WGAL: Shapiro proposes AI safeguards for children in 2026-27 budget (PCCYFS Statement)

Updated: 7:43 PM EST Feb 4, 2026

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AJ Sisson  Reporter

Read the full article/watch coverage on WGAL’s website here.

HARRISBURG, Pa. —

Child protections from artificial intelligence emerged as a topic in Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2026-27 proposed budget, drawing concerns from one child advocacy group in Central Pennsylvania. Within the Capitol, lawmakers say they have worked on related issues for some time.

“This space is entirely unregulated and there are no protections,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro.

His proposal calls for age verification, alerts for parents when children indicate self-harm, transparency reminders and prohibitions on sexually explicit or violent content.

Bipartisan support

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle say they support measures to protect children from harmful AI content. Rep. Dave Madsen, Pa. District 104, who is also a parent, says broader conversations about AI and youth safety are needed through regulations.

“Kids that are feeling isolated, maybe bullied, or disconnected, may run towards these chatbots, but it’s, it’s shown that they are not a replacement for companionship,” said Rep Madsen. “It’s not really regulated. And frankly, still, I think in an experimental phase.”

In November 2025, state senators advanced Senate Bill 1050 to the state House of Representatives. The bill would require those caring for children to report any child sexual abuse material to authorities.

Sen. Scott Martin, of Pa. District 13, who sponsored S.B. 1050, says they also pushed legislation regarding AI deepfakes.

“It is encouraging to see the governor is taking our efforts seriously. I am hopeful the House passes our bill, and it reaches the governor’s desk soon,” said Sen. Martin.

CEO Terry Clark, of the Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services (PCCYFS), said the proposed budget falls short of what children need, adding some providers are not receiving funds to cover the cost of services.

“If the governor truly wants to address child safety, then more than just focusing on artificial intelligence is needed,” said Clark in a statement to WGAL News 8.

The 2026-27 proposed budget does include AI protections and more funding for DHS’s ChildLine hotline, childcare workers and programs described as helping students succeed in school.

Full statement from Sen. Scott Martin

“Efforts are already well underway in the Senate to protect children from the emerging dangers of the digital world, including laws we’ve passed to address AI deepfakes and legislation we passed this session to add new protections against child sexual abuse material generated through AI.

“It is encouraging to see the Governor is taking our efforts seriously. I am hopeful the House passes our bill, and it reaches the Governor’s desk soon.”

Full statement from CEO Terry Clark at PCCYFS

“As the statewide association that advocates on behalf of private providers who serve children and families throughout the Commonwealth in foster homes, residential treatment facilities and community-based services for children in their own homes, the Governor’s budget proposal falls short of truly protecting Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens – children!

“In Governor Shapiro’s budget address, he spoke about child welfare priorities to protect children; however, his budget contradicts what he says are priorities for child welfare. The child welfare line item in his proposed budget shows level funding compared to last year’s numbers.

“His proposed budget fails to invest in what we feel are some of the more essential focus areas that protect children and families, like investing more money in mental health and services to address youth with complex behavioral health needs. His budget fails to invest in funding that affords children’s service providers the ability to operate and deliver the quality of services that we know Pennsylvanians deserve, given that service providers cannot seek reimbursement on the interest on loans directly related to budget delays each year.

“Providers who provide services through the Statewide Adoption Network (SWAN) are struggling to keep their doors open due to reimbursement rates that don’t cover the costs of their services.

“If the Governor truly wants to address child safety, then more than just focusing on artificial intelligence is needed.”