SR 244 Pennsylvania Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish the Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age.

This Senate Resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to create a Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age to evaluate how current laws address online risks to minors. The Task Force will include representatives from law enforcement, victim advocacy, medical professionals, and other relevant agencies appointed by the Attorney General. Its main role is to review Pennsylvania's statutes regarding child protection in the digital age, particularly concerning artificial intelligence and child sexual abuse material, and recommend updates to laws and policies. The commission must submit an initial report by November 30, 2027, with follow-up reports every odd-numbered year thereafter, and publish findings online while sending copies to state leadership.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Jun 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Mar 12, 2026 Last action Jun 9, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Printer's No. PN1496 → Printer's No. PN1691 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill was amended to expand the membership of the Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age by adding representatives for human trafficking, sexual offenders, and digital technology experts, while also clarifying the role of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Additionally, the amendment added specific recipients for the Task Force's final reports, ensuring they are sent to the Governor, Senate leadership, and House leadership.

Scope change

The scope of the Task Force was broadened to include new expertise areas regarding human trafficking and digital safety, and the reporting distribution process was formalized to include key legislative and executive leaders.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new member requirement for someone with experience investigating or prosecuting human trafficking of minors.

Added a new member requirement for a representative from the Pennsylvania Sexual Offenders Assessment Board.

Added a new member requirement for an expert in digital technology and online safety regarding minor exploitation.

Changed the requirement for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency representative to allow for an Executive Director in addition to the Chairperson.

Added a new requirement for the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to be a member of the Task Force.

Added specific recipients for the Task Force reports: the Governor, President pro tempore of the Senate, and Speaker of the House.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jun 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Adopted

upper

May 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported as amended

upper

Mar 12, 2026

Committee

Referred to Communications & Technology

upper

1 primary · 14 co-sponsors