Today, the Pennsylvania Senate voted unanimously to require all individuals who are classified as mandated reporters to notify authorities of all instances of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) they become aware of, including those produced by a minor. A mandated reporter includes teachers, childcare workers, health care providers, and others responsible for caring for children.
Senate Bill 1050, sponsored by Senators Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), Scott Martin (R-13) and Lisa Baker (R-20) better protects young people against the serious threats posed by child abuse materials generated using artificial intelligence (AI). AI-generated CSAM content has increased, including instances of images being created and shared in school settings.
“Mandated reporting of CSAM ensures our kids are better protected from these horrible acts,” said Pennycuick. “There is no time to lose when such incidences occur. We must remain vigilant.”
“Make no mistake, the threats posed by AI-generated images and materials are very real, and it is critical to ensure cases involving these kinds of materials are treated seriously and reported properly,” Martin said. “I am grateful that all our hard work with numerous different stakeholders and advocates over these many months has resulted in a final product that will make kids safer.”
“With this bill, we are taking an essential step forward in protecting Pennsylvania’s children in the digital age,” said Baker. “By updating our child-protective services laws and refining the obligations of those who report suspected abuse, we’re reinforcing our commitment to ensure that no child falls through the cracks simply because the nature of harm has changed. I’m proud to support legislation that meets today’s challenges head-on and strengthens our system of care.”
The Senate has already passed key legislation 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. Senate Bill 1050, a bipartisan proposal, would build on these accomplishments and ensure cases involving CSAM are reported and investigated promptly.
