Bradley Merkl-Gump Applauds State Senate Passage of SAFECHAT Act to Protect Pennsylvania’s Youth

PERKASIE, PA - As unregulated AI chatbots rise in popularity, State Senate candidate Bradley Merkl-Gump (D-Perkasie) released the following statement regarding yesterday’s Senate passage of SB 1090, the SAFECHAT Act:

"The passage of the SAFECHAT Act is a critical step in ensuring our laws keep pace with artificial intelligence. As a father and a teacher, I see firsthand how these tools are becoming common in classrooms and in our children’s lives. We must ensure they serve as tools for support rather than instruments of harm.

This legislation establishes vital safety guardrails for 'AI companion' services. By creating age-appropriate standards and prohibiting content that encourages self-harm or violence, Pennsylvania is finally addressing the documented risks these platforms pose to our children’s mental health.

This bill is a necessary first step. It ensures that when high-risk language is detected, vulnerable users are directed to crisis resources rather than being left to navigate emotional challenges with an unregulated algorithm.

When I am elected to the State Senate, I will build on this momentum. Innovation should never come at the expense of our children’s safety. Pennsylvania is leading the way, and I am ready to continue that fight in Harrisburg."

The SAFECHAT Act now moves to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for consideration.

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