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Bill

SR 244

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

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Baker and 14 co-sponsors

Creates a Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age to review and strengthen Pennsylvania laws, policies, and practices protecting children online.

Reported as amended
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 244

Overview

  • Bill: SR 244
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Type: Senate Resolution directing study and creation of a task force
  • Primary aim: Establish a formal Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age to assess and improve statutes and policies protecting children in the digital environment.

Purpose and intent

  • The resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to establish a dedicated Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age.
  • The overarching goal is to ensure Pennsylvania’s laws, policies, and procedures keep pace with developments in the digital age and are continually reevaluated, updated, and strengthened to protect children.

Key provisions and composition

The Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age would consist of the following members (or their designees), with specified roles or qualifications where noted:

  1. Attorney General of Pennsylvania or a designee (chairs the Task Force)
  2. Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police or a designee who must be an employee of state police
  3. Chairperson of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency or a designee who must be an employee of the Commission on Crime and Delinquency
  4. Victim Advocate from the Office of Victim Advocate or a designee who must be an employee of that Office
  5. A law enforcement member with experience in investigations of child sexual abuse material or sexual abuse of children, appointed by the Attorney General
  6. A district attorney in Pennsylvania with experience in prosecutions related to child sexual abuse material or sexual abuse of children, appointed by the Attorney General
  7. A member of the Pennsylvania Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, appointed by the Attorney General
  8. The director of a rape crisis center in Pennsylvania or a designee, appointed by the Attorney General

(Note: The text provided ends at item 8; there may be further definitional or procedural items in the full bill.)

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Origin: The Senate directs the Joint State Government Commission to form the Task Force.
  • Purpose of the Task Force: To examine and address child protection in the digital age, focusing on updating statutes, policies, and practices.
  • Leadership and governance: The Attorney General serves as chair, with other high-level law enforcement, prosecutorial, victim advocacy, and crisis-response representatives ensuring multidisciplinary input.
  • Action path: As a Joint State Government Commission-created body, the Task Force would presumably study issues, develop recommendations, and report findings or proposed legislative changes back to the Senate and related bodies (exact reporting requirements are not specified in the excerpt provided).

Potential impact

  • Legislative and policy updates: A formal, multidisciplinary review could yield recommendations to strengthen protections for children online, including countermeasures against exploitation, improved investigations, and enhanced victim support.
  • Interagency coordination: By bringing together the Attorney General, State Police, crime and delinquency officials, victim advocates, and crisis centers, the Task Force aims to coordinate efforts across law enforcement, prosecution, victim services, and prevention.
  • Focus areas likely to be considered (inferred from composition): Combating child sexual abuse material online, improving investigative capabilities, prosecutorial strategies, cross-agency data sharing, and victim assistance services.

Who is affected

  • Children and families in Pennsylvania, through strengthened protections and support mechanisms.
  • Law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim service providers, who would engage with the Task Force to develop best practices and policy recommendations.
  • Public agencies involved in child protection, cybercrime, and victim advocacy.

Notes

  • The bill as provided is a Senate Resolution directing the creation of a task force rather than a standalone statute creating new enforcement powers. It signals an intent to study and recommend policy and statutory changes.
  • The action history indicates the measure was reported as amended (May 6, 2026) and previously referred to Communications & Technology (March 12, 2026).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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