HARRISBURG, PA – March 17, 2026 − Senator Nick Miller announced today that Senate Bill 1090 passed out of the state Senate and now moves to the state House of Representatives for consideration.
Senate Bill 1090, the Safeguarding Adolescents from Exploitative Chatbots and Harmful AI Technology (SAFECHAT) Act, would establish clear, age-appropriate standards for chatbots that minors interact with; require robust safeguards to prevent content generation that encourages self-harm, suicide or violence against others; and require that users be directed to appropriate self-harm crisis resources whenever high-risk language is detected.
“Today, we are one step closer to establishing meaningful protections for children in the digital age,” said Senator Miller. “This legislation clearly defines emerging technologies like chatbots and AI companions while increasing transparency, so families understand what their children are engaging with online. With Senate Bill 1090 now advancing to the House, we are taking action that could save lives by ensuring users who show signs of self-harm are connected to critical crisis resources. Thank you to Senator Pennycuick for partnering on this important legislation as we work to proactively address the risks artificial intelligence may pose to young people across Pennsylvania.”
“As these tools become more common in classrooms, on smartphones and across social platforms, our laws must keep pace to prevent avoidable tragedies,” Senator Pennycuick said. “Recent heartbreaking stories have come to light of vulnerable individuals, including minors, who have used AI chatbots to cope with trauma, mental health, depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, some of the responses they received have contributed to reported incidents of self-harm or even suicide. I’m pleased the Senate passed my bill to establish commonsense safeguards for children interacting with AI chatbots. Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to ensure technology serves as a tool for support—not harm. With thoughtful guardrails and accountability, we can help ensure that innovation protects, rather than endangering, the well-being of our children and families in an increasingly digital world.”
A recent risk assessment indicates that AI “companion” bots may worsen mental health challenges for children, including concerns related to self-harm. Clinical experts have also noted risks associated with unrestricted chatbot use, where the technology could inadvertently aggravate a user’s condition.
Heartbreaking stories have been reported of vulnerable individuals, including minors, who have used AI chatbots to cope with trauma, mental health, depression and anxiety. In addition, several families have alleged in recent lawsuits that chatbot responses contributed to their teen’s death by suicide.
Senate Bill 1090 now moves to the state House of Representatives for consideration.
To learn more about this legislation and other news from the 14th District, visit PASenatorMiller.com.
###