The Pennsylvania Senate Communications and Technology Committee unanimously advanced Senate Resolution 244 on May 6 to establish a Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. Senator Tracy Pennycuick, chair of the committee, announced the passage, with Senators Wayne Langerholc and Scott Martin serving as co-prime sponsors.
The measure directs the Joint State Government Commission to convene a task force that will meet at least once every two years. Its purpose is to review existing state statutes, assess new technologies, and identify gaps in laws meant to protect children online. The commission will provide a report and recommendations for legislative action.
“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.”
Langerholc said: “The committee’s approval strengthens and expands the Senate’s ongoing commitment to protecting children from the threats of the digital world. This task force will position the Commonwealth to anticipate emerging challenges and safeguard the Commonwealth’s youth.” Martin added: “Too many young people are victimized by predators online, and the tools and tactics these criminals use are constantly evolving. 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 recent legislative efforts addressing harms from digital technology toward children. In 2024, legislation sponsored by Pennycuick was enacted as Act 125 of 2024 targeting AI-generated child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Another bill classifying deepfakes as digital forgery became Act 35 of 2025. The Senate also recently approved bills intended both for strengthening reporting requirements for AI-generated CSAM (Senate Bill 1050) and establishing safeguards for AI chatbots accessible by minors (Senate Bill 1090).
Pennycuick has engaged in public service through her military career—including service as a combat medic—and roles supporting veterans’ organizations after earning her degree from University of Missouri-Columbia; she won election after prior General Assembly service according to her official website.
