The Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation on Mar. 17 sponsored by Senator Tracy Pennycuick to create safeguards for children using artificial intelligence chatbots.
The measure, known as the Safeguarding Adolescents from Exploitative Chatbots and Harmful AI Technology (SAFECHAT) Act, aims to require age-appropriate protections that prevent chatbots from generating content encouraging self-harm, suicide, or violence. The bill also directs users to crisis resources if high-risk language is detected.
“As these tools become more common in classrooms, on smartphones and across social platforms, our laws must keep pace to prevent avoidable tragedies,” Pennycuick said. “Recent heartbreaking stories have come to light of vulnerable individuals, including minors, who have used AI chatbots to cope with trauma, mental health, depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, some of the responses they received have contributed to reported incidents of self-harm or even suicide.”
Co-sponsor Senator Nick Miller said: “Today, we are one step closer to establishing meaningful protections for children in the digital age. This legislation clearly defines emerging technologies like chatbots and AI companions while increasing transparency, so families understand what their children are engaging with online. With Senate Bill 1090 now advancing to the House, we are taking action that could save lives by ensuring users who show signs of self-harm are connected to critical crisis resources. Thank you to Senator Pennycuick for partnering on this important legislation as we work to proactively address the risks artificial intelligence may pose to young people across Pennsylvania.”
Multiple lawsuits have been filed by families alleging that popular AI chatbots contributed to their child’s death by suicide. These cases highlight the urgency for regulations protecting minors from unsafe AI systems.
Pennycuick has a background in public service through her military career and roles supporting veterans and law enforcement according to her official website. She served 26 years in the U.S. Army—including active duty during Desert Shield/Desert Storm—and retired as a lieutenant colonel according to her official website. Pennycuick began her military career as a combat medic before earning a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1987 according to her official website. She resides in Harleysville with her husband—a fellow Army veteran—their four grown children and two grandchildren according to her official website. Pennycuick was elected to the Pennsylvania Senate in 2022 after serving in the General Assembly according to her official website.
As technology continues evolving rapidly, lawmakers say measures like SAFECHAT are intended as proactive steps toward protecting young people online.
