Bucks Senators' 'Upskirt' Legislation Passes PA Senate

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Legislation that would enact harsher penalties for adults who take "upskirt" photos of a minor advanced out of the Pennsylvania State Senate on Monday.

The bill was drawn up in response to a former math teacher and soccer coach at Palisades High School in Bucks County who was found to be taking upskirt photos of students and sharing them online.

Deputy District Attorney Matthew Lannetti has argued for a higher sentence in the case. Following the teacher's sentencing, Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub said he would work with state legislators to upgrade the penalties for the offense.

State Senators Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Bob Mensch (R-24), who each represent parts of Bucks County, took on the cause, saying the legislation was needed to make the offense a third-degree felony, rather than a misdemeanor charge of invasion of privacy or indecent exposure.

“The bill was made necessary by the unspeakable actions by a former teacher in my district," Mensch said. "As a result of this despicable act, the teacher was charged with invasion of privacy and indecent exposure, which is certainly the least of what he deserved."

The legislation would make the offense a third-degree felony for a first offense a second-degree felony for subsequent offenses of invasion of privacy of a minor when committed by a person of authority.

The House companion bill now awaits consideration in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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