 1089

                                  AN ACT

     Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the
        Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for DNA testing
        of certain offenders; reestablishing the State DNA Data Base
        and the State DNA Data Bank; further providing for duties of
        the Pennsylvania State Police; imposing costs on certain
        offenders; reestablishing the DNA Detection Fund; further
        providing for the apportionment of liability and damages;
        imposing penalties; and making a repeal.

        The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
     hereby enacts as follows:

        Section 1.  Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
     Statutes is amended by adding a chapter to read:
                                CHAPTER 47
                           DNA DATA AND TESTING
     Subchapter
       A.  Preliminary Provisions
       B.  General Provisions
       C.  Enforcement and Other Provisions
       D.  Miscellaneous Provisions
                               SUBCHAPTER A
     Sec.
     4701.  Scope of chapter.
     4702.  Policy.
     4703.  Definitions.
      § 4701.  Scope of chapter.
        This chapter provides for DNA detection of sexual and violent
     offenders.
      § 4702.  Policy.
        The General Assembly finds and declares that:
            (1)  DNA data banks are an important tool in criminal
        investigations, in the exclusion of individuals who are the
        subject of criminal investigations or prosecutions and in
        deterring and detecting recidivist acts.
            (2)  Several states have enacted laws requiring persons
        convicted of certain crimes, especially sex offenses, to
        provide genetic samples for DNA profiling.
            (3)  Moreover, it is the policy of this Commonwealth to
        assist Federal, State and local criminal justice and law
        enforcement agencies in the identification and detection of
        individuals in criminal investigations.
            (4)  It is therefore in the best interest of the
        Commonwealth to establish a DNA data base and a DNA data bank
        containing DNA samples submitted by individuals convicted of
        felony sex offenses and other specified offenses.
      § 4703.  Definitions.
        The following words and phrases when used in this chapter
     shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
     context clearly indicates otherwise:
        "ARD."  Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition.
        "CODIS."  The term is derived from Combined DNA Index System,
     the Federal Bureau of Investigation's national DNA
     identification index system that allows the storage and exchange
     of DNA records submitted by state and local forensic DNA
     laboratories.
        "Commissioner."  The Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State
     Police.
        "Criminal justice agency."  A criminal justice agency as
     defined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 9102 (relating to definitions).
        "DNA."  Deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is located in the cells
     and provides an individual's personal genetic blueprint. DNA
     encodes genetic information that is the basis of human heredity
     and forensic identification.
        "DNA record."  DNA identification information stored in the
     State DNA Data Base or the Combined DNA Index System for the
     purpose of generating investigative leads or supporting
     statistical interpretation of DNA test results. The DNA record
     is the result obtained from the DNA typing tests. The DNA record
     is comprised of the characteristics of a DNA sample which are of
     value in establishing the identity of individuals. The results
     of all DNA identification tests on an individual's DNA sample
     are also collectively referred to as the DNA profile of an
     individual.
        "DNA sample."  A blood or tissue sample provided by any
     person with respect to offenses covered by this chapter or
     submitted to the Pennsylvania State Police laboratory pursuant
     to the former act of May 28, 1995 (1st Sp.Sess., P.L.1009,
     No.14), known as the DNA Detection of Sexual and Violent
     Offenders Act, or to this chapter for analysis or storage, or
     both.
        "FBI."  The Federal Bureau of Investigation.
        "Felony sex offense."  A felony offense or an attempt,
     conspiracy or solicitation to commit a felony offense under any
     of the following:
            18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 31 (relating to sexual offenses).
            18 Pa.C.S. § 4302 (relating to incest).
            18 Pa.C.S. § 5902(c)(iii) and (iv) (relating to
        prostitution and related offenses).
            18 Pa.C.S. § 5903(a) (relating to obscene and other
        sexual materials and performances) where the offense
        constitutes a felony.
            18 Pa.C.S. § 6312 (relating to sexual abuse of children).
            18 Pa.C.S. § 6318 (relating to unlawful contact or
        communication with minor) where the most serious underlying
        offense for which the defendant contacted or communicated
        with the minor is graded as a felony.
            18 Pa.C.S. § 6320 (relating to sexual exploitation of
        children).
        "Former DNA Act."  The former act of May 28, 1995 (1st
     Sp.Sess., P.L.1009, No.14), known as the DNA Detection of Sexual
     and Violent Offenders Act.
        "Fund."  The DNA Detection Fund reestablished in section 4735
     (relating to DNA Detection Fund).
        "Other specified offense."  An offense or an attempt,
     conspiracy or solicitation to commit an offense under any of the
     following:
            18 Pa.C.S. § 2502 (relating to murder).
            18 Pa.C.S. § 2709(c)(2)(ii) (relating to harassment and
        stalking).
            18 Pa.C.S. § 2901 (relating to kidnapping).
            18 Pa.C.S. § 2910 (relating to luring a child into a
        motor vehicle).
            18 Pa.C.S. § 3126 (relating to indecent assault).
            18 Pa.C.S. § 3502 (relating to burglary).
            18 Pa.C.S. § 3701 (relating to robbery).
        "State Police."  The Pennsylvania State Police.
                               SUBCHAPTER B
                            GENERAL PROVISIONS
     Sec.
     4711.  Powers and duties of State Police.
     4712.  State DNA Data Base.
     4713.  State DNA Data Bank.
     4714.  State Police recommendations of additional offenses.
     4715.  Procedural compatibility with FBI.
     4716.  DNA sample required upon conviction, delinquency
            adjudication and certain ARD cases.
     4717.  Procedures for withdrawal, collection and transmission
            of DNA samples.
     4718.  Procedures for conduct, disposition and use of DNA
            analysis.
     4719.  DNA data base exchange.
     4720.  Cancellation of authority to access or exchange DNA
            records.
     4721.  Expungement.
     4722.  Mandatory cost.
      § 4711.  Powers and duties of State Police.
        In addition to any other powers and duties conferred by this
     chapter, the State Police shall:
            (1)  Be responsible for the policy management and
        administration of the State DNA identification record system
        to support law enforcement agencies and other criminal
        justice agencies.
            (2)  Promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the
        provisions of this chapter.
            (3)  Provide for liaison with the FBI and other criminal
        justice agencies in regard to the Commonwealth's
        participation in CODIS or in any DNA data base designated by
        the State Police.
      § 4712.  State DNA Data Base.
        The State DNA Data Base is reestablished. It shall be
     administered by the State Police and provide DNA records to the
     FBI for storage and maintenance by CODIS. The State DNA Data
     Base shall have the capability provided by computer software and
     procedures administered by the State Police to store and
     maintain DNA records related to:
            (1)  forensic casework;
            (2)  convicted offenders required to provide a DNA sample
        under this chapter; and
            (3)  anonymous DNA records used for research or quality
        control.
      § 4713.  State DNA Data Bank.
        The State DNA Data Bank is reestablished. It shall serve as
     the repository of DNA samples collected under this chapter.
      § 4714.  State Police recommendation of additional offenses.
        The State Police may recommend to the General Assembly that
     it enact legislation for the inclusion of additional offenses
     for which DNA samples shall be taken and otherwise subjected to
     the provisions of this chapter. In determining whether to
     recommend additional offenses, the State Police shall consider
     those offenses for which DNA testing will have a substantial
     impact on the detection and identification of sex offenders and
     violent offenders.
      § 4715.  Procedural compatibility with FBI.
        The DNA identification system as established by the State
     Police shall be compatible with the procedures specified by the
     FBI, including use of comparable test procedures, laboratory
     equipment, supplies and computer software.
      § 4716.  DNA sample required upon conviction, delinquency
                adjudication and certain ARD cases.
        (a)  General rule.--A person who is convicted or adjudicated
     delinquent for a felony sex offense or other specified offense
     and is or remains incarcerated on or after the effective date of
     this chapter shall have a DNA sample drawn as follows:
            (1)  A person who is sentenced or receives a delinquency
        disposition to a term of confinement for an offense covered
        by this subsection shall have a DNA sample drawn upon intake
        to a prison, jail or juvenile detention facility or any other
        detention facility or institution. If the person is already
        confined at the time of sentencing or adjudication, the
        person shall have a DNA sample drawn immediately after the
        sentencing or adjudication. If a DNA sample is not timely
        drawn in accordance with this section, the DNA sample may be
        drawn any time thereafter by the prison, jail, juvenile
        detention facility, detention facility or institution.
            (2)  A person who is convicted or adjudicated delinquent
        for an offense covered by this subsection shall have a DNA
        sample drawn as a condition for any sentence or adjudication
        which disposition will not involve an intake into a prison,
        jail, juvenile detention facility or any other detention
        facility or institution.
            (3)  Under no circumstances shall a person who is
        convicted or adjudicated delinquent for an offense covered by
        this subsection be released in any manner after such
        disposition unless and until a DNA sample has been withdrawn.
        (b)  Condition of release.--
            (1)  A person who has been convicted or adjudicated
        delinquent for a felony sex offense or other specified
        offense and who serves a term of confinement in connection
        therewith on or after the effective date of this chapter
        shall not be released in any manner unless and until a DNA
        sample has been withdrawn.
            (2)  This act shall apply to incarcerated persons
        convicted or adjudicated delinquent for a felony sex offense
        prior to the effective date of this chapter.
        (c)  Certain ARD cases.--Acceptance into ARD as a result of a
     criminal charge for a felony sex offense or other specified
     offense filed on or after the effective date of this section may
     be conditioned upon the giving of a DNA sample.
        (d)  Supervision of DNA samples.--All DNA samples taken
     pursuant to this section shall be taken in accordance with
     regulations promulgated by the State Police in consultation with
     the Department of Corrections.
        (e)  Definition.--As used in this section, the term
     "released" means any release, parole, furlough, work release,
     prerelease or release in any other manner from a prison, jail,
     juvenile detention facility or any other place of confinement.
      § 4717.  Procedures for withdrawal, collection and transmission
                of DNA samples.
        (a)  Drawing of DNA samples.--
            (1)  Each DNA sample required to be drawn pursuant to
        section 4716 (relating to DNA sample required upon
        conviction, delinquency adjudication and certain ARD cases)
        from persons who are incarcerated or confined shall be drawn
        at the place of incarceration or confinement as provided for
        in section 4716. DNA samples from persons who are not ordered
        or sentenced to a term of confinement shall be drawn at a
        prison, jail unit, juvenile facility or other facility to be
        specified by the court. Only those individuals qualified to
        draw DNA samples in a medically approved manner shall draw a
        DNA sample to be submitted for DNA analysis. Such sample and
        the set of fingerprints provided for in paragraph (2) shall
        be delivered to the State Police within 48 hours of drawing
        the sample.
            (2)  In addition to the DNA sample, a full set of
        fingerprints shall be taken from the person from whom the DNA
        sample is being drawn for the exclusive purpose of verifying
        the identity of such person.
        (b)  Limitation on liability.--Persons authorized to draw DNA
     samples under this section shall not be criminally liable for
     withdrawing a DNA sample and transmitting test results pursuant
     to this chapter if they perform these activities in good faith
     and shall not be civilly liable for such activities when the
     person acted in a reasonable manner according to generally
     accepted medical and other professional practices.
        (c)  Reasonable use of force.--Duly authorized law
     enforcement and corrections personnel may employ reasonable
     force in cases where an individual refuses to submit to DNA
     testing authorized under this chapter, and no such employee
     shall be criminally or civilly liable for the use of reasonable
     force.
      § 4718.  Procedures for conduct, disposition and use of DNA
                analysis.
        (a)  Procedures.--The State Police shall prescribe procedures
     to be used in the collection, submission, identification,
     analysis, storage and disposition of DNA samples and typing
     results of DNA samples submitted under the former DNA Act or
     this chapter. The DNA sample typing results shall be securely
     stored in the State DNA Data Base, and records of testing shall
     be retained on file with the State Police consistent with the
     procedures established by the FBI. These procedures shall also
     include quality assurance guidelines to ensure that DNA
     identification records meet standards for laboratories which
     submit DNA records to the State DNA Data Base.
        (b)  Contracting.--The State Police are authorized to
     contract with third parties for purposes of this chapter.
        (c)  Use of tests.--Except as otherwise provided in section
     4719(c) (relating to DNA data base exchange), the tests to be
     performed on each DNA sample shall be used only for law
     enforcement identification purposes or to assist in the recovery
     or identification of human remains from disasters or for other
     humanitarian identification purposes, including identification
     of missing persons.
        (d)  Restrictions and requirements on contracting party.--Any
     other party contracting to carry out the functions of this
     chapter shall be subject to the same restrictions and
     requirements of this chapter, insofar as applicable, as the
     State Police as well as any additional restrictions imposed by
     the State Police.
      § 4719.  DNA data base exchange.
        (a)  Receipt of DNA samples by State Police.--It shall be the
     duty of the State Police to receive DNA samples, to store, to
     perform analysis or to contract for DNA typing analysis with a
     qualified DNA laboratory that meets the guidelines as
     established by the State Police, to classify and to file the DNA
     record of identification characteristic profiles of DNA samples
     submitted under the former DNA Act or this chapter and to make
     such information available as provided in this section. The
     State Police may contract out the storage of DNA typing analysis
     and may contract out DNA typing analysis to a qualified DNA
     laboratory that meets guidelines as established by the State
     Police. The results of the DNA profile of individuals in the
     State DNA Data Base shall be made available:
            (1)  to criminal justice agencies or approved crime
        laboratories which serve these agencies; or
            (2)  upon written or electronic request and in
        furtherance of an official investigation of a criminal
        offense or offender or suspected offender.
        (b)  Methods of obtaining information.--The State Police
     shall adopt guidelines governing the methods of obtaining
     information from the State DNA Data Base and CODIS and
     procedures for verification of the identity and authority of the
     requester.
        (c)  Population data base.--The State Police may establish a
     separate population data base comprised of DNA samples obtained
     under this chapter after all personal identification is removed.
     The State Police may share or disseminate the population data
     base with other criminal justice agencies or crime laboratories
     that serve to assist the State Police with statistical data
     bases. The population data base may be made available to and
     searched by other agencies participating in the CODIS system.
      § 4720.  Cancellation of authority to access or exchange DNA
                records.
        The State Police shall be authorized, for good cause shown,
     to revoke or suspend the right of a forensic DNA laboratory
     within this Commonwealth to access or exchange DNA
     identification records with criminal justice agencies.
      § 4721.  Expungement.
        (a)  General rule.--A person whose DNA record or profile has
     been included in the data bank pursuant to the former DNA Act or
     this chapter may request expungement on the grounds that the
     conviction or delinquency adjudication on which the authority
     for including that person's DNA record or profile was based has
     been reversed and the case dismissed.
        (b)  Duty of State Police.--The State Police shall purge all
     records and identifiable information in the data base pertaining
     to the person and destroy all samples from the person upon
     receipt of a written request for expungement pursuant to this
     section and a certified copy of the final court order reversing
     and dismissing the conviction.
        (c)  Limitation.--An incarcerated or previously incarcerated
     person may not seek expungement of a DNA record or profile on
     the ground that that person was convicted or adjudicated
     delinquent for a felony sex offense prior to the effective date
     of the former DNA Act or prior to the effective date of this
     chapter.
      § 4722.  Mandatory cost.
        Unless the court finds that undue hardship would result, a
     mandatory cost of $250, which shall be in addition to any other
     costs imposed pursuant to statutory authority, shall
     automatically be assessed on any person convicted, adjudicated
     delinquent or granted ARD for a felony sex offense or other
     specified offense, and all proceeds derived from this section
     shall be transmitted to the fund.
                               SUBCHAPTER C
                     ENFORCEMENT AND OTHER PROVISIONS
     Sec.
     4731.  Prohibition on disclosure.
     4732.  Criminal penalties.
     4733.  Civil actions.
     4734.  Confidentiality of records.
     4735.  DNA Detection Fund.
     4736.  Authority of law enforcement officers.
      § 4731.  Prohibition on disclosure.
        (a)  Disclosure.--Any person who by virtue of employment or
     official position or any person contracting to carry out any
     functions under this chapter, including any officers, employees
     and agents of such contractor, who has possession of or access
     to individually identifiable DNA information contained in the
     State DNA Data Base or in the State DNA Data Bank shall not
     disclose it in any manner to any person or agency not authorized
     to receive it knowing that such person or agency is not
     authorized to receive it.
        (b)  Obtaining information.--No person shall obtain
     individually identifiable DNA information from the State DNA
     Data Base or the State DNA Data Bank without authorization to do
     so.
      § 4732.  Criminal penalties.
        (a)  Disclosure.--Any person who by virtue of employment or
     official position or any person contracting to carry out any
     functions under this chapter, including any officers, employees
     and agents of such contractor, who has possession of or access
     to individually identifiable DNA information contained in the
     State DNA Data Base or in the State DNA Data Bank and who for
     pecuniary gain for such person or for any other person discloses
     it in any manner to any person or agency not authorized to
     receive it commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.
        (b)  Obtaining information.--Any person who knowingly
     violates section 4731(b) (relating to prohibition on disclosure)
     commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.
      § 4733.  Civil actions.
        (a)  Injunctions.--The State Police or any other aggrieved
     individual or agency may institute an action in a court of
     proper jurisdiction against any person, agency or organization
     to enjoin any criminal justice agency, noncriminal justice
     agency, organization or individual from violating the provisions
     of this chapter or to compel such agency, organization or person
     to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
        (b)  Action for damages.--
            (1)  Any person aggrieved by a knowing violation of
        section 4731 (relating to prohibition on disclosure) shall
        have the substantive right to bring an action for damages by
        reason of such violation in a court of competent
        jurisdiction.
            (2)  A person found by the court to have been aggrieved
        by a knowing violation of section 4731 shall be entitled to
        actual and real damages of not less than $100 for each
        violation and to reasonable costs of litigation and attorney
        fees. Exemplary and punitive damages of not less than $1,000
        nor more than $10,000 shall be imposed for any violation of
        section 4731.
      § 4734.  Confidentiality of records.
        All DNA profiles and samples submitted to the State Police
     pursuant to the former DNA Act or this chapter shall be treated
     as confidential except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
      § 4735.  DNA Detection Fund.
        The DNA Detection Fund is reestablished in the State Treasury
     as a restricted fund. All costs collected under section 4722
     (relating to mandatory cost) shall be paid into the fund. All
     moneys in the fund and the interest accruing thereon are hereby
     appropriated to the Pennsylvania State Police on a continuing
     basis to carry out the provisions of this chapter upon
     authorization of the Governor for each fiscal year.
      § 4736.  Authority of law enforcement officers.
        Nothing in this chapter shall limit or abrogate any existing
     authority of law enforcement officers to take, maintain, store
     and utilize DNA samples for law enforcement purposes.
                               SUBCHAPTER D
                         MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
     Sec.
     4741.  State Police notice of capability to carry out chapter.
      § 4741.  State Police notice of capability to carry out
     chapter.
        When the commissioner determines that the State Police
     possess the capabilities to carry out this chapter, the
     commissioner shall publish a notice to this effect in the
     Pennsylvania Bulletin.
        Section 2.  Section 7102 of Title 42 is amended to read:
      § 7102.  Comparative negligence.
        (a)  General rule.--In all actions brought to recover damages
     for negligence resulting in death or injury to person or
     property, the fact that the plaintiff may have been guilty of
     contributory negligence shall not bar a recovery by the
     plaintiff or his legal representative where such negligence was
     not greater than the causal negligence of the defendant or
     defendants against whom recovery is sought, but any damages
     sustained by the plaintiff shall be diminished in proportion to
     the amount of negligence attributed to the plaintiff.
        [(b)  Recovery against joint defendant; contribution.--Where
     recovery is allowed against more than one defendant, each
     defendant shall be liable for that proportion of the total
     dollar amount awarded as damages in the ratio of the amount of
     his causal negligence to the amount of causal negligence
     attributed to all defendants against whom recovery is allowed.
     The plaintiff may recover the full amount of the allowed
     recovery from any defendant against whom the plaintiff is not
     barred from recovery. Any defendant who is so compelled to pay
     more than his percentage share may seek contribution.]
        (b.1)  Recovery against joint defendant; contribution.--
            (1)  Where recovery is allowed against more than one
        person, including actions for strict liability, and where
        liability is attributed to more than one defendant, each
        defendant shall be liable for that proportion of the total
        dollar amount awarded as damages in the ratio of the amount
        of that defendant's liability to the amount of liability
        attributed to all defendants and other persons to whom
        liability is apportioned under subsection (b.2).
            (2)  Except as set forth in paragraph (3), a defendant's
        liability shall be several and not joint, and the court shall
        enter a separate and several judgment in favor of the
        plaintiff and against each defendant for the apportioned
        amount of that defendant's liability.
            (3)  A defendant's liability in any of the following
        actions shall be joint and several, and the court shall enter
        a joint and several judgment in favor of the plaintiff and
        against the defendant for the total dollar amount awarded as
        damages:
                (i)  Intentional misrepresentation.
                (ii)  An intentional tort.
                (iii)  Where a defendant has been held liable for not
            less than 60% of the total liability apportioned to all
            parties.
                (iv)  A release or threatened release of a hazardous
            substance under section 702 of the act of October 18,
            1988 (P.L.756, No.108), known as the Hazardous Sites
            Cleanup Act.
                (v)  A civil action in which a defendant has violated
            section 497 of the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21),
            known as the Liquor Code.
            (4)  Where a defendant has been held jointly and
        severally liable under this subsection and discharges by
        payment more than that defendant's proportionate share of the
        total liability, that defendant is entitled to recover
        contribution from defendants who have paid less than their
        proportionate share. Further, in any case, any defendant may
        recover from any other person all or a portion of the damages
        assessed that defendant pursuant to the terms of a
        contractual agreement.
        (b.2)  Apportionment of responsibility among certain
     nonparties and effect.--For purposes of apportioning liability
     only, the question of liability of any defendant or other person
     who has entered into a release with the plaintiff with respect
     to the action and who is not a party shall be transmitted to the
     trier of fact upon appropriate requests and proofs by any party.
     A person whose liability may be determined pursuant to this
     section does not include an employer to the extent that the
     employer is granted immunity from liability or suit pursuant to
     the act of June 2, 1915 (P.L.736, No.338), known as the Workers'
     Compensation Act. An attribution of responsibility to any person
     or entity as provided in this subsection shall not be admissible
     or relied upon in any other action or proceeding for any
     purpose. Nothing in this section shall affect the admissibility
     or nonadmissibility of evidence regarding releases, settlements,
     offers to compromise or compromises as set forth in the
     Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence. Nothing in this section shall
     affect the rules of joinder of parties as set forth in the
     Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
        (c)  Downhill skiing.--
            (1)  The General Assembly finds that the sport of
        downhill skiing is practiced by a large number of citizens of
        this Commonwealth and also attracts to this Commonwealth
        large numbers of nonresidents significantly contributing to
        the economy of this Commonwealth. It is recognized that as in
        some other sports, there are inherent risks in the sport of
        downhill skiing.
            (2)  The doctrine of voluntary assumption of risk as it
        applies to downhill skiing injuries and damages is not
        modified by subsections (a) and [(b)] (b.1).
        (c.1)  Savings provisions.--Nothing in this section shall be
     construed in any way to create, abolish or modify a cause of
     action or to limit a party's right to join another potentially
     responsible party.
        (d)  Definitions.--As used in this section the following
     words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this
     subsection:
        "Defendant or defendants [against whom recovery is sought]."
     Includes impleaded defendants.
        "Plaintiff."  Includes counter claimants and cross-claimants.
        Section 3.  Nothing in this act shall be construed to
     diminish the immunity of an employer to the extent that the
     employer is granted immunity from liability or suit pursuant to
     the act of June 2, 1915 (P.L.736, No.338), known as the Workers'
     Compensation Act.
        Section 4.  Chapter 47 of Title 42 is a continuation of the
     act of May 28, 1995 (1st Sp.Sess., P.L.1009, No.14), known as
     the DNA Detection of Sexual and Violent Offenders Act.
        Section 5.  The act of May 28, 1995 (1st Sp.Sess., P.L.1009,
     No.14), known as the DNA Detection of Sexual and Violent
     Offenders Act, is repealed.
        Section 6.  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 7102 shall apply to
     all causes of action that accrue after the effective date of
     this section.
        Section 6.1.  The provisions of this act are severable. If
     any provision of this act or its application to any person or
     circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect
     other provisions or applications of this act which can be given
     effect without the invalid provision or application.
        Section 7.  This act shall take effect as follows:
            (1)  The references to 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 2901, 2910, 3502,
        3701, 4302, 5902(c)(iii) and (iv), 5903(a), 6318 and 6320 in
        the definitions of "felony sex offense" and "other specified
        offenses" in 42 Pa.C.S. § 4703 shall take effect in 180 days.
            (2)  The following provisions shall take effect in 60
        days:
                (i)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 7102.
                (ii)  Section 3 of this act.
                (iii)  Section 6 of this act.
            (3)  The remainder of this act shall take effect
        immediately.

     APPROVED--The 19th day of June, A. D. 2002.

     MARK S. SCHWEIKER

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