Senate Communications and Technology Committee Advances Child Protection in the Digital Age Task Force Measure

Today, Communications and Technology Committee Chair, Senator Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) announced the unanimous passage of Senate Resolution 244 to establish a Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. Along with Pennycuick, Senators Wayne Langerholc (R-35) and Scott Martin (R-13) are co-prime sponsors of the measure.

The legislation would direct the Joint State Government Commission to convene a task force, to meet no less than once every two years, to review Pennsylvania's existing statutes, assess emerging technologies, and identify statutory gaps in protections for children in the digital environment. The commission will issue a report and recommendation for action to the General Assembly.

"Technology is evolving at a pace that is leaving gaps in existing statutory framework to protect children online," said Pennycuick. "Advances in artificial intelligence, social media platforms, algorithm-driven content and digital manipulation have created new and increasingly sophisticated risks to minors, including exploitation, exposure to harmful content, and psychological harm. We need to continually reevaluate our laws to ensure they are updated to protect our kids."

"The committee's approval strengthens and expands the Senate's ongoing commitment to protecting children from the threats of the digital world," said Langerholc. "This task force will position the Commonwealth to anticipate emerging challenges and safeguard the Commonwealth's youth."

"Too many young people are victimized by predators online, and the tools and tactics these criminals use are constantly evolving," said Martin. "Given the tragic consequences and long-term impact of these cases on victims, it is essential to make sure our laws keep pace with new technologies to minimize the dangers young people face in the digital world."

The proposal builds upon work by the legislature to address digital harms to children. In 2024, the General Assembly passed Pennycuick's legislation, now Act 125 of 2024, to combat AI generated child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). In 2025, Pennycuick's legislation to classify deepfakes as digital forgery was signed into law as Act 35 of 2025.

The Senate also recently approved Senate Bill 1050, which would strengthen reporting requirements for AI-generated CSAM, and Senate Bill 1090, which would establish commonsense safeguards for AI chatbots accessible by minors.

In 2021, the General Assembly established a similar Task Force on Child Pornography, which examined deficiencies in existing law and recommended reforms, including updating terminology to align with national standards.

By establishing an ongoing review process, this legislation ensures that Pennsylvania's laws keep pace with the digital age and that our statutes and policies are continually reevaluated, updated, and strengthened to close gaps and protect children.

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