The Senate voted unanimously to better protect young people against the serious threats posed by child sexual abuse materials generated using artificial intelligence (AI), according to Sens. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), Scott Martin (R-13) and Lisa Baker (R-20).
House Bill 2474 would require mandated reporters to report all instances of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) they become aware of, including those produced by a minor. This applies to teachers, childcare workers, healthcare providers, and other individuals responsible for caring for children.
The legislation, which was introduced in April 2026, mirrors the language in Senate Bill 1050, a bill Pennycuick, Martin and Baker introduced in October 2025 that ultimately passed the Senate in November 2025.
The senators noted there has been a startling increase in the amount of AI-generated CSAM being created and shared in recent years, including troubling cases in school settings.
“Sadly, today our children are being targeted in new ways that weren’t even possible just a few years ago. Online predators using technology to manipulate and exploit our kids is the new reality,” Pennycuick said. “Mandated reporting of CSAM ensures our kids are better protected from these atrocious acts.”
“We have already seen the devastating impacts these images can have on young people locally. No individual should have to endure that kind of humiliation and abuse,” Martin said. “That’s why we worked with numerous different stakeholders, advocates and impacted families to find ways to ensure every mandated reporter understands their responsibilities to better protect these emerging threats.”
“In our rapidly evolving digital environment, it’s so important we continue to strengthen our child-protective services laws,” Baker said. “Clarifying the responsibilities of those who report suspected abuse will help ensure that every child receives the protection and support they need.”
The legislation was also amended to include provisions from Senate Bill 1456, legislation Baker co-authored to add hazing to Pennsylvania’s mandatory reporting guidelines. Hazing is not currently considered child abuse under Pennsylvania law when one child commits that crime against another.
“I’m pleased this bill includes provisions I co-authored to add hazing to Pennsylvania’s mandatory reporting guidelines. Despite the well-documented physical and psychological harm it can cause, it is not currently recognized as child abuse under state law when committed by another child. Adding hazing as a reportable offense strengthens accountability, ensures adults understand their responsibility to report suspected hazing, and helps prevent future tragedies,” Baker said.
In the past several years, the Senate has already taken important steps to combat the issue of sexually explicit materials created through AI by passing Act 125 of 2024 and Act 35 of 2025, which addressed deepfakes and sexual deepfakes. The Senate has also approved legislation banning nudification applications from being made available in Pennsylvania (Senate Bill 1368) and preventing harmful interactions with AI chatbots (Senate Bill 1090).
House Bill 2474 was sent back to the House of Representatives to concur on Senate amendments.
