Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

November 6, 2026

New Law Address AI-Created Child Pornography

It’s not often that federal authorities investigate situations here in Westmoreland County. But headlines about student photos from nearby Penn-Trafford School District being used by a Connecticut man to create sexually explicit pictures using Artificial Intelligence (AI) has parents concerned.

Rightfully so. As a mother of two, I couldn’t imagine the horror of learning that such images were created. Imagine your son, daughter or grandchild experiencing the humiliation and emotional trauma with the rapid spread of such digital content.

This is why I was quick to support House Bill 2474, now Act 87 of 2026, which brings an important change forward to help address similar problems.

While considering the bill, lawmakers were forced to recognize a simple but critical reality: whether an image is created through a camera lens or a computer algorithm, the harm inflicted on children can be devastating. AI-powered "deepfake" technology now allows individuals to create realistic images that appear to depict anyone, including minors, in sexually explicit situations, even when those images are entirely fabricated.

The new law ensures these incidents are treated with the urgency they deserve. Now, schools and other mandated reporters are required to immediately notify law enforcement whenever they become aware of suspected AI-generated child sexual abuse material. By removing uncertainty about reporting requirements, a clear expectation that authorities get involved without delay is established.

While the headlines out of Penn-Trafford schools are more recent, the bill was actually drafted in response to two similar cases, also in Pennsylvania. At Lancaster Country Day School, a 2024 case found that students used AI tools to create sexually explicit deepfake images of 48 classmates and 12 students from other schools. A year later, two Bucks County middle school students did the same.

In both cases, school officials did not immediately report the incidents. While educators often face complex situations involving student safety and disciplinary concerns, delayed reporting can allow harmful material to continue circulating while victims endure ongoing consequences. Every hour that such content remains online increases the possibility of further distribution, additional exploitation and deeper emotional harm.

We need not be afraid of new technology. AI has created new efficiencies in everything from healthcare and industry, to managing home finances or organizing our favorite recipes. But with anything new, Pennsylvania residents should be confident that there are safety and transparency regulations in place.

Act 87 of 2026, which was passed by both the House and Senate without opposition, works in conjunction with a previous law enacted in 2024, which I also supported. Act 125 of 2024 addresses deepfake pornography and AI-generated exploitation by making certain existing criminal laws include illegal sexual content created with AI.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Still Time to Apply for 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program - Eligible senior citizens and Pennsylvanians with disabilities have until Dec. 31 to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2025. 

Income limits for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program increased again this year to $48,110 for both homeowners and renters. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. The maximum rebate is $1,000. The program is open to residents age 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.

Remember – you do not need to pay anyone for assistance to apply for the rebates. Apply online at mypath.pa.gov, or contact my Washington Township/Export office at 724-387-9113 or my New Kensington office at 724-472-4102 for help.

Honoring Our Veterans - On Wednesday, Nov. 11, we recognize Veterans Day by remembering the sacrifices these men and women made on behalf of our citizens and people around the world. 

Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, first marked the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, and sought to honor the veterans of the World War – the only world war to have occurred at that time. Armistice Day was declared a national holiday in 1938 to acknowledge world peace and then was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to celebrate the contributions of veterans of all wars.

That day, my offices as well as all PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed to observe the day. PennDOT reminds customers they may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, at pa.gov/agencies/dmv. 

Heating Assistance Program Now Open - Residents who struggle with their home heating bills may now apply for help through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. The minimum cash grant is $200 and the maximum is $1,000. Households may receive one cash grant per LIHEAP season.
The program also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service. The minimum crisis grant is $25 and the maximum is $1,000. Households may apply and be eligible for more than one crisis grant if they experience more than one emergency per LIHEAP season.

To qualify for LIHEAP, you must meet income requirements, which are set based on your household size. For example, the maximum annual income for an individual is $23,940 and for a family of four it is $49,500. For each additional person, add $8,520 to the income limit.

Residents may apply for LIHEAP online at dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS, by phone at 1-866-857-7095 or by contacting the Westmoreland County Assistance Office at 587 Sells Lane, Greensburg or by calling 724-832-5524. The program runs through April 23, 2027.



Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com