Sens. Tracy Pennycuick, Wayne Langerholc, and Scott Martin introduced bipartisan legislation on Mar. 23 to establish the Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age, aimed at ensuring Pennsylvania’s laws keep up with new technology and its risks to children.
The proposed Senate Resolution 244 would direct the Joint State Government Commission to form a task force that meets at least every two years. The group would review existing statutes, assess emerging technologies, identify gaps in state law regarding child protection online, and issue regular reports and recommendations for legislative action.
This effort follows recent legislative actions addressing digital threats to children. In 2021, Pennsylvania lawmakers created the Task Force on Child Pornography which led to reforms aligning state terminology with national standards. More recently, Pennycuick sponsored Act 125 of 2024 targeting artificial intelligence-generated child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), and Act 35 of 2025 classifying deepfakes as digital forgery. The Senate also approved bills this session strengthening reporting requirements for AI-generated CSAM and setting safeguards for AI chatbots used by minors.
“Technology is evolving faster than our laws, and we have a responsibility to make sure our children are protected every step of the way,” said Tracy Pennycuick, Communications and Technology Committee Chair. “Senate Resolution 244 creates a proactive, ongoing review of how emerging technologies impact young people, so we’re not reacting after harm is done, but working to prevent it. By bringing together experts to evaluate risks, identify gaps, and recommend updates, this effort ensures Pennsylvania remains vigilant, informed and prepared to safeguard kids in an increasingly digital world.”
Pennycuick has engaged in public service through her military career and roles on veteran boards supporting veterans and law enforcement according to her official website. She served for 26 years in the U.S. Army—active duty and reserves—and retired as a lieutenant colonel after serving during Desert Shield/Desert Storm among other assignments 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.
Pennycuick won election to the Pennsylvania Senate in 2022 after serving previously in the General Assembly according to her official website. She lives with her husband—a fellow U.S. Army veteran—in Harleysville along with their four grown children and two grandchildren according to her official website.