HARRISBURG –– Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced today the committee has approved two important measures aimed at protecting Pennsylvania’s children and strengthening public safety efforts across Pennsylvania.
The committee advanced Senate Bill 1335, legislation establishing a dedicated Investigation and Prosecution of Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Program within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). It is designated as “Alicia’s Law” in honor of Alicia Kozak, a Pittsburgh-area resident who was abducted at age 13 by a man she met online in what is recognized as one of the nation’s first documented internet-facilitated child abduction cases. Kozak has since dedicated herself to educating families about online safety and advocating for stronger protection for children. Naming the legislation in her honor recognizes her ongoing efforts to prevent other children from becoming victims of online predators and underscores the bill’s mission of strengthening Pennsylvania’s response to internet crimes against children.
“As technology continues to evolve, so do the methods predators use to target children,” Baker said. “This legislation provides critical resources to law enforcement agencies so they can effectively investigate and prosecute internet crimes against children. By creating a dedicated grant program, we are helping ensure every region of Pennsylvania has the tools and training necessary to combat these horrific offenses.”
The bill creates a grant program to support law enforcement task forces investigating internet crimes against children. Funding may be used to establish new ICAC task forces, expand existing operations and provide specialized training for personnel. The bill also directs PCCD to develop guidelines and criteria for awarding grants while considering geographic coverage throughout the state.
The committee also approved House Bill 1344, which establishes safety standards and training requirements for police canine units that may encounter fentanyl and other dangerous substances in the course of their duties.
“Our canine officers are invaluable partners in law enforcement and often face the same hazards as the officers they serve alongside,” Baker said. “This bill recognizes the growing threat posed by fentanyl exposure and ensures that departments have the training and protocols needed to protect these highly trained animals.”
House Bill 1344 requires the Municipal Police Officer Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) to develop fentanyl-related safety protocols and training in consultation with canine experts, law enforcement professionals, veterinarians, and medical experts. The legislation also extends existing legal protections to canine units operated by the Office of Attorney General.
The bills now head to the full Senate for consideration.