Bill protecting children from online victimization unanimously passes PA House: Bill tightens mandated reporter obligations in the age of AI
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus May 6, 2026 | 4:47 PM
HARRISBURG, May 6 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today took a major step to protect child safety from the emerging threat of artificial intelligence by unanimously passing legislation to modernize the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, according to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster.
House Bill 2474 would require all mandated reporters, not just school personnel, to quickly report sexually explicit deepfake images of minors to law enforcement. The bill would ensure that authorities can immediately act to protect children and prevent further harm.
According to Rivera, two incidents in Lancaster and Bucks counties -- both involving students using artificial intelligence to spread sexually explicit materials of their classmates -- prompted her and co-sponsor state Rep. Kristin Marcell, R-Bucks, to introduce the bill.
In 2023 in Lancaster County, two private school students used AI to create sexually explicit deepfake images of 48 schoolmates and 12 other students. In 2025 in Bucks County, two public middle school students created sexually explicit deepfake images depicting 12 fellow female students, which were then shared among other students in the district.
In both cases, the dissemination of the pornographic AI deepfake images went unreported to law enforcement, resulting in more child sexual abuse material being shared and more victims being targeted.
“This bill would eliminate delays in reporting moving forward,” Rivera said.
“House Bill 2474 would protect Pennsylvania’s children from the unique threats posed by AI and social media by making it crystal clear that mandated reporters must immediately report to authorities when a child is creating child sexual abuse material.
“Taking the guesswork out of the equation will go a long way toward ensuring that all adults responsible for children report crimes against minors in a timely, efficient manner. This necessary reform of our mandated reporting requirements will strengthen our system of care and make our children safer.”
The House Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to approve H.B. 2474 on Monday. State Rep. Tim Briggs, chair of the committee, issued the following statement after the legislation’s passage:
“As chair of the House Judiciary Committee, I am pleased to see House Bill 2474 advance because it addresses a disturbing and rapidly evolving threat to our children. This is a commonsense step that strengthens our response, supports investigators, and reinforces our commitment to protecting the safety and dignity of every student in Pennsylvania.
“To be clear, nothing in this bill or current law prevents a parent from going directly to law enforcement if they learn their child is being targeted, including through sexually explicit deepfake images created by AI or otherwise. Parents always have the right to report such conduct.”
House Bill 2474 now moves to the Senate for consideration.