Robinson Bill to Protect Children from Internet Crimes, Boost Prosecution of Predators Approved by Committee

HARRISBURG -- Legislation to improve Pennsylvania's ability to investigate and prosecute internet crimes against children has been unanimously approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee, according to the bill's sponsor, Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37).

Senate Bill 1335 would provide critical resources to law enforcement agencies and prosecutors working to protect children from online exploitation and abuse by establishing the Investigation and Prosecution of Internet Crimes Against Children Program within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).

"Criminals are increasingly using technology and online platforms to target and exploit children," Robinson said. "This legislation ensures that Pennsylvania's law enforcement agencies have the tools, training, and resources necessary to rescue victims and bring perpetrators to justice."

The bill is designated as "Alicia's Law" in honor of Alicia Kozak, a Pittsburgh-area resident who was abducted, sexually assaulted, and tortured at age 13 by a man she met online in what is recognized as one of the nation's first documented internet-facilitated child abduction cases. Kozak has since dedicated herself to educating families and students about online safety and advocating for stronger protection for children. Naming the legislation in her honor recognizes her ongoing efforts to prevent other children from becoming victims of online predators and underscores the bill's mission of strengthening Pennsylvania's response to internet crimes against children.

"This legislation is not just a piece of paper - it is a lifeline," said Alicia Kozak in a 2024 press conference at the Pennsylvania Capitol on the legislation. "Alicia's Law provides critical funding to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces, enabling them to have the necessary tools, training and resources to combat the growing threat of online child exploitation. These task forces are our first line of defense, and they work tirelessly to identify, rescue and support victims, and to bring these perpetrators to justice."

Under the bill, PCCD would be authorized to award grants to support specialized task forces focused on investigating and prosecuting internet-based crimes against minors. Eligible uses of grant funding would include support for investigators, prosecutors, forensic specialists, and education for professionals working on cases involving human trafficking, sexual offenses, child sexual abuse, unlawful contact with minors, and the sexual exploitation of children conducted through online platforms.

The legislation would allow state funding to supplement existing federal Internet Crimes Against Children grants, helping local and state task forces expand their capabilities and respond more effectively to the growing volume of online child exploitation cases. It would enable specialized training to ensure task force personnel are equipped with the latest best practices and investigative techniques in our ever-changing technological environment for combating internet-facilitated crimes against children.

"As more children have access to the internet at a young age, the predators we once worried about on our streets are now sitting behind computers and smartphones interacting with innocent children," said Robinson. "By providing the funding and tools needed to better investigate and prosecute these horrendous crimes, our children will be safer and better protected."

The legislation requires PCCD to establish application guidelines and grant evaluation criteria while ensuring equitable geographic distribution of funding throughout the commonwealth. Grant funds must supplement - not replace - existing federal, state, or local funding sources.

If passed, Pennsylvania would join 12 other states in enacting Alicia's Law. Senate Bill 1335 now advances to the full Senate for consideration.