Pennsylvania Legislature Passes 'Alicia's Law' on Oct. 24: Up to $5 Million a Year Against Online Child Exploitation
On October 24, 2026, the Pennsylvania General Assembly in Harrisburg passed "Alicia's Law," authorizing up to $5 million a year to help law enforcement investigate and prosecute online child sexual exploitation cases. The bill now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature. If signed, Pennsylvania would become the 14th state to enact the law.
The funding will go to law-enforcement task forces to investigate and prosecute crimes that use the internet to harm children, and to support training for investigators, strengthening the statewide fight against online predators. Similar laws in multiple states have formed a collaborative network in which task forces share leads and technical resources.
Reports of online child exploitation in Pennsylvania have remained high in recent years, and law enforcement has long called for dedicated funding to support digital forensics and cross-state collaboration. Supporters say the law will significantly strengthen local departments' ability to handle complex online cases, especially in evidence preservation and victim protection. The governor's signature is the next key step; once in effect, the funds will be distributed annually to certified task forces.
Source: GSM News
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 宾夕法尼亚州议会大厦。图片经 Wikimedia Commons。 Pennsylvania State Capitol. Via Wikimedia Commons.
