The Pennsylvania State Capitol is seen, Monday, June 30, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Aimee Dilger)

New proposals to protect children and consumers during interactions with AI or artificial intelligence are getting consideration by Pennsylvania lawmakers.

Gov. Josh Shapiro called for action involving protections for children during his state budget address last month.

Specifically, the governor said AI companies should be required to use age verification and parental consent for children using artificial intelligence and require companies to detect when children mention self harm or violence against others and direct them to appropriate authorities.

Shapiro also urged prohibitions against AI chatbots producing sexually explicit or violent conduct featuring children and requiring companies to periodically remind users there’s no human on the other side of the screen.

The House Commerce Committee took an initial step involving legislation to protect consumers in AI interactions Wednesday.

The committee referred House Bill 2175 prohibiting AI firms from selling or sharing information about consumers with another party to the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee for action.

The bill sponsor, state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, describes HB2175 as a way to help consumers know that information shared with an AI chatbot is safe.

HB2175 would also bar AI firms from using a chatbot to advertise a product or service to a consumer unless it’s clearly disclosed.

The Senate Communications and Technology Committee approved the bipartisan “SAFECHAT” bill last November setting safeguards for AI chatbots used by children.

Senate Bill 1090 sponsored by Committee Majority Chair Tracy Pennycuick, R-Bucks, seeks to prevent content that encourages self-harm, suicide or violence.

It requires AI chatbots to direct users to crisis resources if such high-risk language is detected.

SB 1090 is before the Appropriations Committee.