Two years after an AI deepfake scandal involving students at Lancaster Country Day School, Pennsylvania lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at closing a gap in how child sexual abuse material is reported in the digital age.

A bill introduced by State Rep. Nikki Rivera (D-Lancaster) unanimously passed the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee and is expected to receive a full vote in the House this week.

The legislation would require mandated reporters, which include teachers, school staff and certain medical professionals, to report suspected AI-generated child sexual abuse material directly to the state’s ChildLine system, which handles abuse reports.

Advocates say the bill addresses a critical loophole in Pennsylvania law that was exposed in 2024, when students at Lancaster Country Day School used artificial intelligence tools to create nude images of more than 50 classmates.

“Mandated reporters are not aware that they need to be reporting AI-generated child sexual abuse materials,” said Haven Evans, with the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance. “There’s nothing explicitly stated in the Child Protective Services Law saying that they must report AI-generated materials.”

The bill clarifies that AI-generated images depicting minors, even if they are not real photographs, must be treated the same as other forms of suspected abuse under state law.

The bill also calls for updated training requirements so mandated reporters can recognize and respond to emerging forms of exploitation involving artificial intelligence. It would take effect one year after it is signed in order for the training to take place.

Rivera, whose district includes Manheim Township where the incident occurred, said the legislation is about keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology.

“As technology changes and what kids can get a hold of changes, we have to make sure that we are protecting them as best we can,” Rivera said. “Having all of it reported as soon as possible and being dealt with as quickly as possible brings the best repercussions to the perpetrator as well, because learning through this and creating a better path in life is also important for the victim to have closure.”

Supporters of the bill say requiring reports to go through ChildLine will streamline the process and ensure cases are addressed quickly by the appropriate authorities.

The measure would also require expanded training for educators and other mandated reporters — something child welfare advocates say is essential as AI tools become more accessible to young people.

“We’re keeping our children safe by being firm that materials created in the likeness of a child, even if it’s not the real child, is not okay,” Evans said. “That will best protect our children.”

If approved by the full House, the bill would move to the state Senate for consideration.

From WPMT-TV Fox, May 4, 2026