HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved legislation intended to strengthen protections for young people against the growing threat of what some may consider inappropriate images created using artificial intelligence. The bill expands the legal obligations of professionals who work with children to report any such material to authorities immediately.

Senate Bill 1050 passed the chamber with a 46-0 vote. The legislation requires all individuals classified as mandated reporters to notify law enforcement and child protective services of any instance of child sexual abuse material they encounter. The requirement now extends to cases involving content produced by minors or material created using artificial intelligence technology.

Mandated reporters are professionals who, as part of their job, are responsible for the well-being of children. This group includes schoolteachers, childcare workers, doctors, and others in similar positions. The new rule means that if a mandated reporter becomes aware of an image depicting child sexual abuse, regardless of whether it is a photograph or a digital creation, they must report it to the appropriate agencies.

The bill’s sponsors explained that the legislation directly responds to the rapid rise of images and materials depicting child sexual abuse that are created using artificial intelligence, often called AI-generated content. In some cases, these images have been created and shared within school environments.

“The threat posed by AI-generated images and materials is very real,” said Senator Scott Martin, R-13, one of the bill’s co-sponsors. He noted that the legislation ensures that cases involving these types of materials are taken seriously and reported to investigators right away.

Senator Tracy Pennycuick, R-24, a co-sponsor, emphasized the urgency of the issue. “Mandated reporting of child sexual abuse material ensures our kids are better protected from these horrible acts,” Pennycuick said. “There is no time to lose when such incidents occur.”

According to Senator Lisa Baker, R-20, a third co-sponsor, the bill is an important step in updating Pennsylvania’s child protection laws for the digital era. “By 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,” Baker said.

Senate Bill 1050 is the latest effort by the General Assembly to address what some say are dangers posed by computer-generated content.

With the Senate’s approval, the legislation will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. If approved there, it will head to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.